Utilities 101: Getting Everything Turned On

We're getting close to closing, which means it's time for one of the less glamorous- but very important - parts of buying a house:

Setting up your utilities. 🎉

The goal is simple: have your utilities transferred into your name effective the day of closing so you can walk into your new house and enjoy such luxuries as electricity and running water.

Start Online Whenever You Can

My recommendation? Set everything up online first.

It's usually the quickest and easiest option, and you can knock out electricity, gas (if applicable), water/sewer/trash, and internet without spending your afternoon listening to hold music.

I've included the common Hampton Roads providers on my utility cheat sheet for you here.

If the website won't cooperate - or your particular utility requires you to call - then unfortunately, we pick up the phone. 😂

One Little Closing-Day Quirk

Sometimes a city will ask for proof that you actually own the property before they'll put the water account in your name.

The problem? They may want your final ALTA Settlement Statement, and you won't receive the final version until closing.

Do not panic.

This doesn't mean someone's going to be standing outside your new house at 4:01 p.m. shutting off the water because you haven't uploaded your paperwork yet.

If the city requires your final ALTA, you’ll simply handle the account transfer once you have it.

What About Internet?

Internet is the one I wouldn't leave until the last minute - especially if you work from home or would consider life without Wi-Fi a personal emergency (like my husband would).

You can usually schedule installation or activation ahead of time for your move-in timeframe. Your options will depend on what's available at the property; my cheat sheet includes the two providers we commonly see locally.

The Big Picture

A week or so before closing, start working through your utility checklist and request service beginning on closing day.

Do what you can online, call when you have to, and don't stress if a city requires closing documents you don't have yet.

We'll get you closed first. Then we'll make sure you can flush the toilet.

Homeownership! 😂🎉