Conventional Loan & deferred maintenance affecting closing

[Michael Win]

I have a home under contract. The Sale price is 15K under the Appraised value. My finances, income, credit history are all in order without issues for best rates. Typical 20% down.

The loan is in the final stages and received prelim approval last week and expecting final this week. Close is in 3 wks.

I get a call from my broker that the underwriter reviewed the Appraisal and the appraisal has "deferred maintenance" on the inside (carpet, tile), outside (Soffit). He gives me the impression that they would like this fixed before closing.   Home is rated C-4

This makes no sense to me
#1 - all of the rental properties I had these same issues and it was never brought up b/c it appraised at sale price
#2 - All older homes will have these deferred Maintenance. If the seller fixed all of these, he would sell it for a Higher price
#3 - Who cares about these deferred maintenance. The place is livable, and not a hazard. There were tenants in it for years without issues. Everyone has deferred maintenance in a house.
#4 - The house appraised over Sale price. Even if I did nothing to it, the appraisal states I could sell it over what I am buying it for.

Has anyone heard of this and how can any lender expect the buyer to fix all of the deferred maintenance before closing?  How do I go about satisfying the lender as getting another lender at this time would be difficult?

[Shawn Ackerman]

@Michael Win I've gone through a similar situation with my first COREFI.  The appraiser came out the first time and said 1. mold test for bathroom. 2. vent needed in bath(bought/installed a vented window. 3. rear door frame replace. 4. install handrail in basement staircase.  Then when the work was done the appraiser came back out and said I need to now fix 1. cracked mortar on exterior. 2. repair treads on exterior staircase.  A total of 3 visits and $1,875 later I got a certificate of completion.  Keep in mind it cost me $600 for appraisal and $150 for each subsequent visit.  The property finally closed and it was all good.  After spazzing out on my lender they informed me that they sell the loans to Fannie and Freddie and before they can sell they must ensure 1. Safety of the asset is addressed and 2. the condition of the asset is sell able.  It's a part of the process for buying low priced rentals.  Keep in mind that I bought this for $23,900 and rents for $850 per month.  Got a check for $22.5K on the Refi so it's all good. Good luck! and just go through the process.