Selling a home or condominium on Sanibel or Captiva involves coordinating utility services so electricity, water and other essential services remain available through the final walkthrough and closing.

Disconnecting utilities too early can interfere with inspections, air conditioning, final walkthroughs and the buyer's transition into the property.

Whether you are selling a waterfront home, condominium, vacation property or seasonal residence, this guide will help you coordinate utility accounts and service providers before closing.

When Should Sellers Arrange Utility Disconnections?

Begin contacting your utility providers approximately two weeks before your scheduled closing date.

Coordinate with your real estate agent and the buyer's agent to establish appropriate service dates. Most buyers will need to establish utility accounts in their own names rather than assume the seller's existing accounts.

Keep electricity and water active through the final walkthrough and closing unless your purchase agreement or closing team directs otherwise. Confirm the buyer's arrangements before scheduling service termination.

If the closing date changes, contact your providers immediately to adjust your service requests.

Provide Buyers With a List of Current Service Providers

Help the buyer prepare for ownership by providing a list of the property's current utility and service providers.

Include electricity, water, sewer, internet, television, trash collection and any optional services such as pool maintenance, landscaping, pest control and home monitoring.

Where appropriate, provide service frequency and approximate costs. Avoid sharing passwords, account access credentials or sensitive billing information.

Homeowner and Condominium Associations

Before closing, confirm any association requirements for ownership transfers, final payments, access credentials and changes to utility billing.

Some condominium associations include water, sewer, trash collection, internet or other services in their fees. Sellers should clarify which services are individually billed and which are managed by the association.

Current Service Providers

Although not required, buyers frequently express interest in knowing the current service providers associated with the property they intend to purchase. Consider creating a comprehensive list of service providers, detailing their service frequency and current costs. Your real estate advisor can then relay this valuable information to the buyer's agent, facilitating a seamless closing process.

Homeowner and Condominium Associations

Consult your dedicated real estate advisor to determine what your homeowner or condominium association requires for a transfer of ownership. 

Major Utilities

Electric

Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC)

Important: Contact LCEC in advance to confirm service termination procedures, available scheduling dates and any requirements specific to Sanibel or Captiva. Coordinate the final service date with your closing team to avoid interrupting electricity before the buyer takes possession.

Water

The Island Water Association


Trash/Recycling

Sanibel


Captiva


Sewer

Sanibel (Finance Department)

  • Phone: 239-472-9615

Captiva

Sewer and wastewater arrangements vary by property on Captiva. Some properties use private septic systems or other wastewater treatment arrangements. Confirm the property's system and any maintenance or transfer requirements before closing.


Television, Telephone & Internet

These services are usually more personal, and you can cancel or update your accounts at your convenience. Consider providers such as: 



Additional Recommendations

Address Change

US Postal Service: Change of Address  


Voter Registration, Vehicle Registration and Driver's Licenses: 

  • Refer to the state and county web site for your new residence.


Lee County Tolls: 

 

A successful closing includes more than transferring ownership. Coordinating utility accounts, association requirements and property services helps protect the home and creates a smoother transition for everyone involved.

Pfeifer Realty Group helps Sanibel and Captiva sellers prepare for closing by coordinating important details with buyers, closing professionals and service providers.