Sometimes feels like you need the stars to align just right...
That’s the truth. I’ve seen more deals fall apart over a missing GFCI outlet than I care to admit. The property standards for USDA and RHS loans can be a bit like playing “spot the difference”—except the inspector always wins. On the flip side, you’re right, it does weed out the homes that might have you calling a contractor every other week.
But I’ll say, sometimes sellers are more willing to negotiate repairs if they know you’re using a loan with stricter guidelines. Not always, but I’ve seen it happen. It’s a bit of a dance—sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you’re left holding your inspection report and wondering if you should’ve just gone FHA and called it a day.
At least with RHS, if you do find the right house, the lower mortgage insurance can save you some serious cash over time. Just gotta survive the inspection gauntlet first...
Just gotta survive the inspection gauntlet first...
That “inspection gauntlet” line is spot on. I’ve watched friends get tripped up by the tiniest things—like a loose handrail or peeling paint. It’s wild how picky those guidelines can be. But yeah, the lower mortgage insurance with RHS is a game changer over the long haul. I do think it’s worth the hassle if you’re patient and your credit’s in decent shape. Still, sometimes I wonder if the stress is worth it when FHA feels a bit more forgiving on the property side... but then again, those monthly savings add up fast.
I totally get what you mean about the inspection stuff. I’m right in the middle of it now and honestly, it’s kind of nerve-wracking. My inspector flagged a couple of things I never would’ve even noticed—like a missing outlet cover and some chipped paint on the back porch steps. It’s wild how strict they are, especially compared to what my cousin went through with her FHA loan last year. She had a leaky faucet and some old windows, but nobody seemed to care much.
The lower mortgage insurance with RHS is definitely tempting though. I ran the numbers and it’s like $80 less per month for me compared to FHA. Over a few years, that really stacks up. But man, I keep second-guessing if it’s worth all this stress upfront just for those savings later. Part of me wonders if I should just go FHA and deal with slightly higher payments, but have an easier time getting through the process.
Has anyone here actually failed an RHS inspection and had to start over? Or did you just fix whatever they flagged and move on? I’m curious if it’s usually little stuff or if they ever come back with something major that kills the deal completely. This whole thing is making me realize how much more goes into buying than just finding a place you like...
I’ve been through a couple of RHS inspections on properties I was flipping, and honestly, they can feel nitpicky. One time, the inspector flagged a loose handrail and a cracked window pane—stuff I’d barely noticed. But in my experience, it’s usually minor things you can fix pretty quickly. I’ve never had a deal totally fall apart over an RHS inspection, but I have seen buyers get spooked by the list. The upfront stress is real, but man, that monthly savings adds up fast. If you’re willing to patch up the little stuff, it’s usually worth it in the long run.
I get what you’re saying about the inspections feeling nitpicky. I’m in the middle of my first RHS loan process, and honestly, the inspection list kind of freaked me out at first. But after looking closer, most of it’s just small stuff—like you said, loose railings, a missing outlet cover, things I can fix with a trip to Home Depot. I do wonder if some buyers bail too soon just because the list looks long, not because the fixes are actually hard or expensive. The lower monthly payment is a huge deal for me, so I’m willing to put in a little elbow grease. Still, I wish inspectors would chill a bit on the tiny details...
