Short answerAn FHA appraiser estimates value and checks that the house meets HUD's property standards in Handbook 4000.1: safe, secure, and sound. Common required repairs are defective paint on homes built before 1978, missing handrails, roof problems, electrical hazards, and utilities not on. In 2026 HUD proposed revising these standards; proposals do not apply until adopted.
What gets checked
- Defective paint, with lead rules for homes built before 1978.
- Handrails, stairs, and trip hazards.
- Roof condition and leaks.
- Heating, electrical, and plumbing working safely.
- Water supply and sewage disposal.
- Crawlspace and attic access and condition.
The lender decides which repairs must be done before closing. Overview of all three programs: what FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers flag.
Frequently asked questions
Is an FHA appraisal a home inspection?
No. It checks value and minimum standards. Get a home inspection too.
Do repairs have to be done before closing?
Usually, unless the lender allows an escrow for certain items.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
- HUD Handbook 4000.1, Single Family Housing Policy Handbook
- HUD FHA Drafting Table, proposed revisions, September 2026
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.