 HUD and FHA Urge Buyers to Have Homes Inspected before Purchase

For the first time, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has asked the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) to give information to prospective home buyers that explains:

Why a buyer should get a home inspection
How appraisals are different from home inspections
Why the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) does not guarantee the value or condition of a new home
Information on radon gas testing and other safety and health issues

Effective Sept. 14, 2015, the HUD/FHA Single Family Policy Handbook includes a mandate that instructs mortgagees to inform mortgage applicants, at first contact, to get a home inspection. The handbook will also include a document entitled “For Your Protection, Get a Home Inspection.”

“We are proud to provide critical inspection information for this handbook to help homebuyers protect themselves,” says ASHI Executive Director Frank Lesh. “Owning a home is one of the biggest financial investments in a person’s life, and a home inspection can help prevent costly problems.”  

Homebuyers, real estate agents and mortgagees can download the handbook here.  

Through ASHI’s continued efforts, ASHI's Standard of Practice is now part of many pieces of state legislation and is recognized by consumers as the authoritative standard for professional home inspection. Homeowners can find an ASHI inspector by visiting the ASHI website at www.ashi.org. ASHI’s “Find a Home Inspector” directory allows homeowners to locate an inspector in their area, by language or by services provided.