Blue1,
Ah,,, don't PO your client especially if they do lots of new construction. The loan processors do not like the HBS or the VC Sheets to contend with and will avoid them at all costs. Why do you think the builder doesn't get the CO? He's been told by the mortgage company. most times, not to do so.
I've seen them leave stupid things to complete such as interior doors, a final plumbing hook-up, etc. Anything for the unit not to be considered complete. I had one last week that removed the two small handrails in a split stairwell to the basement-the metal brackets were installed on the walls but the wood hand rails were laying on the kitchen floor. They know and you know they can't get a CO without handrails so they stick it right in your face. They are smart-to their advantage, of course.
If you ask for the CO and you get it for your file, you must use the HBS and VC Sheets. The lender then has to submit the HBS to the buyer five days before closing, which they hate, or barring that, if closing is within five days of when the buyer sees the HBS, they must type up and get a signed, waiver letter from the borrower. They really hate that.
Did you notice any final inspection stickers on the electrical service box? That would give you a clue if it was inspected already. Barring that evidence, I would assume that it is still under construction and condition the report for the lender to ask the builder for a copy of the CO. You're not a messenger boy that's supposed to run around looking for a CO. Don't waste your time looking for a CO and completing the HBS and VC sheets. Condition the report for the CO. It's a shell game. Play it well to your advantage.
Ben
