HUD escrow repair (completed by potential homebuyer)

[Sara Wilson]

My home inspection went great and we signed all the official loan documents the following day. The only item listed by HUD (escrow repair) was the aluminum soffit and fascia (around $300).

Our loan officer suggested that we make the repair ourselves. Afterwards, he would ask the FHA appraiser to come back out to the property.

Since HUD already knows some of the soffit is missing. I'm worried HUD could deny us the home and take the earnest money if I make the repair.

Should I listen to the loan officer and follow through with the repair? What if the neighbors reported us working on the house?

My Uncle is a licensed contractor; thus I know it would be completed correctly. But, that's besides the point I'm trying to get across.

Should I just escrow it into the loan (it's only $300)?

My loan officer did mention that we are running close to the 60 day 'closing' deadline (set by HUD). I'm not sure if means the escrow repair could put us over the deadline.