What NACA Homebuyers Need to Know About Home Inspections
Your Guide to Passing the NACA Property Qualification Process with Confidence
Are you a first-time homebuyer using NACA to achieve your dream of homeownership? Congratulations! NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) offers an incredible no-down-payment, no-closing-cost mortgage program with below-market interest rates. But to get to the finish line, there’s one major hurdle you’ll need to clear: the NACA Home Inspection.
If you’ve already begun your NACA journey, you’ve probably heard about the required home inspection—and maybe even felt overwhelmed by what’s expected. At Kismet Kennedy Home Inspections, we specialize in home inspections for NACA participants in Southern California, and we are a NACA-approved home inspection company. As a proudly Black-owned and woman-owned business, we’re committed to empowering first-time homebuyers with the knowledge, care, and thorough service they deserve. Here's everything you need to know to navigate this step with clarity and confidence.
✅ What is a NACA Home Inspection?
The NACA home inspection is a mandatory, comprehensive inspection that ensures the property you want to buy meets the organization’s Property Qualification Criteria. Unlike a typical inspection, the NACA inspection is more detailed and focused on health, safety, and livability standards.
Key areas NACA looks at:
Roof condition with at least 5 years of life remaining
Foundation and structural integrity
Electrical and plumbing systems
HVAC systems in working condition
Hazards such as mold, lead-based paint, or pests
⚠️ You MUST Use a NACA-Approved Home Inspector
NACA buyers are required to use a home inspector from NACA’s approved list—not just any licensed inspector. This ensures your inspector understands and complies with NACA’s strict documentation and property condition standards.
At Kismet Kennedy Home Inspections, we are proud to be NACA-approved, with extensive experience guiding buyers through every step of the process.
🔍 Why the NACA Inspection Matters
NACA wants to ensure that you’re not purchasing a property with hidden repair costs that could put you in financial hardship. This inspection protects you from buying a “money pit” and ensures long-term affordability.
Here’s the kicker: If the home doesn’t pass the NACA inspection, you may be required to negotiate repairs or choose a different property.
That’s why it’s crucial to work with a NACA-approved inspector who:
Understands NACA guidelines
Provides a detailed repair list in the required format
Helps you and your realtor navigate the repair negotiation process
🛠️ Common Issues That May Flag a NACA Repair Requirement
Based on our experience inspecting homes for NACA participants, here are some of the most common issues that may trigger repair requirements or delays:
Roofs with visible damage or limited life expectancy
Faulty GFCI outlets, exposed wiring, or outdated electrical systems
Plumbing leaks or faulty fixtures
Water-stained ceilings or signs of past leaks
Heating and cooling systems not functioning properly
Trip hazards, missing handrails, or non-functional windows
Missing or inoperable smoke detectors
Evidence of mold, termites, or pest infestation
Your inspector will provide a repair list and cost estimate in the exact format required by NACA to streamline the next steps.
Tip: Even if a house “looks good,” don’t skip a thorough inspection—it could save you thousands in post-purchase repairs.
⏰ Timing is Critical: Schedule Your Inspection ASAP
Once your offer is accepted, the NACA timeline moves fast. You’ll need to:
Schedule your NACA-approved home inspection quickly
Submit the repair estimate and report to your NACA counselor (completed by your inspector)
Negotiate repairs with the seller before final underwriting (completed by you and your Realtor)
We recommend scheduling your inspection as soon as escrow opens to avoid costly delays.
👷 Why Choose Kismet Kennedy Home Inspections as Your NACA-Approved Inspector?
We specialize in NACA-compliant home inspections and understand what it takes to help you move smoothly through the process.
With us, you’ll get:
A full NACA-compliant home inspection
A detailed repair list + cost estimate for your NACA file
Support for your realtor and counselor during negotiations
Fast, accurate turnaround—usually within 24 hours
Peace of mind knowing your inspector understands NACA inside and out
📞 Book Your NACA-Approved Inspection Today
We serve Los Angeles County, Inglewood, the San Fernando Valley, and surrounding Southern California areas, and are listed on NACA’s official Approved Inspector Directory.
📲 Call or text us at (747) 474-1874
📧 Email us at ✉️ info@kismetkennedy.com
“Don’t risk using the wrong inspector or missing important repair items—choose a trusted NACA-approved inspector who’s dedicated to helping you cross the finish line.”
📚 FAQ: NACA Home Inspections
Q: Can I choose any inspector for my NACA home inspection?
A: No. NACA requires that you use a NACA-approved home inspector from their official directory.
Q: What happens if the house doesn’t pass inspection?
A: You can request repairs from the seller or choose a different property. Your inspector will help document what’s needed for NACA’s underwriting.
Q: How much does a NACA inspection cost?
A: Our NACA-compliant inspections start at $375, including the full report and repair cost estimate required for your file.