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Perhaps you\u2019ve sold this house from out of state<\/a> or had to quickly relocate for a job transfer<\/a> before the sale closes. Whatever the case, you\u2019re still responsible for any damage that happens to the under-contract<\/a> home until closing, so don\u2019t count your chickens before they hatch.<\/p>\n Keep your utilities running from afar so you can control the temperature and ideally set up some lamps that can turn on via a self-timer in the evenings to discourage a break-in. To avoid a burst pipe in freezing weather, you need to maintain a house temperature no lower than 55 degrees<\/a>.<\/p>\n Southern states aren\u2019t completely in the clear, either. Even warmer regions can see freezing temperatures, and when the pipes freeze and burst, the damage can get expensive fast. At best, you\u2019re looking at water damage to floors, walls, and carpeting. At worst, you could be dealing with major repairs<\/a> or even a full rebuild.<\/p>\n On the flip side, letting a house get too hot can cause problems, too. Temperatures above 85 degrees can contribute to peeling wallpaper, chipped paint, and higher humidity, which can create a breeding ground for mold.<\/p>\n A house without working utilities can also create insurance<\/a> concerns, especially if it\u2019s going to sit vacant<\/a> for an extended period. Some insurers have specific requirements for vacant homes or may limit coverage if the property isn\u2019t properly maintained. If you leave the property vacant for weeks without telling your insurance company, your policy may not cover certain claims that happen while the house is unoccupied. <\/p>\n Let\u2019s say there\u2019s a mix-up. You\u2019ve been out of the home you\u2019re selling for several months, and your utility bills went unpaid. And as a result, the energy or water company places a lien<\/a> against your home. You go to close the sale<\/a>, and it\u2019s blocked by a cloud on the title that you discover to be one or more unpaid utility bills, attached by the local government that manages the city\u2019s utilities.<\/p>\n Now, at this point, you could likely hold back a set of funds to cover the utility lien with the sale proceeds<\/a>. Such a situation can be avoided by covering the utilities for the property all the way through closing, making sure to pay off any outstanding bills well beforehand, and communicating closely with the buyer about the utility transition.<\/p>\n \u00bbLearn more:<\/strong> As you get the utilities and other closing details in order, don\u2019t forget to budget for the costs that come with selling your home. Use HomeLight\u2019s Seller Closing Cost Calculator to estimate what you may owe at closing and avoid any last-minute financial surprises.<\/em><\/p>\nUtility liens can block your sale<\/h3>\n