Attic/crawl Space Inspection

[David S]

Got a Engagement letter from a new AMC:

ATTIC/CRAWL SPACE: If the subject has an
attic or crawl space, a head and shoulders inspection must be made with a photo taken of the area.

Are we suppose to carry a ladder with it and climb up to attic and take the photo for crawl space as well? Sometime there is always some personal belongings to cover the crawl space entrance though.

Anyone got this requirement before? Thanks!

 

[CCAAMO]

its and FHA requirement. Is the order for FHA?

 

[David S]

its and FHA requirement. Is the order for FHA?

It is generic EL, has FHA guideline there as well. But this assignment is NOT FHA loan.

 

[CCAAMO]

ok so its a lender requirement for this lender. I would do a head and shoulders inspection. I you don't want to bring a ladder ask the owner if they have one. Its not a bid deal

 

[Tom4value]

I am an FHA appraiser so a step ladder is always in my trunk.

New FHA guideline is they did away with the term, “head and shoulders”. This is because some attics simply cannot be safely accessed. FHA states that you are not expected to move personal items or try and access the attic if it is not safe (in triple-deckers, the scuttle is generally over the rear stairwell).

I mentioned FHA because if you encounter this, you can explain to your client why you can’t access the attic. Same goes for crawl spaces.

 

[NC Appraising]

Got a Engagement letter from a new AMC:

ATTIC/CRAWL SPACE: If the subject has an
attic or crawl space, a head and shoulders inspection must be made with a photo taken of the area.

Are we suppose to carry a ladder with it and climb up to attic and take the photo for crawl space as well? Sometime there is always some personal belongings to cover the crawl space entrance though.

Anyone got this requirement before? Thanks!

Decline the assignment? But then again, I bet if the AMC told the PDC to do it, they would. How much more business do you want to lose?

I have one AMC that requires me to measure decks patios, pics of the open electric panel, hvac, etc for conv. Stupid

If the pay is there....i do it.

Or buy this https://www.amazon.com/Telescoping-...llapsible/dp/B09SKZ7WD7/?tag=realestatappraat

Fwiw, HUD guidelines removed head and shoulders.......I realize this assignment is conventional....just giving you a heads up just incase heads and shoulder is in your canned statement.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Long selfie stick. Take pictures in attic. Let them prove you were not "head and shoulders" deep. Ditto crawl space, poke the selfie back there and snap a flash shot or two. I would about as soon use a ladder as some of the rickety drop stairs I've seen lately.

 

[David S]

Thank all! Just contact AMC again. Yes, they said it only apply to FHA loan and not this convention loan. They mixed together.

 

[Sadie]

Got a Engagement letter from a new AMC:

ATTIC/CRAWL SPACE: If the subject has an
attic or crawl space, a head and shoulders inspection must be made with a photo taken of the area.

Are we suppose to carry a ladder with it and climb up to attic and take the photo for crawl space as well? Sometime there is always some personal belongings to cover the crawl space entrance though.

Anyone got this requirement before? Thanks!

Well, yes, if you agreed to the assignment. I do.

 

[sputnam]

Got a Engagement letter from a new AMC:

ATTIC/CRAWL SPACE: If the subject has an
attic or crawl space, a head and shoulders inspection must be made with a photo taken of the area.

Are we suppose to carry a ladder with it and climb up to attic and take the photo for crawl space as well? Sometime there is always some personal belongings to cover the crawl space entrance though.

Anyone got this requirement before? Thanks!

Yes.. you are supposed to carry a ladder. Observation of the attic space has been an FHA requirement for decades. The requirement of a photo is newer.. but still not new. If the Client requires it, you either do it or decline the assignment. Good idea to ask the property contact about the nature of the attic access... scuttle, drop stair, etc... when you set the inspection appointment. If there is a drop stair, no need to bring your ladder.