Vine covered home

[pgerarde]

I did an appraisal on a home that was completely (no I'm not kidding...I saw only one small place under a window that showed that that small area was in average condition.

It wis an FHA and I required an inspection by a qualified professional as most of the home could not be seen and the vines were very thick. I did not note any interior conditions on these walls. The roof was foam and could also not be seen.

I just received the following from the lender wishing me to take off my comments.

"The borrower has a lot of money and time invested in his landscaping and he is concerned with the exterior home inspection that it would mess up all of his work. Did you see something specific on the exterior that might need a home inspection? I ask this because you state “could not actually see much of the home”. If you did not see anything specific on the exterior can you remove the comment “As the home was overgrown with vines that appraiser could not actually see much of the home to determine if there were any exterior conditions. An inspection by a qualified professional is required to determine if the home meets HUD requirements.” This is on page 11 at the top of the addendum."

I know I did not see anything...but due to the heavy vines I also could not report that it was fine and meet HUD requirements.

Has anyone else run into this type of problem that could give me some guidance?

God bless,
Patti in Chino Valley, AZ

 

[Smokey Bear]

What kind of vine? Some of them can do significant damage to a a house. AND if it's covered that much, you can't see enough of the exterior to meet your inspection requirements anyway.

 

[pgerarde]

Not a plant person. But I do know that that much plant life on a home especially with siding could be a problem for the exterior of the home. That is why I feel someone with experience in this area should verify that there is no damage.

I can tell the lender and owner do not wish me to go this route. By the way the home is over 50 years old and these plants have been growing for a long time. The whole property was overgrown and felt like I was in the garden of eden....ok I'm sure it is not THAT old!!

God bless,
Patti in Chino Valley, AZ

 

[Pilgrum]

Pictures? Please.

 

[RSW]

I believe I would not change the report. You are only to speak with the DI UW about the appraisal after it is submitted anyway. Was it the LO that contacted you about this?

 

[pgerarde]

It is indeed the loan officer. I tend to think they have not submitted to DI UW yet...

God bless,
Patti in Chino Valley, AZ

 

[Midwest1]

Leave it in. let the UW decide to waive it.

 

[hglenbetts]

aaaaaaaaaaaa

 

[TEL2002]

The roots on the vines can do serious damage to walls. Of course in AZ you don't have much problem with rain, so it may not be a problem.

I'm thinking of all of the water that these vines need. Seems like illogical to have this type of 'landscaping' in a place that has water shortage issues.

 

[Frederick]

I had one years ago and sent photos and a memo stating that I could not complete the HUD inspection protocol per Appendix D because I was unable to observe all areas of the house as required and make a determination of compliance with Minimum HUD Property requirements.

That was the end of that.

You may be charged with liability for any condition obscured by the vines. You may claim the defect was not "readily observable" and not be held liable but your defense will still cost you money, time and heartache. Why bother?