Quick FHA appraisal question (Florida).

[Otops]

Hello,

I am currently buying a foreclosure.

I would like to know two things if somebody could take the time to clarify them for me.

1. Does a stove have to be in the kitchen at the time of the appraisal? Right now there are no appliances in the place and I'm being told that in order for it to pass there needs to be one. If this is the case I might have a potential problem on my hands.

2. Who turns the electricity on for the appraisal? The listing agent or do I have to? If I'm supposed to how does that work since I don't own the place?

Thank you ahead of time,



Jerry

 

[CANative]

No. For FHA purposes stoves and appliances are not requirements to meet FHA Minimum Property Standards or Minimum Property Requirements. However, since it's the lenders money they may have their own requirements and FHA will usually defer to the lender. Also, not all FHA appraisers are equal in experience and some may put a requirement in their appraisal report for appliances.

You are not required to turn the utilities on. I don't know who is specifically required to. If the listing agent wants to sell a house then they should be motivated to turn the power on or know how to make the arrangements.

 

[Greg Bell]

You need a sink and four feet of counter space.Cabinets , Stove etc are not MPR.Seller is usually responsible for utilities , however , as long they are on it's a go.

 

[TJSum]

The listing agent should coordinate getting any needed utilities turned back on. The utility companies usually cooperate, even when there are past due bills, because it is in their best interest to get the property sold (past due bills usually get taken care of at settlement and they also want to get the property back on line as a paying customer).

If the lender requires a stove, and this is the only thing between you and your purchase, just get a hold of a cheap second hand stove somewhere that is functional, many times you can pick these up for $50 or so. You can always upgrade once the property is yours.

 

[hglenbetts]

Practices differ in different parts of the country. Here in Michigan, the Realtor who represents the BUYER, typically is responsible for getting the utilities turned on for inspections and appraisals. Have your agent put preasure on the listing agent to turn them on. It never hurts to try.

Good Luck