Can You Sell That Home To An FHA Buyer? 2017 FHA Minimum Property Standards

What Are FHA Loans?

The term “FHA mortgage” is not complete accurate, because technically, FHA loans should be called FHA-insured mortgages. Private mortgage lenders actually fund FHA home loans, and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) covers their losses if borrowers default.

are popular among U.S. home buyers and refinancing households.

However, the FHA has strict rules about property condition, and it won’t insure homes that fail to meet basic safety and habitability requirements.

Home buyers wishing to use FHA-backed financing should keep this in mind, because the property they finance will have to meet these minimum standards.

FHA Minimum Property Standards : Exterior

A “Marketable” Complete Home

FHA-insured homes must exist as single, marketable pieces of real estate. In fact, you can’t get a loan against a bedroom or kitchen within a given home, or an “in-law” apartment that’s part of a property.

Public Access To The Home

An FHA-insured property must be accessible without trespassing on an adjoining property. So, if the property is not directly accessible via public ways, the owner must obtain an easement providing direct access.

Safe Access

FHA-insured homes must be accessible for a pedestrian or vehicle from a public or private street with an all-weather surface. If the access street is privately owned, a homeowners association or agreement with other homeowners must cover the maintenance.

Absence Of Hazards

The FHA requires that its insured homes be free of health and safety hazards. Therefore, the property must not contain excessive pollution, radioactive materials or mudflows. However, homeowners can apply for additional financing to mitigate these conditions and make the property safe.

Full Exterior Walls

FHA mortgage guidelines require full-height walls separating structures on a property, or at the property line. If the full-height wall is an outer-most exterior wall, there must be enough space between buildings for wall maintenance.

Property Drainage

Grading must ensure that water drains away from building perimeter walls, and as a result, does not pond on the property.

Sound Construction

The FHA does not allow defective construction or poor workmanship. Therefore, an FHA appraisal must not find continuing building settlement, excessive dampness, leakage, decay, termites or any other condition that impairs safety, sanitation or structural soundness.

Roofing

FHA-insured homes must have water-tight roofs, and also no evidence of leakage or missing tiles, shingles, or flashing.

FHA Minimum Property Standards : Interior

Room Counts

An FHA-insured property must include adequate space for living, sleeping, cooking and dining. In addition, it must also provide sanitary facilities, including bathrooms with showers and/or bath tubs.

Sanitation

FHA homes must reliably supply safe drinking water. Also, FHA houses must provide sanitary facilities, safe sewage disposal, adequate heating, indoor hot water, and electricity.

Utilities

Water, gas, electric and sewer services for FHA-insured properties must be independent, because residents must be able to pay for and manage their own utility usage. In addition, homes in multi-unit buildings with shared utilities must each maintain a separate shut-off switch. However, it’s okay to have common services including laundry facilities, storage space or heating.

Attics And Crawl Spaces

The attics and crawl spaces of an FHA-insured home must have proper natural ventilation in order to reduce excess heat or moisture that can lead to structural decay or deterioration. Crawl spaces must be accessible and clear of debris.

Get Your FHA Mortgage Pre-Approved Now

FHA Minimum Property Standards protect both U.S. homeowners and the Federal Housing Administration. FHA-approved appraisers know what these standards are, and your appraisal will note any deficiencies.

By contacting FHA mortgage lenders, you can learn about property standards and find out what today’s FHA mortgage rates are. By shopping and comparing mortgage quotes from several competing lenders, you can increase your chances of finding the best rate and loan terms.