We are closing on our house next week. The guy we are buying from said he is having the utilities shut off at noon on the day of closing. We are set to close at 9:30 in the morning.
We are moving from a different county, so we will be getting a new water and electric provider. When I went to sign up for those, they both told me they will run a credit check before they can activate service. I have been told by my loan officer not to open any new accounts and that they will be looking for inquiries.
Are utilities different, or do we need to wait until after closing to start these accounts. If we wait, we will go up to two weeks without power and water. This will be very tough since our kids start school the week after we move.
My loan officer said it is ok to go ahead and transfer the utilities as long as they do not run credit checks on us.
Starting Score: 580
That is what I was told when I called Reliant Energy and asked about new service. They have the smart meters in and can turn it off instantly, but for someone to unflip the switch can take up to two weeks.
The water company said that as long as nobody has been sent out to turn it off yet, it would just remain on, but if they do get out there to turn it off, it may take them up to two weeks to turn it back on.
I do not know if it is common because I have never moved into a place where the previous occupant turned them off immediately. I have always had a week or two and I initiated the transfer. I also never had to wait until after I moved in to start the process.
This is in Denton County, TX.
I doubt that it would take them that long. I think that is just a disclaimer they throw out, but I don't want to take a chance. I am sure that there are others that run into this situation?
