That “as-is” label can be a real headache, especially with FHA loans where the inspection checklist is pretty strict. I’ve seen sellers push back hard on minor stuff, but sometimes you can get them to cover the basics if you frame it as a loan requirement rather than just a preference. Outlets and cracked windows usually get flagged, but water heaters often slip through unless they’re actively leaking or not working at all. Did your inspector give you a full list of what needed fixing, or was it more of a “fix this one thing and you’re good” situation? Sometimes it feels totally random which issues get prioritized.
Yeah, the “as-is” thing can be a real pain, especially when the FHA is involved. I’ve had deals nearly fall apart over a missing GFCI or a window that wouldn’t open all the way. It’s wild what gets flagged and what slides—one time, a house had a half-rotted porch and nobody cared, but they made us fix two cracked outlet covers. Honestly, I always push back on the stuff that’s just cosmetic, but if it’s safety or loan-related, sellers usually cave once they realize it’ll kill the deal otherwise. The inconsistency drives me nuts though... sometimes feels like it depends on the inspector’s mood that day.
sometimes feels like it depends on the inspector’s mood that day.
Man, you nailed it. I’ve seen two inspectors walk through the same house and come up with totally different lists. It’s like playing renovation roulette. I always tell folks, if you’re going FHA, expect to fix the little stuff—even if it seems silly. The “as-is” label just doesn’t mean much when the lender’s got the final say. I get why they’re strict, but the inconsistency is what gets me. One time, we had to repaint a handrail but the sagging deck? Not a word. Just wild.
Honestly, it cracks me up how a missing GFCI outlet cover gets flagged as an emergency, but a wobbly staircase? Meh, apparently that’s “character.” I’ve had clients stress over chipped paint on a shed while the inspector’s more interested in the color of the mailbox. It’s like they’ve got a bingo card and you never know what’ll get picked. Makes you wonder if they just want to keep us guessing... or maybe they’re just bored.
It’s like they’ve got a bingo card and you never know what’ll get picked.
Honestly, I get why some of the stuff seems random, but I’d rather have them nitpick safety things like GFCI. A missing cover is cheap to fix—replacing a staircase isn’t. I’d rather deal with weird mailbox rules than pay for a new deck right after closing.
