Wouldn't You Know, I just Bought The House and the Furnace Died!

Bob, I give my clients a form with all the utility names/numbers, too....and they make all the calls.  I remind them until they've told me it's DONE!  We use attorney's here for closings.  Each side has their own attorney, which eliminates a use for title company's.  The typical fee is Buyer's Side $800, Seller's Side $400.  I've been involved with transactions where a title company was used and it did not go smoothly at all, therefore I discourage it if my client brings it up.

Bob - Once we Realtors have negotiated the offer, the lawyers take over - no title companies here!  Each party pays for their own lawyer and there is no formal or official closing table.  The Buyers and the Sellers do not meet.  The lawyers handle it all.  I have never come across 'closing costs' during any negotiation as it is mandatory that each side have their own lawyer looking after their interests.   

Bob - My trigger to give the buyer the utility company contact information is final loan approval.  Once the funds are on the way I order the home warranty and email the utility phone numbers.  Those last few days before closing can get pretty hectic, but it is always nice to know it is going to happen.

Glad it was just no gas and not a major repair job.   One is much easier to deal with than the other.

In Texas, the utility contact information is supposed to be on the Seller's Disclosure form, but some seller's don't put down all of the information. About a week before closing, I remind my buyers to have the utilities switched, but I have been known to forget the reminder once or twice. Fortunately no one has ever had to move in without gas or electricity yet.

Bob, So many details. Clients seem to get overwhelmed with it all and even when we do tell them and provide the list … details can be overlooked.

Bob - You're so right - these seemingly small detail can become big nightmares. Great reminder to all of us!

I also have a utilities sheet. I get my sellers to fill it out at list including meter numbers.  And if I write a contract on someone else's listing I immediately send it over to the listing agent to get it filled out so my buyers will have all the info they need.

Excellent reminder to make sure all the details have been ironed out and all parties know who will be responsible for what...good post Bob.

Bob ~ Great reminder & cool tip, I’ll have to make a list and add it to my handouts.

Bob - I have a sheet for all of my clients too, but some of them have forgotten.

Hi Bob, my favorite title co here in Mesquite is Fidelity National Title - Jennifer Melchor is the escrow officer.  As soon as the property records (closing in NV), Jennifer faxes a copy of the recorded deed to the electric co, water co, city for sewer and garbage.  I can then transfer the utilities into the buyers' name very quickly - it takes me a few minutes, but the buyers are busy at that time, moving in - they appreciate it very much and brag about their Realtor who keeps on working for them after escrow closes.  Especially helpful to out of area buyers who do not even know who or where the utility company is.  Jennifer also emails me the Home Warranty binder, which I deliver to the buyers with instructions, and a list of local vendors.  They all like it.