Selling in Sacramento? Utility Questions Buyers Ask

Sacramento summers are hot, and buyers know it. Many are relocating from the Bay Area, and after they've seen the kitchen, they'll ask what the house costs to cool.

Clear, accurate answers help. These are the questions Sacramento area sellers commonly hear.

Who Provides Your Utilities, and What Do They Cost?

Electricity providers vary. Much of Sacramento County is served by SMUD, Roseville has Roseville Electric, and other areas like Placer and El Dorado counties are served by PG&E. Natural gas typically comes from PG&E. Bay Area buyers are often surprised by the difference, so share your providers.

Download a year of billing history to show the summer peak. Note your rate plan, since time-of-day plans change costs by hour. Kilowatt-hours and therms are often more useful than dollars.

Do You Have Solar?

Share whether the system is owned or leased, its size, age, and production history. Leases need to be transferred or paid off.

What Should Buyers Know About the A/C?

Share the system type, age, and service records. Many homes have heat pumps or gas furnaces with central air. Lifespan and sizing questions belong with a licensed technician or the buyer's inspector.

Have You Made Improvements?

Dual-pane windows, attic insulation, a whole-house fan, or a new A/C are worth describing. Share what was done, when, by whom, and permits. Avoid promising savings.

How Are Water and Sewer Handled?

Water and sewer come from the city or a local water district. Note the provider, billing cycle, and any landscape irrigation that drives use.

Are There Comfort Problems?

An upstairs that runs hot in July or a west-facing room that's hard to cool is worth describing. California has detailed disclosure requirements, so talk with us.

If you're preparing to sell, ask us which running-cost information would be useful to have ready for buyers considering your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who provides electricity in Sacramento?

SMUD serves much of Sacramento County. Roseville Electric and PG&E serve other areas.

Why do Bay Area buyers ask about SMUD?

They're often used to PG&E. Sharing your provider and bills helps them compare.

Does leased solar transfer when I sell?

It usually must be transferred or paid off.

Do whole-house fans help in Sacramento?

Many homeowners use them in the evenings. Describe yours without promising savings.

When are bills highest in Sacramento?

Usually in summer.

Do I have to share utility bills?

It isn't required, but many buyers ask.