Multi Family Home and the VA Loan

1. The roof needs to have 3-5 Years worth of roof life left. 3-5 Years of

life is in itself hard to determine. Asphalt shingle roofs can last 20-

30 years. Things to look for are ceiling stains and leaks, missing

shingles, damaged or missing seals around any vents and chimneys,

warped sheathing, chimneys that need re-pointing (cement) between

the bricks, or missing bricks. Moss happens to roofs that are under or near tree limbs. This

is not such a big deal. There are sprays that will kill the moss, and it

will come off on its own. Also, make sure the bathroom fans are venting

out of the attic, if the vent is in the attic, the accumulation of

moisture can lead to mold in your attic.

2. Pest inspection. The Wood Destroying Insect Inspection

Report (Form NPMA-33). This report is necessary for any VA

loan, on any property MF, SF, or condos. Insects like termites,

powder post beetles, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, ect., can be

an issue. However, so long as the damage is minor, and not

structural, it is remedied, by treatment, by a pest company. Usually

$200-$1500, the VA will want invoices, and the treatment

documentation (chemicals used). If the damage is structural, then

a structural engineer is needed to assess the damage, and advice

on the proper repairs. Many sellers and buyers, will not want to

deal with this due to the expense. ($300+ for the engineer, and a lot

more money to repair)

3. Basements & Foundations. Some SF’s are older, some quite

old, over 100+ years old. Building practices, a century ago were not

as good as today. Often the foundations are lacking the proper

footings, beams and supports. This leads to uneven floors &

settling. Foundations in time need to be repointed, the gaps,

provide access to pest, to enter the property. Dirt floors allow for

moisture to enter the basement, and termites love wet/moist wood.

4. If near the ocean a river, lake, or wetland. Check to see if flood

Insurance is needed.

https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search

5. Electrical Systems. I have seen lovely Victorian properties, that

have what appears to be modern circuit breaker 200amp, electrical

systems. However, buried inside the walls is knob and tube wiring

or aluminum wiring, both pose a hazard that could cause shorts

and possible electrical fires. Other potential issues are items like

the Federal Pacific electrical box, they had a fire issue, and had a

lawsuit over said issue.

6. Plumbing Issues. Many SF’s still have an abundance of cast

iron plumbing. This has a service life of about 100 years, it rusts

from the inside out, so by the time is starts to leak, it will need to be

replaced asap.

7. Paint Issues. Since 1978 lead paint has been banned. Lead paint can cause

health issues, especially in children under six. Paint chips, and

dust created from opening painted wood windowsills, that can be

inhaled by children and adults. The mandatory form associated,

with lead paint is, THE PROPERTY TRANSFER NOTICE. Many

owners do not test for lead. It is expensive to de-lead, and once

you test, you have to disclose the results. Whether this is right or

wrong, some sellers, prefer to remain willingly ignorant, to the presence of lead.

https://eohhs.ehs.state.ma.us/leadsafehomes/default.aspx

8. Mold is another thing to look out for. There are thousands of

types of mold. A small percentage can cause health effects. Mold

tests cost about $600-$1000+/-. Mold can grow on wood and paper,

in the presence of moisture. If the bathroom vents are vented into

the attic, or there is a dirt floor in the basement, mold is a

possibility. Inspectors, are not mold experts, they will say there is,

‘an unknown substance’ or something similar.

9. Asbestos. Some older properties may have asbestos tiles, or

insulation on the pipes. While a good insulator, and harmless, if not

airborne. It is harmful, if airborne.

10. Wells. Many SF’s are in towns and cities, with municipal water &

sewer. Municipal water & sewer is ok for VA. However, if they have

a well, the water needs to be tested by a 3rd party (often the home

inspector), for Nitrites, Nitrates, Ecoli, & Coliform. Essentially the

runoff from fertilizers, and bacteria. This carries over to MF’s as

well, & condos.

10.Septic Systems, if present. Otherwise known as a Title V

inspection. New systems have what is called a Certificate of

Compliance. These can be found at the town or city Board of

Health (BOH). These certify the septic system is operational, safe,

and in good condition. If you have city sewer, then this is not a

problem or concern.

12. Heat, Hot Water Systems & Utilities. Make sure they are in

good condition. Look for leaks, corrosion on the pipes and the age

of the systems. Tank water heaters only have a limited life, about

10+ years.

13. Radon. If there is a basement, you can request of the inspector,

to do a radon test. Radon is a radiological naturally occurring gas,

that come up from rocks in the ground. If detected in higher

concentrations, a radon mitigation system, can fix it, easy enough.

It is essentially a fan, that transfer air, under the foundation, to

outside the house $1000-$2000+/-.

14. Appraising. An appraiser will do a VA appraisal report. They will

look for safety items, like broken stairs, missing handrails &

balusters, chipping paint, ect. Important! Make sure all the

bedrooms have a window (that exits to the outside), door,

closet, heat, and is more than about 7×7 feet. Otherwise, it will

not count as a bedroom, and you will not appraise as high.

15. Garages & Sheds. The home inspector will have to include them

on a pest inspection. The appraiser may include any outbuildings,

as well, as well as check safety items, as mentioned before.

(Closing costs. VA loans have on average higher closing costs, but also have a

lower interest rate. Closing costs can include, the inspections, buyer attorney,

taxes, title work, title fees, title insurance & home insurance. Depending on credit

scores, income, and debt to income ratio. 2%-4%+/- of the value of the loan.)

Read the MLS listings carefully, sellers are supposed.

to disclose, material defects