No Central HVAC - Fannie Mae Policy

[glenn walker]

So Fannie Mae won't purchase the mortgage of such a property from the lender?

How do you know it's being sold to Fannie Mae ? Ask lenders Underwriters or someone who knows .

 

[Carnivore]

Amazing I ask AI-Co-Pilot what does fannie Mae say about minimum heat source for a house: answer below
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Fannie Mae doesn’t spell out a rigid checklist for heating systems, but their Selling Guide (B2-3-01) emphasizes that a property must be safe, sound, structurally secure, and suitable for year-round use. That last part is where heat comes into play.

Here’s the gist:

• Permanent Heat Source: While not explicitly required in all cases, most lenders interpret “year-round use” to mean the home must have a reliable, permanently installed heat source—not just plug-in space heaters or a fireplace.
• Market Acceptance Matters: Fannie Mae expects the heating system to be typical for the neighborhood and acceptable in the local market. So a pellet stove might fly in a rural area, but not in a suburban tract where central HVAC is the norm.
• ️ Appraiser’s Role: Appraisers must note the type of heat source and assess whether it affects value or marketability. If the system is inadequate or unconventional, they’re expected to flag it.

In short, Fannie Mae leaves room for interpretation, but the heat source must support healthful, comfortable living and meet local expectations. If you’re dealing with a borderline case—say, baseboard heaters or a wall unit—it’s smart to check with the lender and
appraiser before assuming it’ll pass. Want to dig into how FHA or VA differ on this?

it’s smart to check with the lender

 

[Logan1111]

Permanently installed, but temporary power supply?

Temporary, if someone unplugs it, yes. =)

 

[Logan1111]

Amazing I ask AI-Co-Pilot what does fannie Mae say about minimum heat source for a house: answer below
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fannie Mae doesn’t spell out a rigid checklist for heating systems, but their Selling Guide (B2-3-01) emphasizes that a property must be safe, sound, structurally secure, and suitable for year-round use. That last part is where heat comes into play.

Here’s the gist:

• Permanent Heat Source: While not explicitly required in all cases, most lenders interpret “year-round use” to mean the home must have a reliable, permanently installed heat source—not just plug-in space heaters or a fireplace.
• Market Acceptance Matters: Fannie Mae expects the heating system to be typical for the neighborhood and acceptable in the local market. So a pellet stove might fly in a rural area, but not in a suburban tract where central HVAC is the norm.
• ️ Appraiser’s Role: Appraisers must note the type of heat source and assess whether it affects value or marketability. If the system is inadequate or unconventional, they’re expected to flag it.

In short, Fannie Mae leaves room for interpretation, but the heat source must support healthful, comfortable living and meet local expectations. If you’re dealing with a borderline case—say, baseboard heaters or a wall unit—it’s smart to check with the lender and
appraiser before assuming it’ll pass. Want to dig into how FHA or VA differ on this?

it’s smart to check with the lender

Yes, I believe it to be safe, sound, structurally secure, and suitable for year-round use(per specs page yes). I have not personally used one, but I would assume the packaging is correct. They have put these in every bedroom in order to provide permanent heat.

 

[Carnivore]

I as not questioning your post or trying to step on you. I took this opportunity to use AI-Copilot to see what it knew about your question.
It's amazing how much it does know.

Your Cool.