TOPIC: Utilities on/off??

I had 3 calls yesterday for prospective inspections. All 3 had the utilities off and the clients and agents are not aware on handling the utilities. All are bank owned.

2 were told to have the title placed in there name and then have the inspection.

I explain that they should have the utilities on for the inspection but they are the ones most likely to pay for turning on the utilities.

How are others handling calls for vacant homes with utilities off?

I had 3 calls yesterday for prospective inspections. All 3 had the utilities off and the clients and agents are not aware on handling the utilities. All are bank owned.

2 were told to have the title placed in there name and then have the inspection.

I explain that they should have the utilities on for the inspection but they are the ones most likely to pay for turning on the utilities.

How are others handling calls for vacant homes with utilities off?

David I would have a "Release and Hold-Harmless Agreement
(for turning on utilities). Internachi has a prepared form for this purpose.

I've seen quite a few guys say the agents or buyers put the utilities in their name for the day and get it turned on.

Down here in 'Foreclosureland'...I mean Tampa, the utility companies have an 'understanding' to turn on the utilities for about 72 hours to get the inspection done. Usually they're in the buyer's name but realtors know the routine and will turn them on as well to help get the deal done.

I wish they new the routine up here.

I guess when people call and I ask if the utilities are/on off and I get a duh or no response I will just inspect as is and just use the word Not Inspected a lot.

Seems like they call until they find someone to do the inspection regardless.

Today I get a call at 730AM, wants a 11AM inspection and there was no signed contract. Stated they were going at 9am and agent wanted the inspection ASAP. Oh well!!

Sometimes I am the windshield and sometimes I am the bug!!

If the utilities are off, offer to return to finish the inspection when they are on and charge accordingly. Hopefully this will satisfy the clients and make you more money...or get them to get the utilities on faster.