Many of us are chosen as listing agents while REO properties are still occupied.  We go thru the steps of offering cash for keys while attorneys work on eviction only to find out that the occupants decided to move out without saying a word. With the weather as it is, you no doubtedly have come across a home with frozen pipes or a flooded basement at some point.  Walking thru the door and think, "oh man, here we go."  Now begins the pictures, the bids, the countless emails trying to get your point across, insurance claims, more pictures and managing repairs. 

As a precaution, you can avoid these issues by contacting the utility company while the property is still occupied.  Simply inform them that the home is now bank owned due to foreclosure and that the owner does not want the occupants to disconnect.  They will attach a note to the account and if the occupants decide to disconnect, the utilities will automatically be transferred to your name.  Letting your Asset Manager know this will insure that the expense will be reimbursed and the pro-active approach increases their faith in the job that you do.