Buying or selling a home can be a lengthy process, so it only makes sense that both buyers and sellers are looking for a hard stop to the process. Many people believe that once escrow has closed, that spells the end of the home buying or selling process. But that is not exactly the case. Fortunately, what comes next is a lot less time consuming and intensive than the buying or selling process you just completed! 

Here, we will take a quick look at some tasks that still need your attention once escrow has closed.  

Utilities 

Whether you are the buyer or the seller, it’s important to change over the utilities. This includes water, electricity, gas, cable, internet, and trash/recycling. You can use the close of escrow as a good timeline and date to start transferring over service, and many companies will allow you to start the process early, so there isn’t a lapse in service.

Please remember that this is the responsibility of the buyer or seller, not your real estate agent, escrow officer or lender. We wouldn’t want you sitting in your new home with the lights out! 

Personal Effects

We know that the DMV is the bain of most people’s existence, but you should definitely change the address on your license to your new one. And while you’re there, consider applying for the REAL ID. You will also need to visit all your banks and financial institutions to have your address changed on your checks and any paper statements.

The same is true for all of your credit cards, and a quick call or visit to your online portal can usually take care of this. Remember to commit your new zip code to memory for any online purchases or at the gas pump! 

USPS Mail Forwarding

Don’t forget to put in a forward of address with the USPS. This will help ensure that your mail reaches you for a few months. Mail forwarding only lasts for so long, so be sure to actually go in and have your delivery address changed on recurring monthly mailings like magazines or any subscriptions. At some point, they will stop arriving in your mailbox if you fail to update your address with the companies directly.

Are You “App” To Date?

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you will want to update your billing and/or delivery addresses on any apps that you use (think Amazon, Target, DoorDash, Uber, etc.). This will help ensure that anything you order ends up in your hands, and not the new inhabitants of your old address. 

If you have additional questions about this topic or any escrow related topic, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!