FHA Appraisal Red Flags

FHA Appraisal Red Flags

If you’re selling to a buyer backed by an FHA loan, or if you are the prospective buyer, there are some FHA appraisal red flags that you have to consider for the loan to have a proper closure.

Read our analysis and complete study of the FHA loan requirements.

The FHA appraisal is mandatory and determines the market value of the real estate object. Furthermore, it also can ensure that the home meets the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) minimum property requirements.

Borrowers can qualify for an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 500 with a 10% down payment, or 580 or above with a 3.5% down payment. By contrast, most conventional loans require a credit score of 620 or above. Additionally, an FHA-backed buyer may have a slightly higher debt-to-income ratio to qualify than they would with most conventional loans.

While most mortgage lenders require an appraisal before approving a home loan, HUD requires a special type of appraisal for FHA loans to confirm the property is safe, secure, and worth the price. This process protects the buyer from purchasing a home that needs more maintenance than they can afford. It also protects the government’s interest since it’s on the hook for paying off the buyer’s debt to the lender if the buyer defaults on their mortgage.

To ensure your home passes the FHA appraisal, we’ve enlisted a trusted real estate agent and an FHA appraisal expert for insight on FHA loan property requirements. After all, if your home falls short of these guidelines, it could cost you the sale.

Bathrooms

If you’ve got a bathroom that is in the middle of being renovated, if even if there’s another bathroom in the house, typically you’re going to see the appraiser call for that renovation or that remodel to be complete and have the bathroom functioning. You know, if it happens to be missing a sink, toilet, shower, whatever utility is not turned on, that’s also a big one.

Operational appliances

Missing appliances, obviously. You know if you’ve got a kitchen, it’s gotta have a stove in there. It’s gotta have a working stove to be considered a working kitchen. Non-functioning kitchen or bath, back to the same thing I was just talking about.

HUD requires that all appliances that “remain and that contribute to the market value opinion are operational.” Make sure these major appliances are in good working order:

• Dishwashers
• Garbage disposals
• Microwave ovens
• Ovens/ranges
• Refrigerators
• Washers and dryers

During the inspection, the FHA appraiser makes a note of which appliances are present. If you’re taking appliances to your next home, the appraiser will write that in the report and consider the loss of appliances when valuing the property. Existing but non-functional appliances are classified as “deferred maintenance” in the appraisal.

Adequately insulated and safe attic

An FHA appraiser will inspect the attic for the following:

• Lack of insulation on the interior roofing
• Deficient materials
• Leaks or readily observable evidence of significant water damage
• Previous fire damage
• FRT sheathing
• Exposed and frayed wiring
• Inadequate ventilation by vent, fan, or window

To give the appraiser an unobstructed view of the attic roof and flooring, move stored items out of the way. You’re not required to cut walls, ceilings, or floors to provide access. However, if the appraiser cannot enter the attic by head and shoulders, they will note so in the report.

Dry and ventilated crawl spaces and basements

Lenders can reject properties for “significant incurable ponding of water” in basements and crawl spaces.

Every crawl space must be readily accessible for an appraiser to enter up to their head and shoulders at a minimum. Crawl spaces must be free of debris, with good airflow and no pooled water.

In the basement, appraisers look for any moisture, dampness, and structural issues that might pose a health risk or compromise the home’s integrity. They also test sump pumps to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Sufficient drainage and grading

The appraiser checks for “readily observable evidence of grading and drainage problems.” This entails looking for effective drainage control measures like gutters, downspouts, and appropriate grading to deliver water away from the structure. The appraiser will note standing water if it seems related to a drainage issue.

Proper grading directs rainwater on the roof and the ground away from the structure’s foundation. If existing grading does not allow for proper drainage, the FHA appraiser will require the seller to address the issue. Significant grading issues are best left to the professionals to prevent costly water damage.

