If you are selling a home in Santa Clarita or in California and accept an offer from a buyer using an FHA loan, the appraisal process works a little differently than with a conventional loan. FHA appraisers are not just assessing value, they are also checking the property against the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s minimum property standards. If the home fails on any of those standards, repairs have to be made before the loan can close.
For sellers in the Santa Clarita Valley and across California, knowing what FHA appraisers flag most often can save time, money, and a deal that is already in motion. The team at Holly Thompson Homes has helped sellers navigate hundreds of these appraisals over the past 19 years, and the same items come up again and again.
What FHA Appraisers Are Actually Looking For
An FHA appraisal evaluates three things: safety, security, and soundness. The home must be safe to live in, secure against intrusion, and structurally sound. Anything that compromises one of those three categories becomes a required repair before closing.
The Most Common FHA Repairs
1. Peeling or Chipping Paint
On any home built before 1978, peeling paint is flagged as a lead-based paint hazard, inside or outside. This is one of the most frequently cited issues in older Newhall and Saugus properties.
2. Exposed or Frayed Wiring
Open junction boxes, missing outlet covers, and visible wiring will all be called out. Electrical issues are non-negotiable.
3. Roof Problems
FHA requires a roof with at least two years of remaining useful life. Missing shingles, active leaks, or significant wear typically trigger a repair requirement.
4. Broken Windows and Damaged Screens
Cracked glass, windows that do not open or lock properly, and damaged frames are common FHA appraisal issues.
5. Handrails on Stairs
Any staircase with three or more risers must have a secure handrail. Missing or loose handrails are a frequent appraisal callout.
6. Water Heater Straps and Gas Lines
California has earthquake-specific requirements. Water heaters must be double-strapped, and gas appliances must have flexible connectors and shut-off valves.
7. Plumbing Leaks
Active leaks under sinks, around toilets, or at water heaters will need to be fixed before closing.
8. HVAC Functionality
FHA requires the home’s heating system to be operational and capable of safely heating the property. If central air conditioning is installed, appraisers may also note systems that are clearly not functioning properly.
9. Foundation Cracks and Grading Issues
Visible structural concerns or drainage that directs water toward the foundation can stall an FHA appraisal quickly.
How to Get Ahead of FHA Repairs
The best move for any California seller anticipating FHA buyers is to address these items before the home goes on the market. A pre-listing inspection often pays for itself by surfacing issues early. While there is still time to fix them on the seller’s terms; not under the pressure of a 17-day inspection contingency.
Most FHA repair issues are relatively minor when caught early. The real problem is discovering them after escrow is already underway.
If you are preparing to sell in Santa Clarita and want a clear-eyed assessment of what an FHA appraiser is likely to flag at your property, the Holly Thompson Homes team can walk through the home with you and point out the issues most likely to come up.
At Holly Thompson Homes, we have 500+ successful transactions, 110+ five-star reviews, and three decades of local experience behind every recommendation. Contact our team today.
