Does an FHA loan require an inspection?

Question

I haven't found a clear cut answer, so I wanted to ask this awesome community!

I know that a FHA appraiser will also be inspecting for safety issues. But will I need to get an inspector to pass a loan? I know that I will need to get a inspector for my own knowledge, but will I need to get an inspection to get a loan?

Thank you! Any insight on this and what to expect from an FHA appraisal safety inspection would be great.

Wayne Brooks · Answer

Chris Mason Definitely agree! I've paid an FHA appraiser to do a 20 minute preliminary, non official, inspection to catch things I may not, prior to the FHA appraisal.

Allen Thomas · Answer

I definitely agree with that assessment.

Russell Brazil · Answer

Before you lock yourself into an FHA loan...you may want to consider the Homeready loan from Fannie Mae. It is also a low down payment loan. My qualm with FHA's is that they have the PMI permanently attached to the loan now. Although another consideration is that FHA loans are assumable, and if we do enter into a rising interest rate environment, that could be a nice selling point. (Im conjecturing as I actually like many of us have not been alive during a rising interest rate environment)

Chris Mason · Answer

FHA isn't all that much more of a pain IMO. A conventional appraisal, it's just market value being evaluated.

FHA, they're ensuring there aren't health/safety issues too.

You can tell your local lender to get his ass out of the office and come look at the property a few days before the appraisal. Remember that your go-to lender probably does 4-10x as many deals as you do as you do as a realtor, we've all got a longer list of stupid $1.99 BS things that created FHA appraisal issues, your lender can look for them.

Sometimes it's something as simple as "move that damn couch over here so this isn't visible."

Allen Thomas · Answer

FHA requirements are typically much more stringent. You can probably google them. But I definitely almost lost a deal over missing outlet and light switch covers. $1.99 a piece. Ridiculous.

Wayne Brooks · Answer

No, mostly safety-exposed electrical, trip hazards, properly functioning electrical/plumbing, etc. and wood rot, peeling paint(sometimes) functioning kitchen appliances (only if they are present-not required), etc.

Hae-Yuan Chang · Answer

@Wayne Brooks

Thanks Wayne! In your experience, would things like tables and outdoor showers against the outer wall be a problem? Or is it an inspection primarily on safety? Thanks!

Wayne Brooks · Answer

The FHA inspector does the only inspection required by FHA.  You of course want your own inspection, and an insurance co. will require a wind mitigation report, and if more than 30 years old, a 4 point inspection (get them done at the same time, by the home inspector).

Does an FHA loan require an inspection?

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