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Property Condition & Appraisal

Minimum property requirements (MPR) explained

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Overview

Understanding property condition for each loan type. Sales contract might say As-Is, but that means nothing to an appraiser or lender. The condition of the property and any health & safety issues present will determine the steps necessary to satisfy and lender property requirements. And how the appraisal not only determines value but also the possible need for further inspections and/or repairs.

Who this is for: Buyers, Sellers, Agents

What you'll learn

  • •An as-is clause in the listing or sales agreement means nothing to a lender
  • •The appraisal and the sales agreement provisions typically dictate what inspections/clearances a lender will require
  • •Government loans and minimum property requirements
  • •What loan programs require well and septic clearances and when?

6 guides in this topic

VA Property Condition RequirementsProperty Condition & Appraisal

VA Property Condition Requirements

VA loans have Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) designed primarily to make sure a home is safe, structurally sound, sanitary, and suitable for occupancy. A VA appraiser will typically identify visible property conditions that need to be corrected before the loan can close.

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FHA Property Condition RequirementsProperty Condition & Appraisal

FHA Property Condition Requirements

An FHA appraisal does more than determine a home's value. The FHA-approved appraiser also looks at the property's condition to determine whether it meets FHA minimum property standards.

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When an appraisal isn't neededProperty Condition & Appraisal

When an appraisal isn't needed

Fannie Mae’s appraisal waiver program—officially called Value Acceptance—can allow certain homebuyers and homeowners to complete a mortgage without a traditional appraisal.

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What can hurt a home appraisal?Property Condition & Appraisal

What can hurt a home appraisal?

A home appraisal can play a major role when buying, selling, or refinancing a home. The appraiser provides an independent opinion of the property's market value, which can affect how much a lender is willing to lend.

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Condo vs HouseProperty Condition & Appraisal

Condo vs House

Choosing between a condo and a single-family house involves more than comparing purchase prices. Your monthly costs, maintenance responsibilities, HOA rules, privacy, financing, location and long-term plans can all affect which option makes the most sense.

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VA appraisal tipsProperty Condition & Appraisal

VA appraisal tips

If you’re buying a home with a VA loan, the VA appraisal is an important step in the process. It establishes the home's value and checks whether the property meets basic VA standards for safety, soundness and sanitation.

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