Buying 35-36: The Final Stages
Step 35
This is one of those annoying tasks that no one thinks about doing ahead of time, but is crucial, especially if you want the TV and internet working the day you move in. Call now to hook up your utilities! Make sure to get the gas/electric/propane changed into your name. You’ll also want to call your TV and internet provider ASAP as most likely, you’ll need to set up an appointment with them to come out and install service and it can take weeks to get the appointment.
If you’re buying a single-family house you’ll also need to arrange for the water and trash bills to be changed into your name. Have all of the utilities start on the day of closing.
The MOST COMMON UTILITIES are listed below.
City of Bellingham Water/Sewer - they won't change the ownership until they get the new owner’s information from the Title Company (they don't want the Buyer or Seller to call).
City of Ferndale Water/Sewer - they won’t change the ownership until the Title Company sends them the new owner’s information. No need to call if you are the Buyer, but they would like to get a forwarding address for the Seller.
City of Blaine Water/Sewer - they won't change the ownership until they get the new owner’s information from the Title Company - but it never hurts to call 7 days after closing to make sure everything is okay.
Cascade Natural Gas - Buyer and Seller should both call. They won't wait very long to turn it off if the Buyer does not call. They will switch when the Buyer calls even if the Seller does not.
Questions? Contact us at andi@andidyer(dot)com or 360-734-6479.
Step 36
The walkthrough usually takes place about 3 days before closing and is a chance to make sure the property is still in the same condition it was during the inspection and that we have fixed any agreed-upon repairs. On average, the walkthrough takes about 15 minutes. Also, all attached items such as shelving, light fixtures, curtain rods, etc. are required to stay and transfer with the property, so the Buyer checks that those items are still there as well.
The purpose of the walkthrough:
- Make sure the house wasn’t hit by lightning.
- A time to make sure the property is clean or will be clean by closing.
- An opportunity to make sure nothing was majorly damaged while moving out.
- A second chance for you to make sure all the appliances are still working.
What the final walkthrough IS NOT:
- It’s not a time for the you to begin moving boxes or other items into the property (or even garage). That must wait until after closing.
- It’s not the time to have your parents, friends, etc. look at the property or for contractors to give them estimates, etc. All of that can wait until the next day once you’ve officially bought the property.
- It’s not when you receive the keys, they will go to me after Closing, and I will notify you how to retrieve them when everything is officially closed/recorded. Then at 9 pm, you have access to your new home.
Please let us know if you have any questions regarding the final walkthrough. We’re almost there!
What NOT to Overlook on the Inspection and Final Walk Through
BE SURE THAT:
Checked During:
Inspection Walkthrough
☐ ☐ Screens & storm windows are in place or stored
☐ ☐ All appliances are operating
☐ ☐ Hot water is working
☐ ☐ HVAC is working (only test the AC if it’s above 60*)
☐ ☐ All paint is in good shape
☐ ☐ All flooring is in good shape
☐ ☐ All items included in sales price are still there
☐ ☐ No plants or shrubs have been removed from exterior
☐ ☐ Garage door opener and other remotes available at closing
☐ ☐ Instruction books/appliance warranties are there
☐ ☐ All personal items of the Sellers are removed
The following repairs were agreed to by the sellers. Receipts should have been provided and any applicable warranties.
Questions? Contact us at andi@andidyer(dot)com or 360-734-6479.
