HUD homes activating utilities for inspection or apprasials

[Shelby Ek]

I'm curious to hear other people's experience getting utilities activated for inspections or appraisals on HUD homes while under contract. Any tips or tricks? Your experiences?

[Greg H.]

The process requires some knowledge from your agent. Do they have experience selling HUD homes?

First- The PCR and Disclosure form will indicate whether it is permissible to turn on the utilites. If there are any known issues(even as simple as a bad $7 shutoff valve) you will not be permitted to turn on utilities. If you are getting a loan, this could be an issue so contact your lender asap for a possible work around. This issue alone kills many HUD deals

Your agent must fill out the request form and deliver it to the FSM with the required $$$ to de-winterize.  Keep in mind if approved, you will only be able to turn on once for a max 72 hours so coordinate the appraiser if applicable

You bare all the costs of turn on and turn off costs with the utility companies. If they require an inspection, keep in mind you will not be able to fix any issues as it is a federal crime to alter a HUD home in any way

So in summary, it can be a very difficult and costly process to activate utilities and in many cases not possible