HUD escrow repair (completed by potential homebuyer)

**newbuyer** · 05-25-2009, 04:21 PM

My home inspection went great and we signed all the official loan documents the following day. The only item listed by HUD (escrow repair) was the aluminum soffit and fascia (around $300).

Our loan officer suggested that we make the repair ourselves. Afterwards, he would ask the FHA appraiser to come back out to the property.

Since HUD already knows some of the soffit is missing. I'm worried HUD could deny us the home and take the earnest money if I make the repair.

Should I listen to the loan officer and follow through with the repair? What if the neighbors reported us working on the house?

My Uncle is a licensed contractor; thus I know it would be completed correctly. But, that's besides the point I'm trying to get across.

Should I just escrow it into the loan (it's only $300)?

My loan officer did mention that we are running close to the 60 day 'closing' deadline (set by HUD). I'm not sure if means the escrow repair could put us over the deadline.

**craig** · 05-30-2009, 07:45 PM

Normally the FHA appraiser will just go back out to the home to make sure the the required repair was done and then check off that it has. They don't ask for receipts or invoices from a licensed contractor.
I don't want to suggest that you should do it that way but it has usually worked fine for me.

**Mike203k** · 05-30-2009, 08:36 PM

I agree, your loan agent has given you good advise. As an appraiser I'm only concerned that the problem is repaired and don't really need to know who fixed it. M