What is a “Head and Shoulders” inspection?

When doing an FHA appraisal inspection the appraiser is required to make a “Head and Shoulders” Inspection. I received a question this week about a topic that I think most homeowners and many real estate agents are not aware of regarding FHA appraisal inspections. Appraisers are required to report on what they see in the attic […]

What is the FHA rule for security bars?

I was asked recently by a real estate agent what the FHA rule for security bars was so I decided to share my answer with you in case you’re interested. Loans with FHA financing are more restrictive and can potentially cause problems with the appraisal which can delay the closing. I’m going to review the […]

Appraisers, are you completing your FHA reports correctly?

FHA appraisals need to be completed subject to a termite inspection. This article explains the FHA/HUD requirements and how they have been misunderstood.

Are you worried that the home you’re buying with screw in fuses may not meet FHA/HUD guidelines?

I was looking at a home this week, for an FHA loan, that had screw in fuses. Have you ever seen these? They use to be common years ago, however at some point they were replaced with circuit breakers. I have been asked by homeowners and real estate agents if these fuses meet HUD’s minimum […]

FHA loans and messy homes

I recently appraised a home for a refinance loan that was not the neatest one I’ve ever seen. It was an appraisal for a conventional loan, which is not as strict as FHA loans are, so there were no issues or additional requirements. If this had been an FHA loan the appraisal may have turned […]

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