Utility and Address Change Checklist

For the week around settlement, when nobody is thinking clearly.

Work through this in the ten days before settlement. Set every utility transfer for settlement day, not earlier — if the deal moves, you do not want service in your name on a house you do not own yet.

Utilities to transfer or start

• Electric — SMECO across most of Southern Maryland
• Water and sewer, if the home is on public systems
• Propane or heating oil — ask the seller who supplies it and whether the tank is owned or leased
• Natural gas, where available
• Internet and television — book the installation early, rural appointments run out
• Trash and recycling, or the county convenience centre permit
• Security or camera system monitoring

Address changes

• USPS mail forwarding
• Maryland MVA — driver’s license and vehicle registration
• Voter registration
• Employer and payroll or HR
• Banks, credit cards and loan servicers
• Auto insurance — your premium may change with the address
• Homeowners insurance — bound and effective on settlement day
• IRS and the Social Security Administration
• VA, if you receive benefits
• Doctors, dentist, pharmacy and veterinarian
• Schools and any childcare
• Pet microchip registry and licences
• Subscriptions and deliveries

The first week in the house

• Change or rekey every exterior lock
• Locate and label the main water shut-off
• Locate the electrical panel and label the breakers
• Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, and replace the batteries
• Change the HVAC filter and note the size
• Note the well filter type and replacement schedule
• Record the septic pump-out date and set a reminder
• Find the sump pump, if there is one, and confirm it runs

Keep these where you can find them in five years

• Settlement statement and closing disclosure
• Recorded deed and the owner’s title insurance policy
• Survey or location drawing
• Every inspection report, even the clean ones
• Appliance and system warranties, plus the home warranty if you have one
• Permits for any work done before or after you bought
• Well and septic records

You will want all of this the day you decide to sell. Buyers who kept their records sell faster.

← Back to the Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Southern Maryland