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How do I get inspection for a winterized short-sale house?

How does FHA handle winterized short-sale houses? I have heard they need to check everything in the house to make sure it's working, like heat, gas, water, etc. otherwise I might not even get a loan. But if the house belongs to the bank no one will take the trouble of turning everything on. How are these situations resolved?

Public Comments

1. If the bank does not agree to turn everything on and rewinterize the house FHA will not fund the loan. This is one reason why short sales and REO's often do not accept any offers that are FHA.
2. You as the buyer would most likely have to pay to have it winterized, and re-winterized. It's a chance you take. But frankly, I applaud you're having an inspection. It's extremely important and in your best interests. While you stand to lose the inspection fee, if something serious is found, better found before you have to pay to have it fixed. It could cost a lot more than the inspection fee. Sometimes, you can get the lender to repair some items. It will take an awfully long time to complete the transaction and close, but if you love the house and it may be worth the wait.
3. I used to be an FHA undewriter, and FHA has no such inspection...in fact, they have no inspection AT ALL...that is a myth. They only inspections that they require is on trailers...to see if it's on a permanent foundation...and a water test if it's a well. They don't even require termite inspections anymore, but you should always get one...they are only $50. They require an appraisal....that is not an insepction. A home is not required to be winterized by FHA. However, you cannot get an FHA appraisal without the utilities being on. ...and honestly? You would be setting yourself up for a major problem if you bought ANY house without an inspection...whether it's required or not. No bank requires a copy of an inspection...again, that is a myth perpetuated by those that don't work in the business.
4. Im a home inspector and a FHA appraiser. I do inspections on foreclosures and short sales. Your agent need to contact the bank and have them turn on all utility's and un-winterize the house. As a FHA appraiser all utilities MUST be turned on and as a Inspection they must be turned on. Sometimes the bank will pay for it, but most of the time the buyer pays for it.