Short Sale and Inspections

[Neil Sickendick]

Hi all -

Long time reader, first time poster.

We have reached an agreement with the bank on a short sale (the property will be a rental for us). The house is being sold as is, but we are certainly planning to do an inspection prior to acquisition.

The home is currently winterized (all electrical/plumbing shut off).  The agent representing the bank said she would ask the bank to turn utilities back on for inspection purposes, but she doubts they will.

Is this common?  What have you experienced? Seems ill-advised to purchase a home where the entirety of the electrical/plumbing/HVAC might be inoperable once they hand the keys over.

Thanks in advance for your direction,