VA Loan Appraisal Issues: What Can Go Wrong and How to Handle It
Ever wondered what it means when a VA appraiser finds “requirements” on a home you’re buying with a VA loan — and how it affects your purchase?
If you’re using your VA loan benefit to buy a home in the Fort Leavenworth or Kansas City areas, understanding the appraisal process can save you stress and help you plan next steps with confidence.
What a VA Appraisal Really Is (and Isn’t)
A VA appraisal is not a home inspection — it’s a required step in the VA loan process that has two purposes:
Determine the home’s fair market value, so your lender knows they aren’t lending more than the property is worth.
Check that the property meets the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) — safety, structural soundness, and sanitation standards the VA sets to protect veterans and lenders.
Unlike a home inspection, which is optional and thorough, a VA appraisal focuses mostly on glaring conditions that affect habitability and safety.
What “Requirements” Mean
If the VA appraiser notes requirements in their appraisal report, here’s what that means in practical terms:
🧾 1. Requirement = Condition Must Be Fixed
When an appraiser finds something that fails to meet the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements, they’ll list it in the report. These items must be corrected before the VA will guarantee your loan.
MPR issues might include:
Missing or non‑functioning utilities (like heat, plumbing, or water).
Roof damage, decay, or leaks.
Structural defects (foundation problems, rot, pest damage).
Unsafe conditions like exposed wiring or lack of handrails.
These are not cosmetic issues — they’re conditions that could affect someone’s health or safety.
What Happens Next
📍 1. Repairs Are Required Before Closing
If the appraiser identifies required repairs, they must be completed before your loan can be approved and your VA loan can close.
This often means negotiating repairs with the seller — common in VA transactions.
🔁 2. Re‑inspection May Be Needed
Once repairs are made, the appraiser or another inspector will verify the work before final approval.
🤝 3. Negotiation Becomes a Key Part
You and your agent can:
Ask the seller to complete repairs before closing,
Negotiate credits or price adjustments, or
In rare cases, decide not to move forward if the seller won’t agree to fix major items.
This is where smart negotiation strategy can make a big difference — and why it helps to work with an agent familiar with VA loan requirements.
Tips to Avoid Appraisal Surprises
✔️ Get a Pre‑Offer Home Inspection
Even though it’s not required, a pre‑offer home inspection gives you a deeper look into issues that could show up on the appraisal — giving you leverage before you’re under contract.
✔️ Look at Properties That Typically Meet MPRs
Homes that are well‑maintained with adequate utilities, solid roofs, and no obvious hazards are more likely to sail through appraisal requirements.
✔️ Work with a VA‑Savvy Lender and Agent
They can guide you through appraisal expectations in the Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City markets and help draft strong contracts with clear repair terms.
Final Thoughts
When a VA appraiser finds requirements, it’s not a roadblock — it’s a checkpoint. It signals what needs fixing before your VA loan can clear underwriting and close. With the right support, you can turn appraisal findings into a successful negotiation that keeps your purchase on track.
If you’re a veteran or service member just starting your VA homebuying journey in Fort Leavenworth or Kansas City, I’d love to help you understand the process from day one - including what to expect with appraisals and how to avoid common setbacks.
📞 Ready to talk? Schedule a call today and let’s keep your home buying moving forward.
