Top 10 FHA Appraisal Issues Homeowners Still Miss in 2025 (Yes, Still!)
fha appraisal
If you're preparing for an FHA home appraisal in Lincoln, Sacramento, Roseville, or Rocklin, you might be wondering—what is the appraiser actually looking for? Is it just square footage and kitchen counters? Or is it the creaky floorboard you’ve been pretending not to hear since 2017?
Let’s just say the FHA appraiser isn’t showing up to admire your granite countertops or comment on your collection of live, laugh, love signs. Their main concern? The Three S’s: Safety, Soundness, and Structure.
So, if you want to avoid delays, surprise repair requests, or, heaven forbid, blowing up your loan approval, read on. We’re breaking down the Top 10 FHA Appraisal Issues that continue to haunt unsuspecting homeowners (and their realtors).
1. Roof Problems: It’s Not Just About the Shingles
FHA appraisers want to know one thing: Will this roof survive another two years without leaking on someone’s dinner plate?
Leaking? Big red flag.
Shingles curling up like they’re trying to escape? Not a good look.
Missing sections entirely? Yeah… don’t even.
A roof that shows signs of active leaks or is visibly on its last breath may require repairs—or worse—a full re-roof. If it’s in good shape and has a couple of years left in it, you’re probably fine. But if it looks like it’s seen too many winters, you’re getting flagged.
2. Wet or Cracked Basements: Mysterious Moisture = Major Issue
Got a damp, musty basement that smells like forgotten gym socks? FHA says nope.
Visible cracks in walls or floors
Dampness or active leaks
Mold, mildew, or that telltale dark-stained corner
These are signs the foundation could be compromised—or at the very least, your basement’s auditioning for a horror film. Even if it’s not a structural issue now, the appraiser may require further inspection just to be safe.
3. Exposed or Damaged Electrical Wiring: Sparks Are Not a Selling Point
You’d be amazed how many homes—especially the DIY specials—have visible wires dangling like party streamers from the attic or garage.
FHA appraisers will look for:
Open electrical boxes
Frayed or exposed wiring
Improperly wired outlets (especially those without GFCI protection near water sources)
Even if the home is charmingly vintage, your wiring shouldn't look like it came out of a Frankenstein movie. Cover it up and have a licensed electrician double-check things before the big day.
4. Chipped or Peeling Paint in Pre-1978 Homes: Lead the Way... Out
If your home—or any structure on the property—was built before 1978, congratulations! It might be hiding lead-based paint like a fun little Easter egg from the past.
FHA appraisers will require:
Any chipping, peeling, or flaking paint to be scraped, sealed, and repainted
All paint chips removed from the property, including yard areas
No shortcuts—yes, even the shed counts
This one’s all about lead safety, so don’t skip it. What looks like cosmetic wear to you is a serious FHA no-no.
5. Termite Trouble: No One Wants a House Buffet
Unlike conventional loans, FHA appraisals only require a termite inspection if the appraiser sees signs of active infestation or damage. Translation: if they spot termite tracks or chewed wood, you’re getting a termite check—and fast.
So before the appraiser arrives, do a visual sweep for:
Wood rot
Sawdust piles
Mud tubes (those freaky little bug highways)
Better to find out now than later—especially if your buyer’s lender gets involved.
6–10: The Other FHA Offenders (Still Going Strong in 2025)
These are the "low-hanging red flags" your appraiser will definitely notice:
6. Non-Functioning or Improperly Wired Outlets
Test your outlets before inspection. Bonus points for GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms.
7. Inaccessible Areas
If your attic, crawlspace, or garage is blocked, the appraiser can’t do their job. Clear the path—or risk a re-inspection.
8. Utilities Not Turned On
No power = no functioning systems. The appraiser can’t assess HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or anything else. Make sure water, electric, and gas are on before inspection day.
9. No Safety Releases on Window Security Bars
Bars over bedroom windows? Cool for security—bad if someone can’t escape in a fire. They must have a quick-release latch.
10. Missing Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These are required by state and local codes. Detectors must be installed in hallways outside bedrooms (at minimum). No detector = instant repair request.
Don’t Wait for FHA Surprises—Get Ahead of the Appraiser
Some of these items can be fixed in a weekend. Others might require a little help from a contractor or specialist. Either way, being aware of what FHA appraisers look for helps you stay ahead of the game—and gets your transaction to the finish line faster.
If you're a seller, buyer, or agent in the Sacramento, Lincoln, Roseville, or Rocklin areas, give us a call. At California Home Appraisals, we’ve seen every FHA curveball in the book and know how to help you hit it out of the park.
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We specialize in:
FHA appraisals
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📞 Call us at (916) 521-5949
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Need help identifying potential FHA red flags before your inspection? Schedule a pre-appraisal consultation and let us take the guesswork out of the process. Because nothing ruins escrow like a surprise re-roof order.
