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David Macy
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« on: August 11, 2010, 10:37:31 AM » |
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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?
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Home Safe Home Inspections Link Url: Cleveland Home Inspector - http://www.hshinspections.net/ Body:Performing Home Inspections in Cleveland, Parma, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton, Strongsville and surrounding areas. Keywords:Parma,Broadview Heights,Strongsville,Cleveland,Brecksville,North Royalton Url Path:hsh-home-inspections.html |
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Harvey D. Speakman
Jr. Member
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Clarksville, TN
Posts: 63
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« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2010, 08:39:44 PM » |
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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. |
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« Last Edit: August 11, 2010, 08:41:41 PM by Harvey D. Speakman »
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Dominic Maricic
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« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2010, 12:59:21 PM » |
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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.
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Bob Hintze
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Riverview, Florida
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« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2010, 04:47:05 PM » |
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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.
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David Macy
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« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2010, 04:57:59 PM » |
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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!!
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Home Safe Home Inspections Link Url: Cleveland Home Inspector - http://www.hshinspections.net/ Body:Performing Home Inspections in Cleveland, Parma, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton, Strongsville and surrounding areas. Keywords:Parma,Broadview Heights,Strongsville,Cleveland,Brecksville,North Royalton Url Path:hsh-home-inspections.html |
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Bob Hintze
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Riverview, Florida
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« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2010, 05:03:10 PM » |
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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.
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Harvey D. Speakman
Jr. Member
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Clarksville, TN
Posts: 63
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« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2010, 08:29:15 PM » |
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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.
Time is money you have to have lights and water running for a good inspection. |
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Joe Keresztury
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« Reply #7 on: August 12, 2010, 10:14:56 PM » |
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Do the Inspection. You will be able to verify the utilities weren't on if necessary obviously thru the utility co. David, why would it be your problem if utilities are turned off. Do your inspection. They called you/hired you just do it. Present your quality inspection you are capable of. Bill them.
(Paste from your post)How are others handling calls for vacant homes with utilities off?
It's not your problem. If they bitch about the inspection having been done w/o the utillities you can either take the cha ching route (charge for return insp.)or say hey i'll be back for that,(utilities items) to check that out as part of your inspection. Charge for the return trip, but don't wait for them for the original trip if they have scheduled you. It's there dime and your time.
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Title: San Antonio Home Inspector Site: www.jwkhomeinspections.comBody: JWK Inspections, San Antonio Home Inspector, Performing Home Inspections in San Antonio & all surrounding areas. Keywords: San Antonio Home Inspector, New Home Construction Inspections, New Braunfels, Schertz, Home Inspector url: san-antonio-texas-home-inspector.html Title: 'Owner Builder' Consultant South Texas Site: www.ownerbuilthome.infoBody: JWK Consulting, Owner Built Home Consultant in San Antonio, all South Texas areas Keywds:Owner Built Custom Homes South Texas url: south-central-texas-owner-builder-home.html FB: www.facebook.com/jwkinspections |
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Stephen Stanczyk
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« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2010, 01:33:12 AM » |
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Soon as the inspection is booked, I send a pdf copy of the contract with the following disclaimer as part of my cover letter.
"It is important to note that the property must be ready for inspection. All the utilities must be turned on and active at the end fixture (outlets, appliances or faucets). It is the responsibility of the client to ensure this is done, whether through their agent or the listing agent. Failure to have all utilities active will result in a second visit to the property to complete the inspection and an additional charge as noted in the attached contract."
No utilities, no inspection. Many I do are 40-60 miles away and I really don't want to make the return trip...... and I sure won't do it without a fee and mileage.
Best to all.
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