Subject To Inspection inspection of crawl space & attic appraisal.

[RSW]

I have a client that wants me to do a FHA appraisal subject to the inspection of the crawl space and attic. I am under the understanding that I cannot do this according to Revised appendix D, page 3 which states:

If unable to visually evaluate the improvements in their entirety, contact the lender and reschedule a time when a complete visual inspection can be performed. This includes access to the crawl space and attic. The appraiser is not required to disturb insulation, move personal items, furniture, equipment, plant life, soil, snow, ice or debris that obstructs access or visibility.



I am also required to make the statement that the subject meets or will meet HUD/FHA's minimum property requirements... How can I do a subject to the inspection of the crawl space and attic and make a comment that the subject meets or will me HUD/FHA's minimum property requirements if I have not visually inspected these areas.

My client has said they have contacted HUD and they said I can do it subject to the inspection of the crawl space and attic. I told them I would do it if I could get it in writing from HUD that it is ok. I would need to put it in my workfile for the subject property.

What say you on this matter?

 

[Kevin A. Spellman]

Put your arm into the attic space and the crawl space, shoot a photo and don't forget turn the flash on.

 

[RSW]

Put your arm into the attic space and the crawl space, shoot a photo and don't forget turn the flash on.

There is no access to the attic or the crawl space at all. The owner will have to cut a hole in the ceiling and remove some boards to the crawl space before I can view them.

 

[RSW]

I just got off the phone with HUD and they said I cannot do the appraisal subject to an inspection of the attic and crawl space since there may be other issues present that do not meet HUD/FHA's MPRs. They also said that it could be a USPAP violation if the appraisal was done subject to the inspections mentioned.

 

[Scott R Marshall]

Hate to say it but it sounds like a call to the client is needed explaining that in order to do the appraisal for FHA, access to the crawlspace and attic will have to be "installed" as it currently does not exist. There may be an argument with your client as it appears the two of you have gotten conflicting information. If your local HUD office is good at picking up the phone a recommend a conference call with HUD and your client to get to the bottom of the issue and prepare to lose another client for doing the right thing.

 

[PropertyEconomics]

I know an appraiser who was sued over a substandard floor joist system because there was no access ... needless to say .. dont see and take your chances.

 

[Kevin A. Spellman]

If the home is not properly vented and there is exposed earth in the crawl space that in itself creates the first problem, not the appraiser's visual inspection. I would interview the building department and ask if they permit homes to be built without proper vents for either a crawl space or an attic. Your assignment would fail to meet any standards for any type of lending up here in MA.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

I just got off the phone with HUD and they said I cannot do the appraisal subject to an inspection of the attic and crawl space since there may be other issues present that do not meet HUD/FHA's MPRs. They also said that it could be a USPAP violation if the appraisal was done subject to the inspections mentioned.

Get that in an email from the contact at HUD, fwd to "client", retain in workfile. Decline assignment as UnAcceptable. Offer to complete once access IS granted.

(always get requests, info, and confirmations in WRITING & retain in workfile) CYA :icon_idea: