I'm in the middle of three of them right now - two are new construction, the other a resale condo and so far, all 30-day Closings (our target dates) will be met this month. 

We had no issues with appraisals on any of them and no other delays whatsoever. I think the quality of the lender is key. As for your Offer - you'll be able to ask the right questions to the lender to relay to your seller.

Good luck, Fred!

Buyer can pay all costs, Seller can pay all costs or it can be split. Some lenders require buyer to contribute some down payment. Buyer can even bring gift money.  As long as contract price and appraisal support the terms. The only thing buyer must worry about is credit and reserves.

Typically, 45 days but some lenders can go faster. I would ask for 45 days

I do FHA's all the time. Seller does not need to pay for anything. My FHA loans have been closing in 30 days or less with my lenders here from date of contract. No issues in a very long time. But keep in mind that homes should be in reasonably good condition.

Everything is negotiable, including not accepting fha financing.

Can pay up to 6% of sales price in closing costs with my lender, but in GA everything beyond the prorated taxes costs is a buyer fee and it's no different on FHA.  

You do make me happy I have "that lender" who I call their cell on weekends and holidays they answer.  Even if it's NOT their client, but my listing and I have this type of loan question they answer because they know how much business I send their way.

Didn't take any longer than conv. In IL they no longer have to get a termite inspection so zero extra. That was it. 

Buyer can pay everything but the tax service fee of $79, but some lenders waive it. No issues. Seller can pay buyer's closing costs if they are included in the price.

Often with an FHA loan, the buyer will ask for the seller to pay for the buyer's closing costs as the buyer often has very little money to put into a down payment. We have often handled this by having the buyer offer over asking price so that the additional money the seller contributes to the buyer to make the sale happen does not come out of their pocket but they net what would be a normal full price offer. In an escalating market, this works fine as we can justify the additional price to an appraiser. In a market going the other direction, this can be a problem. We have no issues with FHA loans now. But the seller will have to make sure the home itself can pass an FHA inspection.

The last FHA closing I had was very smooth, no problems at all.

they really can ask the seller to pay up to 6% of the buyers closing fees... we usually put a cap on that. And we do warn the sellers up front. Other than that they go pretty smooth  

My last FHA sale closed in under 4 weeks and there was no problem with the appraisal or repairs. I have had a dozen or more close this year and they all have gone very smoothly. The seller usually pays a portion of our closing costs in my area regardless of the type of loan. Buyer cannot pay junk fees and non-allowables. Get an estimate from the lender to know what you are dealing with.

One other thing to add; flaking paint is always an issue. Make sure any area with flaking paint is scraped and repainted. Otherwise a reinspection will need to be done, adding to the time line. 

the team members do many FHA loans.... just as good as a conventional loan.... seller pays nothing....

FHA loans are standard products in our market.

75% of my sales with a mortgage are fha. It has been 45 days to close, biggest delay is the appraisal. My best advice is make sure the home passes a fha appraisal before the appraiser gets there. The seller does not have to pay anything, however neary all buyers ask for 3% towards closing costs, i simply tell my seller up front and build it in from the start, 

Haven't done one in years but they have streamlined it.

There used to be fees the FHA buyers were not allowed to pay, but have not seen those in quite a while.  Appraisals are sometimes tough, depending on the appraiser you get.  The loan did not take any longer than a CV one.

Fred; I forgot to state. FHA / VA deals are very easy to get approved and closed. The avergage time is 45 to 55 days.  Call me I do loan is all 50 states.

We block our sellers from paying extra fees, unless they are desperate and willing

FHA - Out here I've never seen a seller asked to pay anything on an FHA loan.  I had an FHA loan about two months ago.  Buyers (not mine) started out as conventional then had to go FHA.  Lender sent the FHA amendatory clause paperwork out, my seller didn't want to sign it.  Called the state's attorney... best call I ever made.  The California Department of Real Estate attorney advised... never to sign ANY form not required by the state!  This included the FHA form but also... the AVID, broker addendums, 90% of the state's forms!

Haven't done any recently sorry nothing to help

I have not seen any non allowable closing cost in years, and have not had any problems with FHA loans.

Usually no problem at all 

Sellers don't have to pay anything if you indicate such in the contract.

In California, we have an FHA/VA Addendum.  For FHA - there are no "MUSTS" but terms can be negotiated.  In our still competitive market, there are listing agents who have a distrust(or lack of knowledge) of an FHA offer when there are multiple offers on the table with conventional financing.  

Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 nailed this one!

Fred Griffin - most of my buyers do put down a lot. And in MA, the other options are preferred - like MassHousing.

Fred,

Looks like everyone gave you good answers. A

Our contract is different and does not make FHA any special. The only difference is closing of escrow: 40-45 days after acceptance. All closing costs are negotiable. 

I have not done one is a while, but I always check it out real closely