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You need to leave all utilities on until a new owner takes possession. Unless you want to pay to reconnect whenever someone wants to view your property, it is best to leave the utilities turned on. An inspector will check everything to make sure it is working condition. If you are working with an agent, ask to have them walk thru weekly to make sure everything is okay, if not I would ask a neighbor to do so.
Beware if you tell your insurance company, they may cancel your policy. You will then have to find some new policy for the few months it takes to sell the home.
It happened to me once in VA and I had to buy some overpriced state plan since no one would insure an empty house.
You're basically not covered anyway. If something happens and you file a claim, they'll send an adjuster who will determine that the house was empty and ask how long it's been that way. If you lie, that's insurance fraud.
I see that someone has already raised the point about homeowners insurance. If you don't tell your insurance company your home is vacant AND then you file a claim, they may well deny it. Bite the bullet, call your agent and ask who offers insurance on vacant properties. I know a couple of national ones if you want to PM me. I was in the same boat some years ago when my dad passed away.
As for turning off utilities, many excellent points have already been made. Here's my addition to the conversation: If buyers walk into an unairconditioned home during the hot summer, they won't stay long because they will be uncomfortable. You want buyers lingering and discussing where the sectional will go, which child gets which bedroom, etc. Also, if you turn off the water, someone's going to use the toilet and then what? The next buyer through will not like the smell.
Leave everything on. Put lights on timers. Give a neighbor a key (or hire them) to watch the house and do an occasional walk through and to remove fliers from the front door. Yes, this will cost more than turning off the utilities, but I bet you will sell the house faster.
If I recall from property and casualty school, if the house is empty for 30days or more the regular homeowners policy won't apply. What you need is called a dwelling fire policy and liability insurance extended from the homeowners policy from your new house. Yes, it's a hassle but it's better to be protected.
I agree with the suggestions of a couple of lights on timers, pick up a couple of end tables from a garage sale to put them in different rooms.
Like someone else suggested get a neighbor to watch the house. Realtors seem to have a habit of turning every light on in a house then forgetting to shut them off on their way out.
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