No power for inspection?

[Mike Warder]

Touching base with everyone to see how they handle inspecting electrical items (including HVAC) when a home has been vacant for a while. Will power companies turn things on for a day so you can inspect? I'm worried about an issue arising after acquiring the property. This is an REO built in 1995. With this new a home, do people just assume things are probably in order? Thanks in advance!

[Phil Z.]

You can't just take it upon yourself to turn on utilities.

- First you ask the seller to turn on utilities.

- They will either say, A) You must turn on utilities, or B) Utilities must stay off

Most REOs (with exception of HUD), are supposed to have utilities on already. If they are not on, then there may be a good reason why they can not be.

In the case of HUD, an owner occupant has an inspection period where they can activate utilities AFTER getting approval from Field Services. Investors can also have an inspection but their deposit is non-refundable. You may also be responsible to re-winterize the house.

If you see signs of freeze damage and the boiler looks like a rust bucket .. then there probably is no need to turn on the water.