Public Housing Inspection Services

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Authentic Appraisals, Inc. was established in 2003 and is based in Norwood, Massachusetts. Building upon over 30 years of residential appraisal experience, the firm has expanded its services to include public housing inspection services for local housing authorities throughout southeastern Massachusetts. Inspections are performed with a focus on consistency, regulatory compliance, and clear reporting to support effective property management and program oversight. 

Over 30 years of residential appraisal experience has provided a strong foundation for public housing inspection services, including extensive familiarity with HUD regulatory requirements. Inspection training includes completion of the DHCD Facility Management Inspector Training program, Nan McKay Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Housing Quality Standards training, HUD Visual Lead-Based Paint Assessment certification, and the USIG NSPIRE Inspector Training course. 

Each dwelling unit is inspected thoroughly to identify health, safety, and maintenance-related deficiencies. Inspection reports are prepared with clear, actionable documentation to support work order creation and corrective action. Inspection scope and reporting may be tailored to the specific needs of each housing authority or community, with client-specific items, including housekeeping-related concerns, noted as appropriate. 

Inspection schedules are structured to align with the operational needs of each housing authority or community. Scheduling is coordinated to accommodate staffing levels, workflows, and program requirements, supporting efficient workload management and ongoing compliance. 

Inspection services are compatible with commonly used platforms, including PHA-Web, PHANetwork, and InspectCheck. Inspections are completed using the client’s preferred inspection software where applicable, and paper-based reporting remains available for clients who prefer traditional documentation.

NSPIRE (National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate) is the federal inspection framework established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to evaluate the physical condition of federally assisted housing. NSPIRE replaces HUD’s former inspection protocols, including HQS and UPCS, and is designed to place greater emphasis on health, safety, and habitability.

NSPIRE inspections apply to a range of HUD-assisted housing programs and are used to assess compliance, identify deficiencies, and support corrective action.

Pre-REAC and General NSPIRE inspections are performed to support ongoing compliance with federal inspection standards and to assist housing authorities and property managers in proactively identifying deficiencies. These inspections may be used either in advance of a formal HUD inspection or as part of a routine inspection program.

Pre-REAC NSPIRE inspections are typically conducted prior to an official HUD or REAC inspection and are intended to:

• Identify potential health and safety deficiencies in advance
   
• Evaluate unit, building, and site conditions using NSPIRE criteria
   
• Allow time for corrective action before a formal federal review
   

General NSPIRE inspections are performed independent of a scheduled HUD inspection and are commonly used to:

• Support ongoing compliance and monitoring
   
• Assist with maintenance planning and prioritization
   
• Maintain consistent inspection practices across properties
   

Both inspection types emphasize clear documentation, consistent application of NSPIRE standards, and practical reporting that supports corrective action and operational decision-making.

Public housing inspection services are primarily provided throughout Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol Counties in Massachusetts, with additional coverage available in Middlesex and Barnstable Counties and portions of Worcester County, depending on assignment needs. 

Public housing inspection services are currently provided on a contract basis for more than a dozen local housing authorities within the established service area. References are available upon request.