Adequate and functioning electrical system

The electrical systems, that’s a significant issue. If you’re doing some testing and your inspector’s done some testing and you’re finding that some of the outlets aren’t grounded or you’ve got the neutral wire going through the light switch instead of the load, these are things that indicate that maybe the homeowner was trying to do some electrical work and didn’t have the knowledge base to do it properly. And then you have to ask yourself, well, what else has been done from an electrical perspective in the home that’s wrong and that could pose a danger? So, those are some of the major red flags there.

The electrical system should adequately support the usage and functions that typically occur in the home. Frayed or exposed wires are not permitted. The appraiser tests switches, receptacles, and fixtures to ensure they work.

If the appraiser cannot access or test any electrical units for any reason, they can request certification from a licensed electrician to verify these are functional and safe.

Reasonably safe site conditions

The appraiser looks at “externalities,” or off-property issues that affect the home’s value and marketability. Some environmental issues could make a property less safe.

Externalities include:

• Heavy traffic
• Airport noise and hazards
• High-pressure gas lines
• Overhead power lines
• Stationary storage tanks
• Noxious fumes

Natural disasters also play a role in FHA approval. If your property is in an area prone to floods, wildfires, or mudslides, the lender may require disaster insurance or reject the loan altogether. According to the HUD Single-Family Housing Policy Handbook, “The Appraiser must report the presence of Externalities so that the Mortgagee can determine eligibility.”

Solid foundation

Another thing would be drainage and issues with your foundation. So, if you’ve got cracks in your foundation or you’ve got downspouts that come that empty out right at the foundation, that would be a concern. If you’ve got mold in the home, evidence of mold, that’s a huge red flag and a huge concern.

HUD requires repairs for safety problems and deficiencies that comprise the foundation’s integrity. Poor drainage and soft soil commonly cause cracks, leaks, and bowing in a structure’s foundation. The FHA appraiser records defects and structural issues that he or she observes during the inspection.

As the seller, you may have to get an inspection from a licensed structural engineer. Repair costs for foundation problems range from a few hundred dollars for minor cracks up to several thousand dollars to install underpinning piers or steel reinforcements.

Adequate heating and cooling

The appraiser has to check that the utilities are working properly. So if the utilities are not turned on, the appraisal will go ahead and complete the appraisal report, but it’s going to condition to come back to the property once the utilities have been turned on and verify that they’re working properly.

HUD requires heating and cooling systems equipped to keep the living space comfortable and healthful.

Every habitable room must have a heat source that uses fuel readily available in the local geographic area. Properties in warmer climate regions of Hawaii and Florida are exempt from this requirement.

Homes with wood stoves and solar systems must also have conventional heating units that maintain a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. As described in the HUD HOC Reference Guide, space heaters and other non-conventional heat sources must comply with local jurisdictions. However, they are not usually considered acceptable primary heat sources.

While central air is not an FHA requirement, any existing central air system must be operational. The appraisal report lists any central air issues, along with recommended remedies and estimated repair costs.

Also, no broken windows.

No disturbed lead paint

Chipping or peeling paint, that’s always the big one. So if there’s any chipping or peeling paint, it’s got to be scraped and painted, and the paint chips have to be gotten up. You know, the painter can’t just scrape on the exterior and leave the paint chips laying on the ground. Gotta scrape and paint, get those clean all the paint chips off up off the ground surface.

In 1978, the federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint after discovering lead causes serious health problems in humans. Structures built prior to 1978 may contain lead paint.

During an FHA appraisal, the inspector looks for surface craving, peeling, and other defects that potentially expose underlying lead paint beneath. That includes windows, doors, railings, sheds, and other outbuildings.

If the property was built before 1978, but the appraiser does not see any chipping, flaking, or peeling, he does not have to mention the existence of lead paint in the report’s section for deficiencies or adverse conditions.

