Preparing for an FHA home appraisal can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time dealing with FHA requirements. The truth is, FHA appraisals are not complicated once you understand what the appraiser is looking for. Even better, most FHA issues are simple, inexpensive fixes you can take care of before the inspection.

After performing FHA appraisals for more than 25 years throughout the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro, I have seen the same avoidable problems show up again and again. The goal of this guide is simple: help you pass your FHA appraisal the first time and avoid costly re-inspection fees and closing delays.

⭐️ If you are here just for the checklist, scroll down to section 5 ⭐️

1. What an FHA Home Appraisal Is and Why Preparation Matters 🔍

An FHA appraisal is similar to a traditional appraisal but includes an additional review of the home’s safety, soundness, and security. These items must be corrected before the loan can close, not afterward.

Many homeowners assume these issues are minor and can be fixed later, but FHA loans do not allow for that. If the appraiser identifies a safety concern, a re-inspection is required. This creates delays and adds extra cost to the process.

Preparing ahead of time is the best way to make sure your FHA appraisal moves forward smoothly.

2. The Most Common FHA Issues I See in Minneapolis - St. Paul Homes ⚠️

These are the problems I run into the most, and almost all of them are extremely easy to fix before the appraisal.

Missing or improperly located smoke and carbon monoxide alarms 🚨
This is the number one reason for FHA delays. Placement matters, not just whether alarms exist.
Fix: Install alarms on every level, inside every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.

No attic access 🪜
If I cannot access the attic, I cannot complete the FHA inspection. This is an extremely common oversight.
Fix: Clear the attic scuttle. Make sure it is not painted shut or blocked with storage.

Chipping or peeling paint 🎨
Homes built before 1978 are especially important due to lead safety concerns, but even newer homes can be flagged if deteriorating paint creates a safety issue.
Fix: Scrape, repaint, and clean up any chips before the appraisal.

Exposed electrical components 🔌
Missing outlet covers or visible wiring are automatic safety concerns.
Fix: Install outlet covers and correct any exposed wiring.

3. A Real Example: A Simple $20 Repair The Ended Up Costing $200

I once reminded a homeowner to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the correct locations before their FHA appraisal. They brushed it off as a minor detail.

When I arrived, the alarms still were not installed correctly. The lender required a re-inspection after the homeowner fixed the issue.

That simple $20 oversight resulted in:

• A $200 re-inspection fee

• A one week delay in processing

• Unnecessary stress around the closing timeline

  
  

Compare that to homeowners who take ten minutes to prepare. Their FHA inspections usually pass with no issues at all.

4. Why Lenders Usually Do Not Prepare You, But I Will 📞

Even though FHA appraisals are through a lender, they rarely inform homeowners of common issues. Most people go into the appraisal with no guidance - then they are surprised when something simple ends up delaying the loan.

Here is what every homeowner should know:

• All safety issues must be corrected before closing

• Almost all FHA fixes are inexpensive and easy to complete

• Preparing ahead of time saves money and prevents delays

5. FHA Home Appraisal Preparation Checklist 📝

If you only read one section of this article, make it this one. It will save you time and money.

Safety Items 🔐

• Smoke alarms installed in every bedroom

• Carbon monoxide alarms installed outside all sleeping areas - within 10 feet

• Outlet covers installed wherever missing

Access 🚪

• Attic scuttle clear and reachable

• Electrical panel, furnace, water heater, and crawlspaces accessible

• All rooms unlocked and accessible

Misc 🏠

• No chipping or peeling paint - both interior and exterior

• Handrails installed where needed

• Steps and walkways safe and secure

Utilities 💧💡🔥

• Water, electricity, and heat turned on

• Lights, switches, faucets, and toilets functioning

Completing these items before the appraiser arrives greatly increases your chance of passing the FHA inspection on the first visit.

6. Final Thoughts 🌟

Most FHA appraisal issues can be prevented in less than an hour with simple fixes. After completing FHA appraisals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro for nearly 25 years, I can say with confidence that homeowners who prepare ahead of time almost always pass on the first visit and avoid paying for a re-inspection. 👍