Reading the actual guideline text below — never a general AI guess

Here's what the guidelines say about roof condition: We use four distinct categories to report how the roof is actually performing: "New or Like New," "Typical Wear and Tear," "Damaged and Functional," or "Damaged and Nonfunctional." When different parts of the roof are in different states, we pick whichever category best fits the overall exterior rating. VA tells us that appraisers don't have to physically climb up onto the roof to inspect it, but if the roof isn't visible to the appraiser, they must explain why it couldn't be seen and document how they figured out what condition it's in—like using photos, drone footage, or the owner's records about the roof's age. Fannie Mae flags that active roof leaks are a specific example of the most serious condition level, where the house has major components that are missing or broken and needs immediate repairs before it can be lived in. Any individual damage or defect gets noted separately from the overall condition status we assign.

Straight from HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1, UAD 3.6/URAR, VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7), and Fannie Mae Selling Guide — nothing added.

VA Minimum Property Requirements Change 46 effective May 1, 2026: Defective paint on post-1978 homes no longer a repair condition

Effective May 1, 2026, the VA removed the requirement for appraisers to call for repairs of defective paint on homes built after 1978, treating interior and non-weather-exposed exterior paint as cosmetic issues.

Fannie Mae clarifies UAD 3.6 condition rating definitions, including C2 remodel requirement

Fannie Mae issued December 2025 guidance clarifying that C2 means the property is new construction or remodeled to the studs within 36 months with no deferred maintenance.