underwriting guidelines for SFR without stove and light fixtures

[Theresa K.]

Looking to make an offer on a Freddie Mac property that does not have a stove and is missing light fixtures in some of the rooms. Would like to get financing if possible. Local credit union will not do the deal because of the repair items. They said it is not habitable per Fannie Mae guidelines. Talked to several people at Wells Fargo. One person said yes, WF would probably finance the property. Anther said no, a stove is required. Another said WF would portfolio the loan - I don't think so. Of course WF wants me to apply for a loan before they can give me a straight answer. I don't want to apply for a loan that won't happen.

Does anyone know if a property will qualify for conventional financing with those repair items? I've heard some lenders will do a repair escrow, but I'm not sure how that works.

Worst case - I pay cash and then do a cash-out refi after the work is done, but I'm not sure I like this property that much.