Well functioning plumbing

The appraiser flushes toilets and turns on faucets to verify the property’s plumbing system provides adequate water pressure, flow, and waste removal. Faucets should supply hot and cold water with no unpleasant odors.

The water heater should contain a temperature and pressure-relief valve diverting hot water and steam safely. Signs of leaks or structural damage near faucets and pipes are reportable issues.

During the FHA appraisal, the appraiser checks septic systems, as well. The appraiser observes septic systems for “signs of failure or surface evidence of malfunction.” Required repairs depend in part on local guidelines, the extent of the damage, the lender’s discretion.

It’s good maintenance to have your septic system professionally inspected and pumped every three to five years to prevent unwanted surprises when you go to sell your property.

Stable roof with two or more years of life left

The roof covering should provide a barrier against moisture and provide “reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance;” basically, the roof must be in solid condition and not require major repairs that could be costly to the buyer. The appraiser records the roofing material (shingle, clay, wood, slate, aluminum, etc.) and the roof’s overall condition.

The appraiser views the roof from the ground up to evaluate its integrity. He or she will examine roof features, including skylights, flashing, drainage systems, and chimneys, for leaks and other visible defects.

The appraiser also reports missing or deteriorated roof materials and looks at the interior ceilings for water damage that indicates a roofing problem. If the appraiser feels the roof has less than two years of remaining life, they will require an additional inspection from a professional roofer.

Maintained swimming pool

The report notes whether a swimming pool is in-ground or above ground. Above-ground pools are considered personal property and not factored into the property’s appraisal.

A swimming pool should be operational with no defects. Sellers must repair damaged or unstable pools. Common swimming pool problems include small cracks in the cement and leaks around lights and pumps. The appraiser may or may not require repairs for these issues.

Algae and dirt are not an inspection issue, so you won’t need to clean the pool for approval. Appraisers are to assume pools that are covered and “winterized” in the cooler months can be operational at a reasonable cost when reopened.

Pest Infestation: No Presence Of Termites

The appraiser reports evidence of termites and other wood-destroying insects. If the appraiser sees signs of termite damage or termite treatment, they will order a more in-depth inspection from a professional pest control expert.

Pest infestations, such as termites or rodents, can cause serious damage to a property. If the appraiser finds any pest infestations, they will require repairs before the loan can be funded.

Safety Issues

And then safety issues, any kind of exposed wiring, a stairway down to a basement that does not have handrails, a porch, a deck that does not have handrails around it. Those type of things, I have seen those come up quite often.

Valuation Issues

Here is an FHA appraisal red flag that I just wanted to mention and you have to pay attention.

If the home is priced extremely high for the area, for the neighborhood, that would be a concern. If the home is one of the largest homes in the area and the price is also very high, that’s something to be concerned about. Because you might not get that value back out when you go to sell it. Those are two valuation concerns.

Water Damage

Rotten or water-damaged wood. I’ve seen that one a lot, both interior and exterior. If there’s any kind of water damage or, you know, water damage on wood surfaces, those will typically have to be repaired.

Water damage, I just mentioned that, you know, water stains on the ceiling might signify a greater issue with the roof. Something that the appraiser is probably going to say he is not qualified to make a determination on. It might suggest or require some kind of a roof inspection.

Poor drainage can lead to water damage and moisture issues. The lot must provide positive drainage away from perimeter walls of the dwelling. If the appraiser finds any poor drainage issues, they will require repairs before the loan can be funded.

Structural Issues

One of the biggest red flags is any structural deficiency in the foundation, framing, or roof. These issues can be costly to repair and may make the property ineligible for an FHA loan. If the appraiser finds any structural issues, they will likely require repairs before the loan can be funded.

Health and Safety Hazards

Another red flag is the presence of health and safety hazards, such as peeling paint, loose handrails, or other safety issues. These hazards must be corrected before the loan will be funded. If the appraiser finds any health and safety hazards, they will require repairs before the loan can be funded.

