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FHA Appraisal

HUD-compliant appraisals for FHA-insured home loans

FHA loans help millions of Americans achieve homeownership with lower down payments and more flexible credit requirements. FHA appraisals, however, have unique requirements beyond standard property valuations. As FHA-approved appraisers, we understand HUD guidelines and ensure your property meets all health, safety, and marketability standards required for FHA financing.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer using an FHA 203(b) loan, refinancing with an FHA Streamline, or purchasing a fixer-upper with FHA 203(k) financing, our comprehensive FHA appraisals provide the detailed property assessment and valuation that HUD and FHA lenders require.

What Makes FHA Appraisals Different

FHA appraisals include additional requirements to protect buyers and lenders

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Health and Safety Standards

FHA requires properties to be safe, sound, and secure. We inspect for hazards, structural issues, and code violations that could impact habitability or safety.

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More Rigorous Inspection

Beyond valuation, we assess mechanical systems, structural integrity, roof condition, and foundation to ensure the property meets minimum property standards.

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Required Repairs

Certain deficiencies must be repaired before loan approval. We identify required repairs and distinguish them from recommended maintenance.

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HUD Guidelines

All appraisals must follow HUD Handbook 4000.1 requirements and use FHA-specific forms and reporting standards.

FHA Loan Programs We Support

FHA 203(b) Purchase

Standard FHA loan for home purchases with as little as 3.5% down payment.

FHA Streamline Refinance

Quick refinance for existing FHA borrowers with minimal documentation and no appraisal required in many cases.

FHA 203(k) Renovation

Financing that includes purchase price plus renovation costs for fixer-upper properties.

FHA Cash-Out Refinance

Refinance to access home equity while maintaining FHA insurance benefits.

FHA Rate/Term Refinance

Refinance to lower interest rate or change loan terms without taking cash out.

FHA Condo Approval

Appraisals for condominiums in FHA-approved condo projects.

Common FHA Property Requirements

Issues we evaluate during FHA inspections

Roof Condition

Minimum 2 years remaining useful life; repairs required for leaks or structural damage

Foundation & Structure

No significant cracks, settlement, or structural deficiencies that affect safety

Mechanical Systems

Heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems must be functional and safe

Water and Sewage

Adequate water supply and sewage disposal meeting local requirements

Peeling Paint (Pre-1978)

Lead-based paint hazards must be addressed in homes built before 1978

Access and Safety

Safe access to property, proper handrails, no trip hazards or safety issues

Windows and Doors

All windows and doors must be functional with no broken glass or missing components

Attic and Crawl Space

Adequate ventilation, insulation, and no evidence of moisture or pest issues

Our FHA Appraisal Expertise

FHA-Approved Appraiser

Fully approved on the FHA Appraiser Roster with extensive experience in HUD-compliant appraisals.

HUD Guideline Knowledge

Current with all FHA requirements including Handbook 4000.1 and recent policy updates.

Thorough Inspections

Comprehensive property evaluation covering all FHA health, safety, and soundness requirements.

Clear Reporting

Detailed reports clearly identifying required repairs vs. recommended maintenance, avoiding delays.

Local Market Expertise

30+ years of Bay Area experience with knowledge of local building codes and common property issues.

FHA Appraisal Process

1

Assignment from Lender

Your FHA lender orders the appraisal through the FHA Appraiser Roster.

2

Property Inspection

Comprehensive inspection covering all HUD minimum property standards.

3

Analysis & Valuation

Market analysis and value determination using FHA-approved methodology.

4

Report Submission

Completed appraisal report submitted to lender via FHA portal.

5

Repair Completion (if needed)

Required repairs completed and verified before loan closing.

What's Included in Your FHA Appraisal

  • Complete HUD-compliant property inspection
  • Health, safety, and soundness evaluation
  • Market value determination using FHA methodology
  • Identification of required repairs and conditions
  • Comparable sales analysis
  • Professional property photographs
  • FHA-specific forms and certifications
  • Direct submission to FHA portal

Important FHA Appraisal Facts

FHA Appraisals Stay With the Property

FHA appraisals remain valid for 120 days and "stick" to the property. If your deal falls through, the appraisal transfers to the next FHA buyer, which can be beneficial or challenging depending on the appraised value.

Required Repairs Must Be Completed

Unlike conventional loans where buyers can often waive inspection contingencies, FHA-required repairs must be completed before loan closing. Factor this into your timeline and negotiations.

Appraiser Independence

FHA appraisers are assigned through the lender's approved appraiser roster. Buyers and sellers cannot select or influence the appraiser choice, ensuring independent valuations.

Need an FHA Appraisal?

Work with an FHA-approved appraiser who understands HUD requirements