FHA Appraisal Checklist

FHA Home Appraisal Checklist

FHA appraisals can take home buyers by surprise. That’s why we’ve put together some good-to-know information about the FHA home appraisal process.

If you’re using an FHA loan to buy a home (or selling to FHA borrowers), the property must pass an FHA appraisal, which determines the current market value and assures the house meets certain safety standards. Here is a list of items an FHA appraiser may look for:

General Health and Safety

  • Foundation or structural defects
  • Whether the utilities (water, sewage, heat, and electricity) all work
  • Chipped or peeling paint in homes built before 1978
  • Incomplete renovations
  • Water damage
  • If the property is accessible to vehicles, especially emergency vehicles
  • Exposed wiring and uncovered junction boxes
  • Whether the house is too close to outside hazards, such as a leaking oil tank or a waste dump
  • Excessive noise, such as being close to an airport
  • Missing handrails

Exterior

  • Leaky or defective roof and holes in the siding
  • Leaning or broken fencing
  • Doors that don’t properly open or close
  • Condition of gutters, chimney, stairs, railings, and porches
  • If swimming pools are up to code

Every Room

  • Whether each room has electricity
  • Whether each room has a window or door to the exterior to be used as a fire escape

Kitchen

  • Missing or broken appliances usually sold with a home, including stove and refrigerator
  • Broken or leaking sink

Bathrooms

  • Broken or leaking toilet, sink, or tub/shower
  • No ventilation (either an exhaust fan or window)

Crawl space or basement

  • Basement moisture
  • Evidence of past or present standing water

Heating and Plumbing

  • Inoperable HVAC
  • Major plumbing issues and leaks

These are some common items an FHA appraiser looks for, but other issues that might make a house unsafe could keep it from passing. An FHA appraisal is not the same as an independent home inspection. It’s still a good idea to get a separate home inspection to make sure you’re making a wise investment!

For more information on FHA loans, FHA appraisals or to apply for an FHA loan please contact our office for free loan consultation.