New Hampshire Real Estate Water Testing Services for FHA and VA Loans

TL;DR: FHA and VA loans require water testing for homes with private wells in New Hampshire. These tests cover bacterial and chemical contamination to meet health standards. Realtors and homebuyers should work with certified real estate water testing providers to meet these requirements and avoid delays in the mortgage approval process.

Buying a home in New Hampshire with an FHA or VA loan comes with specific requirements, including testing the water supply for homes with private wells. Water quality is a concern for both lenders and buyers who want to verify the home’s water supply is safe and the investment is worthwhile. In New Hampshire, where many rural homes rely on private wells, an FHA or VA water test is a crucial step in the real estate process.

For realtors and prospective homeowners, understanding the water testing requirements for these loans streamlines the process of making sure the property meets all the necessary criteria for mortgage approval.

FHA Water Testing Requirements

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mandates water quality testing for homes with private wells. For homes purchased through an FHA loan, the water must meet local and federal drinking water standards. A NH FHA loan water test demonstrates that the property’s water supply is safe for drinking and household use.

An FHA water test typically covers:

• Bacteria: Testing for harmful bacteria like E. coli and coliform, which can cause severe health issues if present in drinking water.
• Nitrates and Nitrites: High levels of nitrates in drinking water can be harmful, particularly to infants and pregnant women. This test ensures nitrate levels remain within the safe range.
• Lead and Other Contaminants: Testing for lead and other metals is crucial for confirming the water is free of harmful substances that may have leached from old pipes or natural sources.
• pH Levels: Testing for pH ensures that the water’s acidity or alkalinity is within safe drinking water standards.

While buyers are typically responsible for the cost of the water test, there’s often room for negotiation with the seller to cover these expenses as part of the closing process. Since this is a necessary step in FHA loans, some sellers may agree to help with these costs, especially if issues are found.

You should be proactive about scheduling the test, as any delays could hold up the loan approval process. Working with a certified lab for FHA water testing will help the process run smoothly and avoid any last-minute complications that might disrupt the home purchase timeline.

VA Loan Water Test NH Requirements

Similarly, for VA loans, homes with private wells must undergo a comprehensive water test to qualify for financing. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sets strict water quality guidelines as part of their Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) to protect veterans and their families. A NH VA loan water test follows standards similar to the FHA, covering critical water quality factors like lead, arsenic, nitrates, coliform bacteria, and PFAS.

The test must be conducted by a certified lab within 90 days of closing, and any water that doesn’t meet local or federal health standards will need treatment before the loan can proceed. Common solutions include installing filtration systems or treating the well.

While the upfront cost of a VA loan water test may fall on the buyer, there’s often an opportunity to negotiate these expenses with the seller. The VA loan process includes an independent appraisal that covers water testing as part of its assessment.

Why Realtors and Homebuyers Need Real Estate Water Testing

Testing water supplies early helps to avoid potential delays in closing the deal. Water contamination issues discovered too late can cause setbacks in the mortgage approval process, and buyers may need to negotiate repairs or water treatment solutions before moving forward.

Realtors should advise their clients to conduct a water test as soon as possible, particularly for homes with private wells. Ensuring the property meets water test requirements upfront can save time and money, preventing unexpected issues that could complicate the transaction.

What Does Real Estate Water Testing Involve?

The testing process is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you can expect when scheduling a real estate water testing service:

1. Water Sample Collection: A certified technician will visit the property to collect water samples from the tap. For accurate results, samples must be taken directly from the source, with no risk of contamination during collection.
2. Lab Analysis: The water samples are then sent to a state-certified lab, where they are analyzed for bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, lead, pH levels, and other potential contaminants.
3. Test Results: The lab will issue a detailed report of the findings. This report will indicate whether the water meets the necessary standards for FHA or VA loans. If any issues are detected, the lab or testing provider may offer solutions to address the contamination.
4. Corrective Measures: If the test shows contamination, corrective actions such as installing a water filtration system or treating the well may be required before loan approval can proceed.

How to Choose a Water Testing Service

Selecting a reliable well water testing service is crucial for meeting FHA and VA requirements. Look for providers that are:

• Certified: Ensure the testing service uses state-certified laboratories to analyze water samples, as only certified labs are accepted for loan applications.
• Experienced: Choose a provider with experience in handling real estate water testing, especially for FHA and VA loans.
• Prompt: Timeliness matters in real estate transactions, so it’s important to work with a testing provider that can deliver fast, accurate results to avoid delays.

Take the Worry Out of Loan Approval

For realtors and homebuyers in New Hampshire, the FHA water test and VA loan water test are essential when purchasing a home with a private well. And for good reason. They ensure the water supply is safe and meets the necessary health standards, which is critical for loan approval. By working with certified real estate water testing providers, realtors can help their clients navigate the process smoothly, avoid delays, and ensure that the home they purchase is safe and ready to move in.