1. RESIDENTIAL HOME INSPECTIONS
This is a non-invasive invasive, visual examination of a residential dwelling, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of the home. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process. A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the prediction of future conditions. A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection. A home inspection covers multiple components of each primary area: Roof , Exterior, Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure, Heating , Cooling , Plumbing , Electrical , Fireplace , Attic & Insulation , Doors, Windows & InteriorHome.
2. HOME OWNER AWARENESS INSPECTIONS
A Home Owner Awareness Inspection is a comprehensive inspection conducted to assist the current homeowner in the identification of physical defects noted at the time of inspection and follows the same criteria as a Residential Home Purchase Inspection. The benefit of an awareness inspection is to identifying maintenance repairs needed to preserve the overall physical integrity of the home and safety of its occupants. The inspection will also allow the home owner an advance opportunity to consider and perform repairs prior to listing and selling the home.
3. HUD PRESERVATION INSPECTIONS
Our inspections assist Mortgagees to preserve and protect properties securing FHA-insured mortgages in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR 203.377.
Vacant and abandoned properties are potential targets for vandalism, weather damage and criminal activity. Additionally, they present an attractive nuisance that poses a hazard to children and others who may be injured. To ensure the preservation of the mortgage collateral and lessen the negative community impact of vacant properties, Mortgagees conduct regular property inspections.
We perform five types of property HUD preservation inspections:
4. OCCUPANCY INSPECTIONS
The Occupancy Inspection is performed to determine that the property is (i) occupied (ii) vacant but obviously being maintained (e.g., doors and windows secured, lawn is cut, For Sale sign on the property, etc.) or (iii) vacant and abandoned.
The Occupancy Inspection report includes the following:
• Date of the occupancy inspection.
• Identity of the inspector.
• Is the property occupied? If so, how was this determined?
• Identity and status (i.e. Mortgagor, renter, etc.) of occupants, if ascertainable
• A valid telephone number for the occupant, if ascertainable.
• Is the house locked or secured?
• Is there a For Sale sign on the property? If so, provide the Broker name and contact
number.
• Is the grass mowed and/or shrubs trimmed?
• Is there any damage apparent from the exterior? Describe.
• Is any exterior glass broken? Describe.
• Are any doors or windows boarded? Describe.
• Does the house appear to contain personal property and/or debris?
5. INITIAL VACANT PROPERTY INSPECTION
An Initial Vacant Property Inspection, also called the “Initial Inspection”, is performed on the date a Mortgagee first takes physical possession of a property by securing it. Securing should take place as soon as reasonably practical, but no more than five calendar days following the determination that the property is vacant and/or abandoned post foreclosure or 15 business days following the determination that the property is vacant and/or abandoned, pre-foreclosure.
Report Contents Mortgagees should be diligent in documenting property condition through written descriptions and photographs during each inspection but especially at the Initial Inspection. The Initial Inspection report should describe the (i) condition of the property when the Mortgagee or its agent arrived; (ii) actions taken by the Mortgagee to preserve and protect the property during the initial securing and (iii) required actions to be performed. At a minimum the Initial Inspection report should include:• Date of the initial vacant property inspection.
• Identity of the inspector.
• Date of last occupancy inspection?
• Is the house locked or secured?
• Is the grass mowed and/or shrubs trimmed?
• Is there any apparent damage? Describe.
• Is any exterior glass broken? Describe.
• Are there any apparent roof leaks? Describe.
• Does the house contain personal property and/or debris? List all and document with
photographs.
• Are any doors or windows boarded? Describe.
• Is the house winterized? If not, when and where applicable, initiate winterization
service
• Are there any repairs necessary to adequately preserve and protect the property?
• Which appliances are present?
• P&P actions completed during initial securing.
• Additional P&P actions required.
6. POSTING SIGNAGE
During the Initial Inspection we will post the HUD required notice on an interior window or the front door of a property containing the Mortgagee’s toll free telephone number and/or the telephone number of the Mortgagee's local representative to contact in case of emergency.
7. VACANT PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
On-going Vacant Property Inspections are performed after the Initial Inspection and securing have occurred. The Mortgagee should inspect a vacant or abandoned property every 25-35 days following an Initial Inspection, or more frequently as prescribed in local variations to determine whether any subsequent or additional preservation and protection action is necessary. Vacant Property Inspections should include both interior and exterior assessments of property condition.
This inspection and report content are performed in accordance with the Initial Inspection. All damaged or missing postings will be replaced if provided by client.
8. VOLUNTARYRY PRE-CONVEYANCE INSPECTIONS
HUD encourages, but does not require, Mortgagees or M&M contractors to conduct Pre-Conveyance Inspections. Pre-Conveyance Inspections may significantly reduce post-conveyance disputes between Mortgagees and M&M contractors by allowing each party to agree that properties are in conveyance condition or identify additional requirements that should be met prior to conveyance. This is especially beneficial when properties will be conveyed damaged, as it will allow the Mortgagee to demonstrate that the damage is not surchargeable, thereby reducing the likelihood of demand letters, re-conveyance, or other sanctions.
Pre-Conveyance Inspections should be scheduled no earlier than five calendar days prior to the scheduled conveyance date.
9. PRE-EVICTION INSPECTIONS
Mortgagees are required to perform a Pre-Eviction Inspection within 72 hours of a scheduled eviction, whenever there is any doubt that a property is still occupied.
This inspection and report are performed in accordance with HUD Occupancy Inspection guidelines.