Expert: Diann Tonnesen - 8/17/2008

Question
I would like to know if there is a quide for a home seller on getting your home into shape to pass an FHA inspection

Answer
There is no "guide" that I know of to get your home ready to pass an FHA inspection. Even the HUD site just links to an external site on things to do to get your home ready to sell.

http://www.hud.gov/selling/index.cfm

Generally speaking, however, you do have to have your home in decent overall condition. The carpeting must be of minimum FHA grade (if replacing carpeting, the carpet store will be able to tell you what meets FHA standards) and it cannot be ripped or soiled to the point where it cannot be reasonably cleaned. At a minimum there must be a stove and range hood in the property, air conditioning and heating units must be installed and operable (in some areas A/C is not already installed and that is permissable), all sinks and tubs must be in place and operable, the roof must have a minimum of two years of life expectancy and not have any major leaks, the electrical system must be safe and operable (no uncovered outlets or wiring), firewalls cannot be breached by pet or attic storage doors, and paint must not be too peeling.

When getting your home ready, if you notice anything that looks like a code violation, fix it, as that will surely be an FHA condition. After an inspection, if there is anything that is deficient, usually you will have a short time period to get the deficient items fixed.  But normally the inspectors are a bit "easier" if there is nothing glaring, so it is best to try and be prepared.

Hope these general ideas help, and if there is anything in particular you want to ask about, please feel free!