Using a VA loan? Here’s what appraisers will look for — and how to avoid closing delays.
Buying a home with a VA loan comes with some major advantages — no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. But there’s one step in the process that sometimes catches buyers off guard: the VA appraisal.
Before your loan can be approved, the VA sends out an appraiser to confirm that the property is safe, livable, and worth the purchase price. If the home doesn’t meet certain standards, it can slow things down — or stop your loan entirely.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid surprises and keep your VA home purchase moving forward.
✅ What the VA Appraiser Is Looking For
VA appraisers aren’t just checking value — they’re making sure the home meets the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Here are the big things they’ll be inspecting:
🏞 Year-Round Access
The home must be reachable by a public or private road that’s usable in all weather — no seasonal-only roads.
🏠 Adequate Living Space
The property must have enough square footage and rooms to meet basic living needs: bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, etc.
⚡ Functional Utilities
Electrical, heating, and cooling systems must be safe and fully working throughout the home.
🚿 Clean Water Supply
There needs to be a continuous supply of drinkable water, with fully functioning plumbing.
💧 Sanitary Sewage System
The home must connect to a public sewer system or have a safe, code-compliant private system (like a septic tank).
🛑 No Roof Issues
The roof should be in good shape, with no active leaks or signs it needs immediate replacement.
🎨 No Peeling Lead-Based Paint
Homes built before 1978 must be free of flaking or chipping lead-based paint, especially on surfaces kids can touch.
🐜 No Pests or Wood Rot
The home must be free from termites, wood-destroying insects, fungus, or dry rot.
🌬️ Safe Attic & Crawl Space Access
These areas must be ventilated, easy to access, and free from hazards.
Why This Matters for Buyers
If the home you’re buying doesn’t meet these standards, the VA may require repairs before you can close. That can delay your purchase — and if the seller isn’t willing to fix the issues, you might have to walk away.
Knowing what to look for ahead of time helps you:
- Make smarter offers
- Avoid homes that may not qualify
- Keep your timeline on track
What You Can Do
- Ask your agent whether the home is VA-friendly before making an offer.
- Look for signs of wear like roof damage, poor ventilation, or old paint that could flag issues.
- Partner with a VA loan expert who can guide you through the process and help avoid appraisal-related surprises.
📞 We’re Here to Help
At Novum Home Loans, we work with VA buyers every day. We’ll walk you through what to expect, help you spot red flags early, and work with your agent to keep everything on track.
Have questions or want to get preapproved?
📞 Call us at (918) 921-5272
🌐 Or click here to contact us now
Key Takeaway
The VA appraisal doesn’t have to be stressful.
Knowing what the appraiser will look for gives you a major edge as a buyer — and helps make your VA loan process smooth and surprise-free.
