Moving to Mpls soon - first-time homebuyer (Minneapolis: apartments, insurance)

[complab]

I'm moving to Minneapolis from Chicago in a month or so. Also buying a house for the first time. Does anyone know of a good checklist for first-time homebuyers? I know to call Comcast for tv and internet (ugh) and to set up electricity through Xcel. But what other important things am I missing? Who do I contact for water and gas, etc.? Thanks!

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Gas is through Center Point.
Water and Garbage are through the city of Minneapolis.

Here is a useful page to check out for more info on city utilities and services:
City of Minneapolis: Utilities

[golfgal]

Check the city website, they usually have a list of utility companies on there. You can also ask the previous home owner who they have. Cable, internet, water, sewer, gas, electricity are the main ones, oh and garbage collection.

[Sarah Maske]

Originally Posted by complab

I'm moving to Minneapolis from Chicago in a month or so. Also buying a house for the first time. Does anyone know of a good checklist for first-time homebuyers? I know to call Comcast for tv and internet (ugh) and to set up electricity through Xcel. But what other important things am I missing? Who do I contact for water and gas, etc.? Thanks!

Here is a utilities checklist I give all my clients in Mpls.
For gas contact
Center Point Energy
at (612) 372-4727

For local phone service contact Qwest
1 800-475-7526

For electric contact
Xcel Energy at
1-800-895-4999

For Water/Sewer/Trash/Recycling contact City of Mpls
(612) 673-1114

You will also want to understand the following:

Financing
The most important part of financing is your knowledge of the options available. Consider the following questions as a basis for determining your financing needs.
How much mortgage can I afford?
What down payment is needed?
What is the difference between pre-qualification, pre-approval and approval?
What interest rates are available?
What is mortgage insurance and is it required?
What type of documentation will I need?
How do 15- vs. 30-year terms compare?
What are points and do I pay them?
What is the difference between a fixed rate mortgage and an adjustable rate mortgage?
What closing costs will I incur?
What is being "locked-in?"
How long will the mortgage process take?
What is included in a mortgage payment?
What would the payments be?
When would the payments begin?

Understanding your own needs
Evaluate as you drive though a community. Consider the following questions as a basis for determining your location needs:
Where is the nearest shopping center, bus line, police station and library?
What schools are available and school district are you in?
What types of homes (single family, apartments, condominiums) are in the neighborhood?
How far apart are the homes?
How far is it to your work?
What community resources are available?
Generally, where are the cars parked (driveways, garages, street)?
Do you notice a lot of noise, traffic or pollution?

Understanding the home
Keep your eyes open and your notebook in hand as you walk through a potential home. Consider the following questions as a basis for determining your needs as a homeowner:
How long has the home been on the market?
Why is the home being sold?
What is the asking price of the home?
Has the price been lowered?
Is the price comparable to other homes in the neighborhood?
What is the down payment required?
Is the house structurally sound?
Is there room enough for the present and the future?
Do you like the floor plan of the home?
What condition is the yard in?
What improvements must be made?
Will the seller repair or replace any items that need repair or replacement?

These are just some of the many points in the buying process. If this is NOT the type of checklist you're looking for, please DM me and let me know. I'll be happy to answer any other questions you have.

Good luck to you!
~Sarah