Four FHA required repairs

FHA requirements have changed a lot since 2006. There are still four main FHA required repairs that an FHA appraiser must automatically call for further inspection. Here they are.

Standing water against the foundation or basements that are too damp. standing water or water seeping into the interior of the home or in the crawl space can cause structural damage, insect breeding grounds or drowning hazards. If you have standing water next to your home or water in your basement or crawl space, get this taken care of before the FHA appraiser gets to your home. The FHA appraiser will automatically require inspection for the item listed above.

Hazardous materials on the size:  If you have hazardous material on the site or in the soil, FHA will require automatic inspection. Things of concern would be large area in the back yard where no grass grows and no explanation as to why or barrels with hazardous material located on the property, etc.

Defective mechanical systems such as electrical, plumbing and heating:  Make sure that all of your water turns on (both hot and cold water). Make sure your toilets flush properly. Make sure your heat turns on. Make sure your lights turn on. Make sure you don't have any exposed wires hanging out of your electrical box. If your home looks dangerous to you, it will look dangerous to an FHA appraiser. Fix these item and make sure all mechanical systems are in good working order.

Structural walls failing or bulging foundational walls:  If there are some issues with the foundation walls, FHA will automatically require inspection. Your home may not be approved for FHA loan if your home has structural problems. These items will automatically call for further inspections to determine the structure and safety of the home. If an engineer signs off that your home is safe, your home may still be acceptable for an FHA loan.

To learn more about FHA appraisals, go to

http://www.increasehomevalue.org/FHAappraisalguidelines.html