Electrical and Plumbing Issues

All mechanical systems, including plumbing, heating, and electrical, must be operating at the time of inspection and be suitable for the home. If the appraiser finds any issues with these systems, they will require repairs before the loan can be funded.

Water Damage and Moisture Issues

Water damage and moisture issues can lead to mold and other health hazards. If the appraiser finds any water damage or moisture issues, they will require repairs before the loan can be funded.

Pest Infestations

Pest infestations, such as termites or rodents, can cause serious damage to a property. If the appraiser finds any pest infestations, they will require repairs before the loan can be funded.

What Won’t Pass An FHA Inspection

When you’re looking to purchase a home using an FHA loan, you need to be aware of what won’t pass FHA inspection. Here are some common issues that could cause the property to fail the FHA appraisal requirements.

Safety Issues

The FHA has strict safety standards that a property must meet in order to be approved for an FHA loan. If the property has any safety issues, it won’t pass the FHA inspection. Some common safety issues include:

• Peeling paint: If the property was built before 1978 and has peeling paint, it could be a lead hazard and will need to be addressed before the property can be approved for an FHA loan.
• Loose handrails: Any handrails that are loose or wobbly will need to be fixed before the property can be approved for an FHA loan.
• Barred windows without release latches: Barred windows without release latches are a safety hazard and will need to be modified before the property can be approved for an FHA loan.

Structural Issues

The FHA also has standards for the structural soundness of a property. If the property has any structural issues, it won’t pass the FHA inspection. Some common structural issues include:

• Foundation problems: If the foundation of the property is cracked or damaged, it could be a structural issue and will need to be addressed before the property can be approved for an FHA loan.
• Roof problems: If the roof is leaking or has any other problems, it could be a structural issue and will need to be addressed before the property can be approved for an FHA loan.
• Electrical problems: If the property has outdated or faulty electrical wiring, it could be a structural issue and will need to be addressed before the property can be approved for an FHA loan.

Health and Sanitation Issues

The FHA also has standards for the health and sanitation of a property. If the property has any health or sanitation issues, it won’t pass the FHA inspection. Some common health and sanitation issues include:

• Mold: If the property has mold, it could be a health hazard and will need to be addressed before the property can be approved for an FHA loan.
• Pest infestations: If the property has a pest infestation, it could be a health hazard and will need to be addressed before the property can be approved for an FHA loan.
• Inadequate sewage systems: If the property has an inadequate sewage system, it could be a sanitation issue and will need to be addressed before the property can be approved for an FHA loan.

Knowing what won’t pass FHA inspection can help you avoid purchasing a property that won’t qualify for an FHA loan. If you’re unsure about the condition of a property, it’s always a good idea to have a professional inspection done before making an offer.

FHA Appraisal vs Regular Appraisal

When it comes to appraising a property, there are two main types of appraisals: FHA appraisals and regular appraisals. While both types of appraisals serve the same purpose of determining the value of a property, there are some key differences between the two.

An FHA appraisal is required for any property that is being purchased with an FHA loan. The purpose of an FHA appraisal is to determine the market value of the property and to ensure that the property meets the General Acceptability Criteria established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). FHA appraisals are more thorough than regular appraisals and require the appraiser to inspect the property for any health and safety issues that could pose a risk to the occupants.

On the other hand, a regular appraisal is not tied to any specific loan program and is typically used for conventional loans. Regular appraisals are less strict than FHA appraisals and typically only require an inspection of the property to determine its value. However, the appraiser may still take into account any health and safety issues that could affect the value of the property.

When it comes to determining the value of a property, both FHA and regular appraisals use comparable properties to help establish a value. Comparable properties are properties that are similar to the subject property in terms of location, size, and other factors. The appraiser will look at the sale prices of these comparable properties to help establish a value for the subject property.

