If you are using an FHA loan to buy a home, you have probably heard that FHA comes with “a bunch of repair requirements.” That statement is technically true, but often misunderstood.

FHA does not require a home to be perfect. It requires the property to meet minimum property standards focused on safety, structural soundness, and livability. The goal is to make sure you are not moving into a property with serious health or safety issues.

Here are some of the most common FHA repair items that show up during an appraisal:

Peeling or chipping paint, especially on homes built before 1978
Missing handrails, broken steps, or trip hazards
A leaking roof or a roof at the end of its useful life
Exposed wiring or electrical safety concerns
Utilities that are not functioning at the time of appraisal

These are not cosmetic issues. They are health and safety items.

In most transactions, the seller completes the required repairs before closing and the deal moves forward. FHA guidelines are designed to protect the buyer, not make the process harder.

If you are considering writing an offer with FHA financing, it helps to know these common repair triggers upfront so you can structure the offer correctly and avoid surprises during underwriting.

If you want help mapping out your FHA plan, reach out to Ken Martello, FHA expert, and we can walk through your options and what to look for before you write the offer.