Buying a home starts a ripple of purchases, from signing for cable to hooking up with the electric company.
A little time spent reviewing economical choices can have a big pay-off. “Anything you can do to reduce your costs means you’ll save each month,” explains Jim Chilsen of the Citizens Utility Board, a Chicago-based consumer advocacy group
Here, some guidance on making affordable choices:
Lighten up utilities
About two weeks before you move, contact electric and gas utilities, making sure the final bill is sent to the current owners, says Chilsen, so that you aren’t handed bills the seller actually incurred. Ask that your first bill be based on an actual meter reading, Chilsen adds, to avoid estimated charges based on the seller’s usage. More details on setting up utilities are offered at Chilsen’s site, www.citizensutilityboard.org.
Answer the phone questions
Best move-in deals