One key difference between FHA and regular appraisals is the way in which square footage is calculated. In an FHA appraisal, the appraiser will measure the square footage of the property from the exterior walls. In a regular appraisal, the appraiser may measure the square footage from the interior walls, which can result in a slightly different square footage calculation.

Overall, while both FHA and regular appraisals serve the same purpose of determining the value of a property, there are some key differences between the two. If you are purchasing a property with an FHA loan, you will need to have an FHA appraisal. If you are purchasing a property with a conventional loan, you will likely have a regular appraisal.

Key Areas of Inspection

When it comes to FHA appraisals, there are several key areas that the appraiser will inspect to ensure the property meets minimum health and safety standards. Here are some of the areas that will be inspected:

Roof

The appraiser will inspect the roof to ensure that it is in good condition and does not have any leaks or damage. If there are any issues with the roof, the appraiser may require that repairs be made before the loan can be approved.

Heating

The appraiser will check the heating system to make sure that it is functioning properly and is safe to use. This includes checking the furnace, ductwork, and any other heating systems in the home.

Paint

If the home was built before 1978, the appraiser will check for lead-based paint. If lead-based paint is found, the appraiser may require that it be removed or covered up before the loan can be approved.

Electricity

The appraiser will check the electrical system to ensure that it is safe and up to code. This includes checking the wiring, outlets, and circuit breaker.

Foundation

The appraiser will inspect the foundation to ensure that it is in good condition and does not have any cracks or other issues that could affect the stability of the home.

Handrails, Doors, and Windows

The appraiser will check all handrails, doors, and windows to ensure that they are in good condition and are safe to use.

Basement, Ventilation, and Mechanical Systems

The appraiser will inspect the basement, ventilation system, and mechanical systems to ensure that they are in good condition and functioning properly.

Crawl Space

If the home has a crawl space, the appraiser will inspect it to ensure that it is in good condition and does not have any issues that could affect the stability of the home.

Plumbing

The appraiser will check the plumbing system to ensure that it is in good condition and functioning properly. This includes checking for leaks, proper drainage, and water pressure.

Roofing and Gutters

The appraiser will check the roofing and gutters to ensure that they are in good condition and are not leaking or damaged.

Overall, the appraiser will be looking for any issues that could affect the safety or livability of the home. If any issues are found, the appraiser may require that repairs be made before the loan can be approved.

FHA Appraisal Guidelines

If you are planning to purchase a property with an FHA loan, it’s important to understand the FHA appraisal guidelines. These guidelines are designed to ensure that the property meets certain minimum standards and is safe and habitable for the borrower.

Some of the key FHA appraisal guidelines checklist include:

• Minimum Property Standards (MPS): The property must meet the MPS, which include requirements for the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, and more. The MPS are designed to ensure that the property is safe and habitable for the borrower.
• Safety Hazards: The appraiser must identify any safety hazards that could affect the health or safety of the borrower. These hazards could include issues with the electrical or plumbing systems, structural problems, or other issues that could pose a risk to the borrower.
• Property Flipping: If the property has been owned by the seller for less than 90 days, the appraiser must take extra steps to ensure that the property is being sold at fair market value and is not being flipped for a profit.
• Lead-Based Paint: If the property was built before 1978, the appraiser must identify any lead-based paint hazards and ensure that the borrower is aware of the risks.
• Flood Zones: If the property is located in a flood zone, the appraiser must ensure that the borrower is aware of the risks and that the property is properly insured.

It’s important to keep in mind that the FHA appraisal guidelines for 2023 are designed to protect both the borrower and the lender. By ensuring that the property meets certain minimum standards, the FHA is helping to reduce the risk of default and foreclosure, which benefits everyone involved in the transaction.

If you have any questions about the FHA appraisal guidelines for 2023, it’s important to speak with a qualified FHA lender or appraiser who can provide you with more information and help you navigate the appraisal process.

FHA Appraisal Subject to Repairs

When an FHA appraisal is subject to repairs, it means that the property requires certain repairs to meet the minimum property standards (MPS) set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These repairs must be completed before the loan can be approved.

