Scenerio: Listing Agent, Buyers Agent with The Husband and Wife and the home inspector show up at a property with the intention to do an inspection only to find the water is "Locked" off by the Water Authority. Options: Do the inspection anyway or re-schedule (usually an additional fee involved ). Who is the finger going to be pointed at. First, the Listing Agent, as it is his/her responsiblitiy to have the utilities on. The Buyers Agent usually will call the Listing Agent and ask, "Are the utilities on?" They may have been 3 weeks ago when the property was viewed, but alot can happen in 3 weeks. Now everyone has a decision to make as what to do. This can be easily avoided.
The Buyers Agent has to do his/her due diligence and inspect the property for utilities prior to scheduling the home inspection. This takes the guess work out of the equation. The Listing Agent may be under the assumption that they are on, but do not assume. We arrived for an inspection on a brand new home in Seven Hills for a Surgeon, on arrival to meet the Superintendant, Buyers and Buyers Agent. Before we entered the property we noticed the power was off. When questioning the builders representative he stated, "Oh we can do the inspection and we will have the power on tomorrow." We asked the Buyer to step outside for a moment. We told him, " Call us when the power is on," and left. Upon leaving we could hear the Surgeopn screaming at the Rep about wasting his precious time. This should have been avoided.
Remember, utilities are a "Domino Effect." Gas is on, however without water you can not inspect the water heater. Without power you can not inspection A/C, most appliances as they are starting by electronic ignition, and so on. Avoidance saves embrassment. We have accomplished inspections without a utility, but it is not the best way to do it.
A little extra effort on the Buyers Agent part will go a long way. A phone call to the Listing Agent is not enough. Remember the responsibility is on the Listing Agent and usually the Broker of the office has an agreement with the institution, usually a bank, to turn on the utilities and be reimbrused. However, there are cases where utilities will not be turned on until prior bills are settled and they can range to alot of money. If the Listing Agent is rsponsible, he/she has to find a way of laying out these expenses.
In summation, a little due diligence on the buyers agent end can save headaches, re-scheduling and embarassment. They should take the time to see everything is on. If they do not know how to check for this, call your inspection company and in a few minutes they can walk you through it. Sherlock Home Inspections does it all the time. Especially with first time buyers who are nervous to begin with you do not need to place added pressure on them at this time. Remember, "Anyone purchasing a home in this marketplace should have their house examined!"
Should you have any comments, questions or suggestions for our blog, feel free to contact us call 702-683-8882. Visit our website at: www.SherlockInspections.com.