Utility Bills?

By Bill Lumpp

Real Estate Agent with Century 21 The Combs Company

February 23, 2012 10:11 PM

OK, I am sure this will be one of those "no matter what someone says you will be set in your ways blogs" but I think we need to talk about this issue.

I have asked for utility bills for a home as a buyers agent maybe twice in my almost 7 years in Real Estate! I have agents that ask every time they show a home for utility bills. I even had one agent last week that asked for the bills before they even showed the home.

Full disclosure... we have several utility companies in our area (you can't choose) and some are higher than others with about 17% difference.

Utilities are based on usage people!!! Items to look for in lower utility bills would be good vinyl windows, a good HVAC system, brick or/and good insulation, modern energy star/green updates or upgrades, storm doors, age of the home, age of the HVAC system, and many other ways. Utilities may be high or low based on the life style of the owner. Does the owner home school? Does someone stay home during the day? Do they have people taking 2 showers a day (like my home)? How about the room temperature?

I would not ask for the water bills of a home? Should we ask for the grocery bills? How about the gas bill for the car?

Thoughts?

Bill

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Robin Dampier REALTOR®

Coldwell Banker King - Hendersonville, NC

Hendersonville & Western NC Real Estate Source

I understand what you are saying, but, I think it is reasonable for buyers to want to see the utility bills as long as they are provided the variables you mention. I live in a senior community and almost every buyer asks for those utility bills which I always provide if the property has not been vacant for a period of time. We add a utility sheet to the in house brochure including the variables that effect the figures.

Sue of Robin and Sue

Feb 23, 2012 10:19 PM

Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections

IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA

Experience the IHI Difference

Wow, that makes it difficult when the clients cannot choose which company they want to provide service. Here in Georgia, (at least in our region) you can select whichever company you want. I think that clients do want an expectation of what their utilites will cost. With so many on tight budgets these days, it is important information to have. :)

Feb 23, 2012 10:59 PM

Than Maynard

Coldwell Banker Heart of Oklahoma - Purcell, OK

Broker - Licensed to List & Sell - 405-990-8862

Just depends on whether or not the home is being advertised as energy efficient in my opinion. But there are homes that were poorly built and the utility bills are much higher than the norm.

Feb 24, 2012 12:16 AM

Virginia Hepp - Mesquite NV REALTOR

Desert Gold Realty - Mesquite NV Homes For Sale - Mesquite, NV

Mesquite NV Homes and Neighborhoods - Search MLS

One of my friends lives in a townhome - he keeps the AC at 72 during the day, 68 at night. That is normal for him. His electric bill is double what his neighbor's bill is. Same place, same construction. Different use.

Sep 27, 2012 07:52 AM

Bill Lumpp

Century 21 The Combs Company - Rocky Mount, NC

Realtor, GREEN

Virginia,

I agree, use is key and hard to see in bills.

Thanks

Sep 27, 2012 08:00 AM

Utility Bills?

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Bill Lumpp

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