My Home is Vacant, Why Should I Leave the Utilities On?
In my market in Clarksville TN, sellers are moving because of military reassignments. If their homes have not sold or closed, I hear this this question asked time and time again.
Depending on the seller's time frame, it may be necessary to move prior to the listing going under contract. With bills from both homes flowing in, the natural tendency is to seek ways to cut cost. Let's examine why turning off utilities is a bad idea...
1) It gets hot in the South-- With the outside temperature over 90, how hot do you think it is inside? I've literally felt the hot air hit me when opening the front door. My buyers aren't sweating because of the fancy crown molding...
2) Dark Rooms are Scary-- During the summer buyers often tour homes after work. As such, we tend to look well into the evening. While a dark house is great for a mystery tour, do you really want your home to be remembered as the one "with the scary bedrooms"?
3) No climate control means your house cooks during the day-- Doors can warp, flooring can come unglued, add a little moisture and our good buddy mold may even make an appearance!
4) No utilities make the seller look desperate-- Having trouble paying the light bill? Expect the buyers to pick up on this. I have never had a buyer say, "gee the lights are turned off, let's pay full price"!
5) Disclose to your insurance and mortgage companies prior to disconnecting-- If your home has a mortgage, odds are the lender will not be "cool" with you turning off the air. Mortgage companies get nervous when sellers do things to potentially endanger the asset.
Cut back on fast food, skip the movies, and car pool if you must. But by all means leave the utilities on until your home closes!
Doug Rogers
Broker/Owner
Bayou Properties Realty
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