What Does a VA Appraiser Actually Look For?
A VA appraisal has two major purposes: to provide an opinion of the property's market value and to evaluate whether the home appears to meet applicable VA Minimum Property Requirements. The appraiser is not performing a full home inspection, and a VA appraisal should not be treated as a substitute for an independent inspection.
Value and Property Condition
The appraiser analyzes the property and comparable sales to develop an opinion of
value. The appraiser also observes the property for conditions related to VA Minimum
Property Requirements.
MPRs are intended to help ensure the property is safe, structurally sound and sanitary
enough to serve as acceptable security for the VA-backed loan.
What Can Create Questions
Safety-related conditions
Certain exposed hazards, unsafe access or other observable safety concerns may require correction.
Property systems and habitability
The home generally needs basic systems and features necessary for residential use, subject to applicable VA requirements and local conditions.
Wood-destroying insects and property-specific issues
Requirements can vary based on location, property type and observed conditions.
Value concerns
If the appraiser believes the value may come in below the contract price, the VA appraisal process includes procedures that can allow additional market information to be considered.
Jason's Take
The myth is that a VA appraiser is looking for reasons to kill the deal. The better approach is to understand the MPRs before the appraisal, identify obvious property issues early and have a lender and real estate agent who know the VA process when a question comes up.
Reviewed by Jason Stier
Jason Stier is the VA Loan Boss, founder of Veteran Community Mortgage and a VA loan educator with more than two decades of mortgage-industry experience. His work focuses on helping Veterans, military families and housing professionals better understand the VA home loan benefit.
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