BUYERS - WHAT TO DO BEFORE CLOSING
Home Buyer Closing Checklist: What Should You Do Before Settlement?
Buying a home involves more than signing paperwork on closing day. There are several things home buyers should take care of before settlement, including transferring utilities, arranging heating service, confirming homeowner’s insurance, checking local moving requirements and preparing for the final walkthrough.
Castle Gate Realty created this home buyer closing checklist to help buyers prepare for settlement and avoid last-minute surprises.
When should I set up electricity for my new home?
Contact the electric provider before closing and arrange for electric service to begin in your name on the settlement date. Do not wait until after closing, because you want to avoid an interruption in electric service between the seller moving out and you taking ownership.
What should I do if my new home is heated with oil?
Choose a heating oil provider before settlement and establish an account. If you are buying during colder weather, consider arranging for an oil delivery shortly after closing.
Heating oil tanks generally remain with the property when the home is sold.
What should I do if my new home uses propane?
Contact a propane supplier before settlement. Propane tanks are often rented from the propane company, so ask your real estate agent which company currently services the property.
If you want to change propane suppliers, contact the new company before closing to discuss its procedures for exchanging or changing tanks.
What happens to oil or propane left at the property when I buy a home?
Under the Pennsylvania Agreement of Sale, remaining heating and cooking fuels at the property at settlement are included in the sale. This may include heating oil or propane remaining in the tanks.
Buyers should still arrange for future fuel service before closing, particularly during the heating season.
What should I do if my new home has natural gas?
Contact the natural gas utility serving the property before settlement and arrange for service to begin in your name on the closing date.
Unlike propane, utility-supplied natural gas does not normally involve a storage tank at the property.
When should I set up internet and cable before buying a home?
Contact internet, cable and other service providers before settlement, particularly if you work from home or need internet immediately after moving in.
Availability can vary considerably by property, especially in rural parts of Carbon County and Northeast Pennsylvania, so verify that the service you want is actually available at your new address.
When do I need homeowner’s insurance when buying a house?
If you are financing your home purchase, your lender will generally require homeowner’s insurance before closing. Contact your insurance company early enough to have the policy effective on your settlement date.
Depending on the property and your lender's requirements, you may also need flood insurance or other coverage.
Do I need a moving permit when I buy a home in Pennsylvania?
Moving requirements are established by individual municipalities. A moving permit is usually required in many of the communities we serve, so contact the township or borough where your new home is located before moving.
You may also need to establish municipal water, sewer or garbage service or complete resident registration requirements.
Buyers purchasing in Carbon County can use our Carbon County Home Buyer Resources page for local municipality, utility, heating fuel and service information.
What happens at the final walkthrough before closing?
The final walkthrough normally takes place shortly before settlement. It gives the buyer an opportunity to confirm that the property is in the agreed-upon condition, negotiated repairs have been completed, items included in the sale remain at the property and the seller has removed belongings as required.
The final walkthrough is not a new home inspection. Its purpose is to make sure the condition of the property has not materially changed before ownership transfers.
What should I do before closing on a house in Carbon County, PA?
In addition to the normal home buyer closing checklist, Carbon County buyers should verify their specific electric provider, heating fuel provider, internet availability and township or borough requirements.
Castle Gate Realty serves home buyers throughout Carbon County, Pennsylvania, including Lehighton, Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Franklin Township, Mahoning Township, Towamensing Township, Penn Forest Township and surrounding communities.
For specific local information, visit our Carbon County Home Buyer Resources page.
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