Buying or selling a home can be a daunting process, and understanding the appraisal process is an essential part of that journey. The Veterans Affairs (VA) or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) appraisal process is a crucial step in the home buying or selling process, and it is important for both buyers and sellers in Wisconsin to understand how it works.
The VA / FHA appraisal process is designed to ensure that the property being purchased meets certain minimum standards. These standards are in place to protect both the buyer and the lender, as the lender wants to ensure that the property is worth the amount of money being borrowed.
Minimum Standards for VA / FHA Appraisals
The FHA has set minimum property standards for homes to be eligible for FHA-insured loans. These standards are designed to ensure that the property is safe, sanitary, and structurally sound. Some of the minimum standards for FHA appraisals include:
- The property must be free of any health and safety hazards that could harm the occupants.
- The roof must be in good condition and able to withstand typical weather conditions.
- The foundation must be in good condition and not have any significant cracks or other damage.
- The electrical, heating, and plumbing systems must be in good working order.
- The property must have adequate drainage and be free of any water damage.
Typical Types of Repairs
If the property being appraised does not meet the minimum standards, the appraiser will provide a list of necessary repairs. These repairs must be made before the loan can be approved. Common repairs required by FHA appraisers include:
- Repair or replacement of broken windows, doors, or screens.
- Repair or replacement of leaky or damaged roofs.
- Installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Repair or replacement of faulty electrical, heating, or plumbing systems.
- Repair of any structural damage to the foundation or walls.
What is Not Required?
It is important to note that the FHA appraisal process does not require the property to be in perfect condition. The appraiser is not looking for cosmetic issues, such as chipped paint or stained carpet. Instead, the appraiser is primarily concerned with health and safety issues and major structural defects.
Similarities and Differences between VA / FHA Appraisal Processes
While the FHA and VA appraisal processes share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two. Like the FHA, the VA has set minimum property standards for homes to be eligible for VA loans. However, the VA also requires an inspection of the property’s mechanical and structural systems, which is not required by the FHA.
Also, the VA requires termite inspections in the following Wisconsin counties:
Wood-destroying insect information is required in the following counties:
- Columbia
- Crawford
- Dane
- Dodge
- Grant
- Green
- Iowa
- Jefferson
- Kenosha
- Lafayette
- Milwaukee
- Ozaukee
- Racine
- Richland
- Rock
- Sauk
- Vernon
- Walworth
- Washington
- Waukesha
Misconceptions About the VA / FHA Appraisal Process
One common misconception about the appraisal process is that the appraiser is working for the buyer or the seller. In reality, the appraiser is hired by the lender to provide an unbiased opinion of the value of the property.
Another common misconception is that the appraisal is the same as a home inspection. While the appraiser may note any health and safety issues, their primary focus is on the value of the property, not its condition.
Options for Buyers and Sellers if Repairs are Required
If the appraiser requires repairs before the loan can be approved, there are several options available to both the buyer and the seller.
The requirements for repairs on a VA or FHA loan depend on the lender and the type of loan you are applying for. VA buyers can pay for home repairs needed to close a loan, even if they’re issues related to the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements. On the other hand, FHA loans and other government-backed loans (like USDA and VA) might require an appraisal and repairs before you can get approved. If using a VA loan to buy a home, there are some lenders that required repairs that are specific to VA loans. Ultimately, the repairs must be completed before the closing for the loan to be approved.
The seller can choose to make the necessary repairs themselves, or they can offer the buyer a credit to cover the cost of the repairs. Alternatively, the buyer can choose to take on the responsibility of making the repairs themselves after closing.
Is a Conventional Loan Appraisal Significantly Easier?
Conventional loans are not insured or guaranteed by the federal government, unlike FHA and VA loans. Because of this, the appraisal process for a conventional loan can be somewhat different.
One significant difference is that the appraiser is not required to follow specific guidelines when appraising the property. Instead, the appraiser uses their professional judgment to determine the value of the property based on factors such as location, size, and condition.
While the appraisal requirements for conventional loans may be less stringent than those for FHA or VA loans, the lender may still require repairs to be made before the loan can be approved. The lender may also require a home inspection to be performed to ensure that the property is in good condition.
Another difference between conventional loans and FHA or VA loans is the down payment requirement. While FHA and VA loans may require a lower down payment, a conventional loan may require a down payment of 20% or more. However, there are conventional loan programs available that allow for a lower down payment, such as the Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible programs.
In general, the appraisal process for conventional loans can be less complicated than that for FHA or VA loans. However, it is still important for buyers and sellers to understand the appraisal process and the potential requirements for repairs or inspections. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent or loan officer can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that all parties are satisfied with the outcome.
You may want to take a look at the following related posts:
VA Appraisals: Understanding the Tidewater Act and Reconsideration of Value (ROV)
VA Loans and Student Loans For Military Personnel: What You Need To Know
Buying Your First Home in Wisconsin? Here’s Why You Need an MRP
