Leaky Roof

I puchased my first home in September 1998. Within two months of moving in the roof began leaking. I live in Florida and have a FHA loan. Before purchasing my home, FHA had an inspector look over my home. They said the roof was in good condition. I had a professional roofer look at my roof and they said it was obvious the roof is old and there are numerous patches. Is FHA liable for my roof?

[HomeGuru]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by melmelmoore:
I puchased my first home in September 1998. Within two months of moving in the roof began leaking. I live in Florida and have a FHA loan. Before purchasing my home, FHA had an inspector look over my home. They said the roof was in good condition. I had a professional roofer look at my roof and they said it was obvious the roof is old and there are numerous patches. Is FHA liable for my roof?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

FHA is not liable but the FHA real estate appraiser is. The rules are more stringent now with respect to inspections conducted by the appraisers but you should still file a claim with HUD. Go to [url="http://www.hud.gov"]www.hud.gov[/url] and search the Homebuyers Protection Act. Keep me posted.

A simple $250 home inspection prior to closing should have been completed as your FHA documents recommend, which by the way can be financed into your mortgage.

The appraiser is not an expert in the area of roofing. However, the appraiser should know this: If any question, get a roof certification.

It's people like you though that ignore the advice of FHA and forego the home inspection which then causes the FHA appraiser to be overly cautious all the time for fear of being sued, when you are encouraged by your agent, the mortgage company and FHA to complete a home inspection. See the appraiser has a double edged sword, if he is too picky he doesn't get any business. If he's not picky enough, he gets sued and loses his livelihood.