The FHA appraiser will identify any repairs required for the property to meet MPS. The repairs will be listed on the appraisal report under the “Subject to Repair” section. The appraiser will also provide an estimate of the cost of the repairs.

Once the repairs are identified, the lender will require the repairs to be completed before closing. The lender will also require that the repairs are completed by a licensed contractor and that the repairs meet the MPS.

It is important to note that not all repairs are required to meet MPS. Some repairs may be considered cosmetic and may not be required for the loan to be approved. However, the appraiser will still note cosmetic repairs that need to be addressed in the appraisal report.

In summary, if an FHA appraisal is subject to repairs, it means that the property requires certain repairs to meet the minimum property standards set by HUD. These repairs must be completed before the loan can be approved. The repairs will be identified by the appraiser and listed on the appraisal report under the “Subject to Repair” section. It is important to ensure that all repairs are completed by a licensed contractor and meet the MPS.

FHA Appraisal Reinspection

If the FHA appraiser identifies any issues with the property that need to be corrected before the loan can be funded, the lender may require a reinspection. An FHA reinspection means that the appraiser will return to the property to verify that the necessary repairs have been made.

During the reinspection, the appraiser will only verify that the required repairs have been completed. They will not perform a full appraisal of the property again. The cost of the reinspection is typically paid for by the borrower.

It’s important to note that the lender may require a reinspection even if the repairs were completed by a licensed contractor and the borrower provides documentation of the repairs. This is because the appraiser needs to verify that the work was done properly and that the property is now in compliance with FHA standards.

If the appraiser finds that the repairs have not been completed or were not completed properly, the loan may be delayed or even denied. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that all required repairs are completed correctly before requesting a reinspection.

In some cases, the lender may require multiple reinspections if the repairs are not completed to FHA standards. This can result in additional costs and delays in the loan process. It’s important to work closely with your lender and the appraiser to ensure that all required repairs are completed correctly the first time to avoid these issues.

FHA Appraisal Handbook

If you are planning to buy a home using an FHA-insured mortgage, it is important to be aware of the FHA Appraisal Handbook. This handbook outlines the minimum property requirements and appraisal guidelines that must be followed for an FHA-insured mortgage.

The FHA Appraisal Handbook is also known as HUD Handbook 4000.1. This handbook provides guidance to appraisers, lenders, and other stakeholders involved in the appraisal process. The handbook includes information on the following topics:

• Property eligibility criteria
• Appraiser qualifications and requirements
• Appraisal reporting requirements
• Property valuation and analysis
• Property inspection and repair requirements

The handbook is regularly updated to reflect changes in the market and to provide clarification on existing policies. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest version of the handbook to ensure compliance with FHA requirements.

One key aspect of the FHA Appraisal Handbook is the Valuation Protocol. This protocol outlines the specific steps that appraisers must take when conducting an FHA appraisal. The protocol includes guidelines for property inspection, data collection, and analysis.

Another important aspect of the handbook is the Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). The MPRs outline the basic requirements that a property must meet to be eligible for an FHA-insured mortgage. These requirements include things like:

• The property must be safe, sound, and secure
• The property must have adequate heating, cooling, and ventilation
• The property must have a functioning roof and foundation
• The property must have safe and sanitary living conditions

In summary, the FHA Appraisal Handbook provides important guidance and requirements for the appraisal process for FHA-insured mortgages. It is important to be familiar with the handbook and to work with qualified professionals who understand the requirements and guidelines outlined in the handbook.

FHA Appraisal Lower Than Purchase Price

If you’re in the process of buying a home with an FHA loan, you may encounter a situation where the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price. This can be a red flag for both the buyer and the seller. Here’s what you need to know.

Impact of Appraisal on Sales

When the appraisal comes in lower than the sales price, it means the lender will only approve a loan for the appraised value of the home. This can leave the buyer in a difficult position, as they may need to come up with additional funds to cover the difference between the sales price and the appraised value.

