Appraiser Required Repairs

This information is intended to explain to home buyers and Real Estate Agents all the possible solutions for appraisal required repairs.  Everyone’s situation is different, so don’t hesitate to call and run the scenario buy us.  Most of the time we can find a way to make it work and get the transaction closed. There shouldn’t be any transaction that falls apart because the lender can’t accommodate the repair situation. So, let’s address our options on these homes deemed un-financeable by other agents and lenders.

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Conventional, FHA, VA & Rural Development Repair Options

Option 1: Seller Completes the repairs

This is the preferred option because it typically costs the buyer little to no money, repairs are done prior to closing, and the property is re-inspected prior to closing. For bank-owned homes (foreclosures), often the bank will not do any work to the property. It can’t hurt to ask, however if the bank will not complete the repairs there are other options.

Option 2: Repair Escrow

With this option, repairs are done after closing.  Here’s how it works:  More Details

1. 1. Obtain a bid from a licensed and insured contractor for only the required repairs (2 bids required for FHA & VA). Buyers are not allowed to complete ANY repairs themselves.
   2. Treadstone reviews and approves repair escrow accordingly
   3. Closing on the home occurs and escrow is funded. The key is “where does the money for the repair escrow come from?”
      • Seller could fund the escrow account out of their closing proceeds
      • Buyer could fund the escrow account by bringing additional funds to the closing.
      • Rural Development Only – if the home appraises for more, repairs can be financed into the loan up to the appraised value.
   4. Repairs are completed by the contractor. Now that we closed and ownership transferred, the clock is ticking and the contractor has 2 weeks to get the repairs completed.
   5.  Once repairs are complete, the appraiser will verify it by re-inspecting the property and checks are cut to the contractor.

Option 3: Switch it to a  Renovation Loan

With a renovation loan you can finance in both the appraiser required repairs and many other things you want to do to the home.

1. Obtain a bid from a licensed and insured contractor for the required repairs and any other repairs the buyer wishes to complete
2. Appraisal ordered and completed
3. Bids tweaked if needed
4. Treadstone reviews bids & validates the contractors
5. Closing occurs and repairs are financed into the loan.
6. Contractor receives half the money upfront (typically some loans pay out in a series of draws depending on the work being done)
7. Work completed and property is re-inspected
8. Check for remaining balance cut to the contractor