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Boosting Your Community's Value: The Ultimate Guide to FHA Condo Approval

Is your management company looking for an edge? In 2026, no better sign of a project's health exists than the gold star approval of HUD.

Emmett Clark, CA Real Estate Broker #01408122
February 2, 2026
12 min read
HUD Approved Gold Seal

The Gold Standard of Condo Health

HUD approval signals financial stability to buyers, lenders, and insurers

60%
of buyers use FHA
8-10%
value increase
30-90
days to approve
Happy first-time homebuyers receiving keys to their new condo
FHA loans open doors for first-time buyers who need only 3.5% down payment

Is your HOA struggling to attract new buyers? In today's market, roughly 60% of new homebuyers intend to use an FHA loan. If your existing community isn't HUD-approved, you are effectively cutting out over half of your potential buyer pool.

Getting FHA (HUD) approved might seem like a mountain of paperwork, but it's one of the most effective ways to boost property values and financial stability. Here is how your board can navigate the HUD Review and Approval Process (HRAP).

Why Does FHA Approval Matter?

Wider Buyer Pool

Opens the door to first-time buyers who only need a 3.5% down payment.

Higher Property Values

Increased demand from more buyers naturally drives up sales prices.

Reverse Mortgages

FHA approval is mandatory for residents wanting HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgages).

More Owner-Occupants

FHA loans require buyers to live in the unit, reducing transient renters.

Learn the Key Facts

HUD Knowledge Cards

1 / 6

60% of First-Time Buyers

Click to reveal

1Phase 1: The "Pre-Flight" Eligibility Check

Before you spend a dime on application fees, ensure your community meets these "must-have" HUD thresholds:

Owner Occupancy: 50%+

At least 50% of units must be owner-occupied.

Dues Delinquency: <15%

No more than 15% of units can be 60+ days behind on assessments.

Healthy Reserves: 10%+

Your annual budget must set aside at least 10% for replacement reserves.

Insurance Coverage

Adequate hazard, liability, and fidelity insurance (covering at least 3 months of assessments plus reserves).

Test Your Knowledge

HUD Eligibility Quiz

Question 1 of 5

What is the minimum owner-occupancy rate required for FHA approval?

2Phase 2: Gathering the Paperwork

HUD requires a comprehensive digital "Project Package." You'll need:

Governing Documents

CC&Rs, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation

Financial Documents

Current year's budget, two years of year-end financial statements, and a recent balance sheet

Management Agreement

A copy of the current contract with your property management company

3Phase 3: The Submission Process

Pro Tip: You don't have to wait for a specific buyer to start this. In fact, it's better to be proactive to avoid losing a pending sale.

  1. 1

    Complete the Forms

    Authorized reps must fill out Form HUD-9992 (Project Questionnaire) and Form HUD-9991.

  2. 2

    Submit Electronically

    Email the full package to [email protected]. Subject line: "Condominium Project Approval Package, [Project Name]"

  3. 3

    Wait for Review

    Approval usually takes 30 to 90 days for complete packages.

Professional property management team reviewing HUD approval documents
Our platform provides everything your team needs for successful HUD submissions

Why Management Companies Choose HOACart

Our software platform provides everything you need including a full packet ready to go to your local HUD office. Ensure quality management—our software makes it easy so you don't burn endless hours trying to figure out what to do.

  • Pre-filled HUD forms (9991 & 9992)
  • Automated eligibility checking
  • Document package assembly
  • Compliance tracking dashboard
  • Renewal reminders

Calculate Your Revenue Potential

Add value to your clients and convert more subscription services for your offices. HUD approval renewals every 36 months create a reliable recurring revenue stream.

HUD Approval Revenue Calculator

Calculate your potential revenue from offering HUD approval services

$12,500

Total Revenue

$1,000

Your Cost

$11,500

Net Profit

92%

Profit Margin

Recurring Revenue (Renewals every 36 months)
$347
Monthly Recurring Revenue
$4,164
Annual Recurring Revenue

What Our Partners Say

Success Stories

"Within 6 months of getting our communities HUD-approved, we saw a 40% increase in buyer interest. The HOACart platform made the paperwork process seamless."

Maria Rodriguez

VP of Operations

Sunrise Property ManagementPhoenix, AZ

40%
Increase in Buyer Interest
Beautiful modern HUD-approved condo building at golden hour
HUD-approved communities attract more buyers and command higher prices

Ready to Get Started?

Get Started with HUD Approval Services

Ready to boost your community values? Let's talk about how we can help.

Emmett Clark

Emmett Clark

California Real Estate Broker #01408122

With over 20 years of experience in California real estate and property management, Emmett specializes in helping HOAs and management companies navigate complex compliance requirements. He is a regular contributor to industry publications and speaks at property management conferences nationwide.

FHA
HUD
Condo Approval
HRAP
Property Values
Revenue
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