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The Body of Knowledge for Residential Real Estate Appraisal
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8 results for roof condition
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Here's what the guidelines say about roof condition: VA requires that the roof covering must prevent entrance of moisture and provide reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance—and VA does not require the appraiser to climb onto the roof to inspect it. When a roof cannot be viewed, the appraiser must explain why it's unobservable and document how the condition was determined; if available, other methods such as drones may be used. VA also specifies that when a defective roof has three or more layers of shingles, all old shingles must be removed before replacement. Fannie Mae does not have roof-specific condition standards in these passages, but its general rule applies: conditions that affect safety, soundness, or structural integrity (such as an active roof leak) require correction before closing and cannot be approved "as is." The FHA passage provided addresses appraiser qualifications and independence but does not specify roof-condition standards. Straight from VA Minimum Property Requirements (Ch. 12) and VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7) — nothing added.
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#1 HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1 Page 579
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B. Title II Insured Housing Programs Reverse Mortgages 2. Origination/Processing Handbook 4000.1 554 Last Revised: 8/12/2026 (a) Appraisal Integrity The Mortgagee is responsible…
HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1  ·  HUD_FHA_4000.1.pdf  ·  Page 579  ·  View at official source (HUD.gov — SFH Handbook 4000.1) →
B. Title II Insured Housing Programs Reverse Mortgages 2. Origination/Processing Handbook 4000.1 554 Last Revised: 8/12/2026 (a) Appraisal Integrity The Mortgagee is responsible for identifying any problems or potential problems with the integrity, accuracy, and thoroughness of an appraisal submitted to FHA for mortgage insurance purposes. Appraisers must comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), including the Competency Rule, when conducting appraisals of Properties intended as security for FHA-insured financing. In appraising any Property for the purpose of obtaining FHA mortgage insurance, the Appraiser must certify that they are capable of performing the appraisal because they have the necessary qualifications and access to all necessary data. The Mortgagee must ensure that FHA is listed on the appraisal report as an intended user of the appraisal. (b) Selection of a Qualified Appraiser The Mortgagee must order an appraisal from an Appraiser who is listed on the FHA Appraiser Roster and is qualified and knowledgeable in the specific market area in which the Property is located. The Mortgagee must evaluate the Appraiser’s education, training, and actual field experience to determine whether the Appraiser has sufficient qualifications to perform the appraisal before assignment. The Mortgagee may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or marital status in the selection of an Appraiser. (c) Use of Appraisal Management Company or Third-Party Contractors The Mortgagee may engage an Appraisal Management Company (AMC) to perform services related to the obtaining of an appraisal. The Mortgagee remains responsible for the acts of its AMC or third-party contractors. The Mortgagee may not pay the AMC and other third-party contractors fees in excess of what is customary and reasonable for such services in the market area where the Property being appraised is located. Any management fees must be for actual services related to the ordering, process, or review of an appraisal for FHA financing. (d) Appraiser Independence The Mortgagee must ensure it does not compromise the Appraiser’s independence.
#2 UAD 3.6 / URAR (FNMA) Page 106
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Dwelling Exterior Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 106 of 375 Version 1.3 Foundation Type (Choose all that apply) Allowable Answer Definition / Additional Guidance Basement…
UAD 3.6 / URAR (FNMA)  ·  Appendix F-1 URAR Reference Guide v1.3.pdf  ·  Page 106  ·  View at official source (fanniemae.com/uad) →
Dwelling Exterior Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 106 of 375 Version 1.3 Foundation Type (Choose all that apply) Allowable Answer Definition / Additional Guidance Basement Fully or partially below grade structural foundation style consisting of walls that bear weight on foundation footings running along the perimeter of the structure. Crawl Space A foundation style consisting of unfinished, typically narrow space between the building and the ground or the improved surface. Post and Pier A foundation style that consists of a series of posts connected to a frame that supports the structure above ground level. Runner A foundation style that consists of rows of concrete footings poured into the ground intended to support the structure. Slab A foundation style that consists of a slab of concrete that sits directly on grade supporting the structure. Other (Describe) Select Other to enter an answer that is not in the above list. Roof The Roof row always displays in the Exterior Features table. Dwelling Exterior: Quality and Condition - Exterior Features - Roof Report Field ID Report Label When to Include Allowable Answers / Format Definition / Additional Guidance 8.033 Detail Always required Yes | No Roof Observable: Indicates whether the majority of the roof is observable from ground level. • Yes • No (the individual performing the inspection was unable to make an informed determination on the condition status of the roof, such as when the roof is snow-covered) Notes: • If No, “(Unobservable)” displays. When the appraiser is unable to view the roof, explain why the roof is unobservable and report the results based on the assessment of the ceilings in Dwelling Exterior Commentary (8.061). • For government agency appraisals, reference the appropriate guidelines. 8.033 Detail Always required Choose one or more allowable answers from the Definition / Additional Guidance column Roof Material • Asbestos • Asphalt • Ceramic Tile • Clay • Composition • Concrete • Copper • Metal • Rubber • Slate • Solar Shingles • Synthetic • Tar/Gravel • Wood • Other (Describe) 8.033 Detail (Estimated Age) Always required Choose an allowable answer from the Definition / Additional Guidance column Estimated Age: The appraiser’s estimate of when the roof was last replaced. • Less than 1 year • 1-10 years • 10-20 years • More than 20 years Note: If there are varying ages for the roof, choose the one that best explains the Exterior Condition Rating.
#3 VA Minimum Property Requirements (Ch. 12) Page 33
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Requirements 12-33 26. Roof Covering Change Date March 28, 2019 • This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. Requirement The roof covering must: • prevent entrance of…
VA Minimum Property Requirements (Ch. 12)  ·  Ch12_Minimum_Property_Requirement_NEW 2022 02 17.pdf  ·  Page 33  ·  View at official source (VA.gov — Construction and Valuation) →
Requirements 12-33 26. Roof Covering Change Date March 28, 2019 • This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. Requirement The roof covering must: • prevent entrance of moisture, and • provide reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance. b. Multiple Shingle Layers When a defective roof with three or more layers of shingles must be replaced, all old shingles must first be removed. c. Appraiser Expectation The appraiser is not required to climb onto the roof. d. Appraisal Considerations when the Roof is Not Visible When the appraiser is unable to view the roof, the appraiser must explain why the roof is unobservable and report how the condition of the roof was determined. For example, a roof may be covered with snow yet the appraiser observed no evidence of leaks and documentation was provided to the appraiser verifying the age of the roof. If available, other methods such as drones could be utilized to show the area.
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