Does FHA require a home inspection, and who performs it?
FHA requires an appraisal, not a home inspection. The appraisal is performed by an FHA roster appraiser, who must be state certified at the Certified Residential or Certified General level and listed on the Appraisal Subcommittee's National Registry. The roles differ: the appraiser estimates the home's value compared with similar properties, while a home inspector examines the property for damage, wear and tear, and issues that need repair.
No. FHA requires an appraisal, not a home inspection. An FHA Roster appraiser, who must hold a Certified Residential or Certified General credential, determines market value and verifies HUD Minimum Property Standards covering safety, soundness, and security. An FHA appraisal is not a home inspection; an inspection is a more detailed examination of the property's overall condition.
Sources: Colorado DRE: Appraiser Qualifying Education, Experience and Examination Requirements; Colorado DRE: Appraiser Steps for Initial Licensure, Levels of Licensure and Certification.
No, FHA does not require a home inspection. The FHA appraisal is a separate step performed for the lender to confirm a home meets safety, soundness, and security standards, while an inspection is for the buyer's benefit and remains optional. FHA appraisals are performed only by state certified appraisers (Certified Residential or Certified General) who appear on the Appraisal Subcommittee's National Registry and the FHA roster.
Sources: Indiana PLA: real estate appraiser licensing information (applications, fee schedule, renewal); Indiana Real Estate Appraiser Licensure and Certification Board (PLA): home page.
FHA's requirement runs through the appraisal: the FHA Roster appraiser must make a complete visual inspection of the property, interior and exterior, and complete the Valuation Conditions form. The appraiser is only required to note readily observable conditions, and required repairs are limited to those necessary to preserve the property's continued marketability and protect the health and safety of occupants.
Sources: ASC Compliance Review of Nebraska's Appraiser Regulatory Program (Final Report, March 24, 2025); ASC: Nebraska appraiser regulatory program profile.
No, FHA does not require a home inspection, and an FHA appraisal is not a substitute for one. The appraisal that FHA does require is performed by a state-certified appraiser (Certified Residential or Certified General) listed on the FHA Appraiser Roster, and it determines the home's market value and whether it meets HUD standards for safety, soundness, and security.
Sources: Wisconsin DSPS: Appraiser, Licensed profession page; Wisconsin DSPS: Appraiser, Licensed — Licensure by Examination.