Chief Appraiser Says
Reading the actual guideline text below — never a general AI guess
Here's what the guidelines say about a cracked window: Fannie Mae treats cracked window glass as a minor condition and deferred maintenance example that doesn't affect safety, soundness, or structural integrity — meaning a property with cracked windows can be appraised "as is" without requiring repair, though the crack must still be reported. HUD/FHA requires that broken or cracked window glazing be replaced, with an exception only when the local Authority Having Jurisdiction requires specialized glazing (dual-pane, tempered, thermal-sealed) to be replaced in kind, in which case prior approval is needed. The UAD/Fannie Mae appraisal form treats windows with broken or missing panes as "Damaged and Nonfunctional" — a condition that must be reported — but cracked seals, painted-shut windows, or broken sash cords fall under "Damaged and Functional," meaning the window still works despite the damage.
Straight from HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1, VA guidelines, UAD 3.6/URAR, and Fannie Mae Selling Guide — nothing added.
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© Copyright Notice: © Fannie Mae. UAD 3.6 / URAR reference materials shown for research and reference only. Full documents available at fanniemae.com/uad. Reproduction restricted per Fannie Mae copyright policy.
© Copyright Notice: © 2026 Fannie Mae. Excerpts shown for research and reference only. Full document available at selling-guide.fanniemae.com. Reproduction restricted to Fannie Mae-approved lenders.
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III. SERVICING AND LOSS MITIGATION A. Title II Insured Housing Programs Forward Mortgages 2. Default Servicing Handbook 4000.1 1307 Last Revised: 8/12/2026 • reusing and rekeying existing locksets at sheds and outbuildings to the dwelling key code, if possible; • securing shed and outbuilding doors with a padlock and hasp if no other locking mechanism exists; and • boarding/securing the outbuildings if no doors or other securing mechanism exists. The Mortgagee may convey with boarded/secured outbuildings and sheds without prior approval. (v) Windows and Glazing The Mortgagee must secure all windows by: • employing or installing locking mechanisms on all windows; • removing all broken glass debris from the interior and exterior of the Property; and • replacing broken or cracked window glazing. Where the AHJ requires replacement of dual-pane, tempered, thermal-sealed or other specialized glazing in kind, the Mortgagee must obtain prior over-allowance approval from the MCM. The Mortgagee must not brace, nail shut, or otherwise block or damage the windows. (vi) Boarding/Securing of Property Openings Resecuring due to Vandalism or Unauthorized Property Access The Mortgagee must resecure and reglaze windows, doors, and other access openings when the Property has been vandalized or accessed without authorization. Boarding/Securing Required by the AHJ The Mortgagee may secure windows, doors, and other access openings by boarding/securing, if required by an AHJ, and may convey with such boarding/securing in place. Boarding/Securing where Unable to Secure by Other Methods The Mortgagee may request approval from the MCM to board/secure openings that cannot be protected by any other method or where an imminent safety hazard exists, and to convey with boarding in place. All boarding/securing materials that are leased or rented for the Mortgagee’s convenience must be removed prior to conveyance of the Property to HUD.
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Dwelling Exterior Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 103 of 375 Version 1.3 About Condition Status for Exterior Features Condition Status must be provided for each exterior…
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Dwelling Exterior Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 103 of 375 Version 1.3 About Condition Status for Exterior Features Condition Status must be provided for each exterior feature. If there are varying condition statuses for the exterior feature, choose the one that best explains the Exterior Condition Rating. Individual items that are noted to have defects, damages, or deficiencies must be reported in the Apparent Defects, Damages, and Deficiencies (Dwelling Exterior) subsection. If Recommended Action for the associated defect, damage, or deficiency is Repair, Condition Status must reflect the repaired state: • New or Like New, or • Typical Wear and Tear, or • Damaged and Functional Exterior Feature Condition Status (Choose one) Allowable Answer Definition / Additional Guidance New or Like New The feature is new or like new with no visible signs of use. Note: This would be the typical answer when New Construction (3.017) is Yes. Typical Wear and Tear The feature is fully functional and exhibits minimal wear and tear, with visible signs of use. Damaged and Functional The feature is damaged and exhibits moderate wear and tear but can still function as intended or designed. Examples: • Exterior Walls and Trim: Dents to siding or minor crack to masonry. • Foundation: Minor settlement cracks. • Roof: Roofing is worn or patched but with no apparent active leaks. • Windows: Broken seals, painted shut, or broken sash cords. Damaged and Nonfunctional The feature is damaged and exhibits significant wear and tear to the level that it can no longer function as intended or designed. Examples: • Exterior Walls and Trim: Damaged or missing siding or trim that allows weather intrusion. • Foundation: Damaged or failing foundation. • Roof: Active roof leaks. • Windows: Broken or missing panes. Note: If this answer is selected, individual damages and structural issues must be reported in the Apparent Defects, Damages, and Deficiencies (Dwelling Exterior) subsection.