Home inspection, no power to property, buying dispute?

Question

Recently made an offer on a home. It is in great condition, at least to the naked eye. Seller's accepted our offer and we are in closing. Seller requested a fast inspection of the property. When we looked at the property, we noticed that the power to the property had been shut off. This was a divorce sale and neither party would pay the utilities. Anyhow, we requested through our agent that the utilities MUSTbe active for a proper inspection to be done. As noted by our inspector, the inspection would only be half good without power. The selling agent assured us the power would be on.

Well you guessed it. Inspector shows up and there is NO POWER! Selling agent states we still must follow through on the deal since we never put it in writing. I called BS as no inspection is an inspection without power???? It's like asking someone to test drive a car with no tires. Can I legally back out of the deal?

Thanks

Answer 1

Why did the sellers want this inspection right before the sale? Get your agent to start jumping for you. You should have the right to back seeing as they promised something that didn't happen. Tell your agent that you are not going to close on the house till you have a proper inspection.

Next time (so that you have more legal backing), get the inspection right after you put in the offer and make the offer contigiant to the sale.

Answer 2

Have your agent fax an addendum to the selling agent,It should state escrow will no;t close on time due to improper inspection re: no power- buyer is requesting temporary power to complete inspection before escrow can close.... The selling agent cannot dictate any ting to you neither can the buying agent.

Answer 3

If you have an inspection contingency in the contract (which you should), then you can definitely cancel the sale. You don't need a reason, actually. Just "the inspection turned up matters that were not acceptable to us."