Short sale - how to check to see if there are no plumbing issues

[Syed Khan]

Hi Everyone,

If a property is owned by the bank (short sale), how do you even check to see if there are no plumbing issues or electrical without turning them on? Should I go ahead and pay for it to make sure there are no major plumbing/electrical issues? 

Does this apply for flipping houses as well, when the utilities are turned off?

How much does it usually cost to get the utilities up and running?

Thanks in advance!

[Melissa Gittens]

@Syed Khan If it is vacant more than likely you can turn them on in your own name. Also if you want to have it on for your inspection date/time, I would also suggest calling a few days before you inspection date to have it be turned on so that there won't be any issues during the inspection day.