"You've sold your home and are ready to move but when should you actually stop your utilities? It's best to wait until after your home sale officially closes and the buyers take possession. Turning them off too soon can lead to last-minute headaches during inspections or final walkthroughs. This helps ensure a smooth handover for the new owners and protects the property in the meantime."
"2. Protecting the home until ownership transfers Keep utilities on until the sale is officially recorded; otherwise, a vacant house risks burst pipes, mold, and damage (or even liability for trespassers). 3. Avoiding liens, delays and credit issues Unpaid utility bills become property liens, potentially stalling the closing. Disconnecting service too soon can lead to surprise charges or unexpected holds on sale proceeds."
Keep utilities active through closing and at least until the day after transfer of ownership. Active utilities allow buyers and appraisers to complete inspections, final walkthroughs, and system tests. Maintaining service protects a vacant property from burst pipes, mold, vandalism, and liability risks until the sale is recorded. Unpaid or prematurely disconnected utility accounts can result in liens, delays, surprise charges, or holds on sale proceeds. Coordinate timing with the buyer and the listing agent, compile a list of providers before listing, notify utilities of move/sale dates, and plan final meter reads or cancellation steps in advance.
Read at Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More
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