What will an fha inspector look for

The inspector looks for signs of water damage, such as marks on the wall near the ceiling, and for holes in support structures, like the foundation. Attics are checked to ensure there is some form of ventilation present, such as a window or vent.

Rodent droppings, termite tunnels or other signs of pest infestation constitute another essential part of the inspection. The home and any other structures, such as sheds or garages, are examined at the ground area for signs of termite infestation.

Concentrations of wood in the yard, like a wooden enclosure for plants, are checked for evidence of termites. In all cases where wood from the primary structure makes direct contact with the ground, the FHA inspector will order an additional terminate inspection. Mechanical systems are checked, such as furnace and central air conditioner, for major problems or dangers, such as frayed wiring. If there are any safety issues, they should be fixed before the inspection if possible. Otherwise, the inspector will leave a copy of all things noted and the seller will need to make the repairs for the financing to happen.

Things such as cracked driveways, window damage or doors that stick to the point of not opening will cause issues during the inspection. While FHA used to reject the site, current guidelines allow for the seller to repair the problems and, if completed, the loan can move forward.

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Home Guides Home Home Checklist. By Candace Webb Updated January 15, Related Articles. Property Inspection Summary. It lets the agency know the current market value of the home, regardless of what it sold for in the past or might sell for in the future. The FHA wants to know of anything that makes the property desirable. Examples that the inspector might note include:. Beautiful woods or open space out back that are protected from development.

Accessible churches, parks, schools and job opportunities. Is the neighborhood improving or declining in general? Will the average family be able to travel easily to work, school and shopping? Is there adequate public transportation or if not, are the streets well-designed for easy navigation? Any excessive noise, noxious odors or other elements in the neighborhood that would endanger the physical improvements of the home or its residents can cause rejection by the FHA.

Being near an airport is fine as long as it is evident that those in the area have learned to live with the noise and that it does not impede the marketability of the land. A house has to be in decent shape, both inside and out, to pass an FHA appraisal.

If there are any safety issues, they should be fixed before the appraisal if possible. Otherwise, the appraiser will leave a copy of all things noted and the seller will need to make the repairs for the financing to happen. Things such as cracked driveways, window damage or doors that stick to the point of not opening will cause issues during the appraisal.

While FHA used to reject the site, current guidelines allow for the seller to repair the problems and, if completed, the loan can move forward. Keep an eye out for the following conditions on or in a prospective property:. Peeling paint in homes built before , which might be a lead hazard. Exterior doors that don't properly open and close. Another example would be an older home with a deteriorated roof and holes in the floor i. In both of these cases, the discrepancies A create hazardous conditions and B cannot be easily fixed.

These are the types of issues that send FHA loans off the track. In most cases, however, flagged discrepancies can be resolved fairly easily -- if the seller is willing to fix them. If the items are repaired or corrected to the appraiser's satisfaction, the deal can move forward. The official FHA appraisal guidelines for state this clearly: "Required repairs are limited to those repairs necessary to preserve the continued marketability of the property and to protect the health and safety of the occupants.

Most of the information above was adapted from HUD Handbook It's available on the Department of Housing and Urban Development website, and also on the "HUD Guidelines" page of this website look for that tab in the main menu above.

Related: Guidelines for desktop and exterior-only appraisals What Is an Appraisal? Here are the primary differences: Conventional: In a typical real estate transaction, where a conventional non-government-insured home loan is being used, the appraiser is mostly concerned with the current market value of the property in question. That is his primary objective when visiting the house. He is only concerned with the condition of the property as it relates to the value. But they also require a property inspection to make sure the home meets HUD's minimum standards for health and safety.

This is the "double duty" mentioned earlier. It's what makes the FHA appraisal process unique. At a minimum, the appraiser must complete the following steps: Visually inspect the subject property both inside and out. Take photos of the property to be included within the loan file. The photos must show the sides, front and rear of the home, as well as any value-adding improvements such as a pool or patio.

Take a photo of each comparable sale transaction that is being used to support the appraisal.