My husband and I are looking to buy our first home...?

Question

when we look, I would like to be able to get copies of past utility bills so that I know the place is well insulated and that we don't end up paying a ton for electric. Is this possible, if yes, how do we go about that?

Answer 1

I'm not sure what state you are located in but... I always like to ask this question to all first time buyers.... "I am sick of renting (not a valid answer)"   "Why are you looking to buy NOW?"  "Did you and your husband, get a job change?, pay increase?, Need tax benefits? etc etc"  "The market has gone down..."  "Now is the best time" "I dont want to miss this opportunity..."

Really think of why you are buying... right now, any real estate agent will tell you it is the best time to buy... WHY? because it is the toughest time to sell a house... and THEY (realtors/broker) need commission.  NOW, I am an investor... and I do not know when this market will bottom out... Here is the reason no agent will tell you... FIRST, in the past 6-7 years the whole nation increased in realestate prices.... this has NEVER happend in history... we have always haded pockets of area with increase but now the whole nation... SECOND cause, after the dot com bust in the late 90's to early 2000's the goverment needed to help the ecomony... Mr. Greenspan (chairman of Fed Bank)... decreased the Fed Red Rate to historic lows, making it easier for lender to lend out money with ecotic to conventional loans, and borrower to over leverage...

Now... lets fast forward to current... the sub prime/credit crunch has shown the 1st signs of trouble in Aug of 07... all across the nation from 1st quarter of last year to this year... prices has gone down roughly 14%... Freddie and Fannie the biggest mortgage back lenders are in deep trouble and inflation is out of control with the rising cost of everyday goods.... if you are familiar with history... inflation was sky rockting in the 80's and Fed had to raise interest rates in the teens...  currently the government is stuck in a rock and hard place because... they need to stimulate the economy while keeping inflation manageable...

You may ask, how does this affect me.... well, if the government  decides inflation is out of control... they may start to raise interest rates... if they do, less and less buyers will come into the realestate market... if that occurs, basic economics of supply and demand... more supply = drop in price...

my 2 cent...

Answer 2

Ask your realtor or you will find out during the inspection.

Those bills don't necessarily guarantee anything, though. Maybe they like to keep it hot/cold.

Answer 3

Yes - a good real estate agent should be able to provide you with all of the previous utility bills and property tax bills as well.

Just ask the agent for the information.

If your not working with an agent ask the seller.

Answer 4

Ask the seller for past utility bills (which they will probably give you, but they don't have to).  Maybe you can call up the utility company and even ask them what the charges have been in the past (they probably won't give you an actual old bill).  Another possibility is to go look at how well insultated the attic seems to be (unless its really old, walls are pretty much standard on insulation without much difference house to house).  You could also look around for a similiar looking house on the block and go ask the neighbors what they pay for utilities, and of course after you buy the place there is alot you can do to improve how well insulated it is.

Answer 5

call the electric provider on any home before making an offer