New Homeowner Help
So we’re finally a week from closing (on a 2 family house), and this question may be a bit late, but I’m looking for any thoughts on what we should be doing immediately surrounding closing in terms of the house. I figure we’ll need to transfer: Gas/Electric – just call up ConEd? Garbage – this…
So we’re finally a week from closing (on a 2 family house), and this question may be a bit late, but I’m looking for any thoughts on what we should be doing immediately surrounding closing in terms of the house.
I figure we’ll need to transfer:
Gas/Electric – just call up ConEd?
Garbage – this is covered by taxes and we don’t need to do anything, assuming it is already being picked up?
Water/Sewer – I’m not sure who to call for this, is this the city?
Locksmith – just for general safety get the main locks replaced
Heating Oil – I guess I need to determine how to tell how much heating oil is in the reserves, then find a provider as needed for it?
CableTV and Phone, aren’t high priorities for me yet, though internet would be somewhat higher, but should still be easy enough.
What else am I missing?
DIBS – I won’t get into that can of worms yet, needless to say, we’re going to go through some significant renovations, so the floors will fall into that.
All – thanks, was totally thinking of 5th Ave after reading here.
If only Verizon had Fios in Prospect Heights, oh well. Guess it’ll be timewarner or cablevision, cablevision doesn’t seem to be horrible.
Insurance is in order, financing is in order, we’re working on scheduling the final walkthrough on the day of closing. Have asked the seller who they are using for oil.
I guess we’re not too far off. Just nervous regardless (this is my first home purchase).
I’m not captain DIY by any means (though I maybe thought I was at first), but I changed my own locks. It’s really pretty easy.
Just happen to have National grid bill in front of me
718-643-4050
There will be an account # from DEP for water/sewer that stays with the building. You’ll just need to transfer it to your own name. They’ll probably keep sending the bills to the former owners name until you switch it even though you’ll be responsible for it.
gas is not coned. It is NationalGrid.
Assuming you are using a bank, they will set up escrows for taxes (including water/sewer). these will be prorated for the quarter usually at closing. Con ed you should make sure that there is a final meter reading done before you take over the billing and that the former owner is responsible.
garbage, just make sure you know your days for recycling etc… you don’t need to do anything.
If you haven’t yet, make sure your insurance is in order.
can’t speak to the oil, but generally sounds right.
Make sure all of your financing is order. Also be sure to do a final walk through to make sure everything you saw in the beginning of the sale is still in place, as well as any appliances you might have been promised are still there. For everything you mentioned-Yes Call Con-ed, Water and sewer call the city- As for the oil, find out who the seller uses and continue using them if they are reasonably priced, cable is easy call cable vision or what ever provider you want to use and they’ll be there for you right away.
Gas/electric — yes, just call up, so that you are billed from ownership date. If you are new to Brooklyn, gas is through National Grid, not ConEd. Are the services split on the two units? You want to make sure your account is for your unit.
garbage — just ask the neighbors what days to put garbage out, or perhaps online at DOS website.
water/sewer — you don’t need to set up service unless previously shut off, just a billing account. You may want to call before closing and make sure there isn’t an outstanding balance from current owner. You may be able to look this up online if you know the block/lot.
Locksmith is a good idea. 5th Ave Locksmith is your best bet.
Floors sanded???