Transfer Utilities When Selling or Buying Your Omaha, NE Home

Transfer Utilities When Selling or Buying an Omaha, NE Home

Whether selling or buying a home in Omaha, NE, I know that transferring utilities can easily be overlooked when it comes time to close on your home.  What do you need to know so that disruption can be minimized by both sides of the transaction?

Home Sellers in Omaha, NE:  Call the utility companies in advance of closing to notify them that you are selling the property and that the new owners will be calling to establish new accounts in their name as of the closing date.  As your agent, I will coordinate with the selling agent to confirm that the buyers call the utility companies in advance of closing to have the utilities transferred into their name.  You may be tempted to turn off the utilities all together prior to closing.  I strongly encourage you not to do this for several reasons!   Property damage. If you are moving in the colder months, from October to early May, there may be a risk of pipes freezing!  This will cause extensive water damage in the home that you will be responsible for and may jeopardize the sale.   Providing security. Vacant homes are at higher risk for burglaries and break-ins. Having a light on or a security system will help to deter property crimes.

• Contract compliance. To ensure that the buyer can conduct a walk-through, if agreed in the purchase agreement, to check the condition and systems of the home.

It may be tempting to save a few dollars, or maybe you simply don't trust that the buyers will comply with a timely utility transfer; however, consider your potential liability prior to making a decision to shut utilities off entirely before the sale has closed.

Home Buyers in Omaha, NE:  In advance of closing, call the utility companies or go online to set up your new account and have your responsibility for utilities start on the day of closing.  It may take utility companies several days to coordinate a meter-reading if necessary, so you should call at least a week in advance.

Gas/Water: Metropolitan Utilities District (402) 554-6666 or www.mudomaha.com

Electricity: Omaha Public Power District (402) 536-4131 or www.oppd.com

If you have any questions about this process, or if I can help with any of your Omaha area real estate needs, please feel free to call me at (402) 517-1402.