Alternatively, the seller may need to lower the sales price to match the appraised value in order to move forward with the sale. This can be a frustrating and disappointing situation for both parties, but it’s important to remember that the appraisal is an objective evaluation of the home’s value.

Renovations

If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, it’s possible that the home may need some renovations or repairs to bring it up to the desired value. In this case, the buyer may be able to negotiate with the seller to have them make the necessary repairs or offer a credit towards the cost of the repairs.

It’s important to note that FHA loans have specific requirements for the condition of the property, and the appraiser will be looking for any issues that could affect the safety, soundness, or structural integrity of the home. If the appraiser identifies any issues, the seller may need to make repairs before the loan can be approved.

In summary, if the FHA appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, it can be a red flag for both the buyer and the seller. However, with some negotiation and potentially some repairs, it’s still possible to move forward with the sale. Just be prepared for the possibility of needing to come up with additional funds or adjust the sales price to match the appraised value.

FHA Appraisal Photo Requirements

When it comes to FHA appraisals, photos play a crucial role in determining the value of a property. The appraiser is required to take photos of the interior and exterior of the property and include them in the appraisal report. These photos are used to verify the condition of the property and ensure that it meets FHA standards.

Here are some of the most important FHA appraisal photo requirements that you should be aware of:

• Exterior photos: The appraiser must take photos of the front, rear, and sides of the property. These photos should show the entire exterior of the property, including any improvements or additions. The appraiser must also take photos of any outbuildings, such as sheds or garages, and any other features that may affect the value of the property, such as swimming pools or decks.
• Interior photos: The appraiser must take photos of all rooms in the property, including bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. These photos should show the condition of the walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as any fixtures or appliances that are included in the sale. The appraiser must also take photos of any areas that may be of concern, such as water damage or structural issues.
• Additional photos: In some cases, the appraiser may need to take additional photos to document specific features or conditions of the property. For example, if the property has a unique architectural style or design, the appraiser may need to take additional photos to document these features. The appraiser may also need to take photos of any repairs or improvements that have been made to the property.

It’s important to note that the appraiser is not required to take photos of every single detail of the property. However, they must take enough photos to accurately document the condition of the property and ensure that it meets FHA standards.

FHA Appraisal Checklist

When you’re applying for an FHA loan, your property will need to undergo an FHA appraisal, relatively hard to pass, to ensure that it meets the minimum standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Here’s a checklist of what you can expect the appraiser to look for during the FHA appraisal process.

FHA Appraisal Checklist For Underwriters

1. General Health and Safety: The appraiser will check for any health and safety issues that could pose a risk to occupants. This includes checking for lead-based paint in homes built before 1978, as well as any visible damage to the property that could cause harm.
2. Foundation or Structural Defects: The appraiser will inspect the foundation of the property to ensure that it is structurally sound and free from any defects. They will also look for any signs of settlement or movement, such as cracks in the walls or floors.
3. Utilities: The appraiser will check that all utilities, including water, sewage, heat, and electricity, are in working order. If any of these systems are not functioning properly, the appraiser will note it in their report.
4. Chipped or Peeling Paint: If the property was built before 1978, the appraiser will check for any chipped or peeling paint. This is because lead-based paint was commonly used before 1978, and can pose a health risk if it is ingested.
5. Incomplete Renovations: If the property has undergone any recent renovations, the appraiser will check to ensure that they have been completed properly and are up to code. They will also verify that any necessary permits were obtained.
6. Water Damage: The appraiser will inspect the property for any signs of water damage, including leaks, stains, and mold. If water damage is found, the appraiser will note it in their report and recommend that it be repaired.

By following this FHA appraisal checklist, you can ensure that your property is ready for the appraisal process and that you’re well-prepared for any potential red flags that may arise.