VA Appraisal Requirements (2026): MPRs + Timelines

Buying with a VA loan? Here's what appraisers really look for (and how to pass fast).

If you're a first-time homebuyer using a VA loan, you're probably wondering: what does a VA appraiser look for? The answer could mean the difference between closing smoothly or hitting frustrating delays.

VA appraisals aren’t just paperwork. They ensure your dream home is not only fairly priced but also safe, sound, and sanitary. In this guide, you'll discover exactly how to ace the appraisal, avoid costly surprises, and breeze through to closing day.

• VA appraisals assess a home’s market value and confirm it meets Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), with a focus on safety, structural integrity, and sanitation.
• Common issues flagged include peeling paint, faulty wiring, roof damage, and missing handrails.
• Working with licensed VA loan professionals can help identify appraisal challenges early in the process and prepare for a smoother path to closing.

• You can challenge it via ROV with comparable sales.
• Consider re-negotiating the price with the seller.
• If budget allows, bring extra cash to cover the difference.

Learn about VA loan limits

Yes, with a VA Renovation Loan or VA Rehab Loan, you can finance minor repairs or improvements along with the purchase price.

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A VA appraisal serves two key functions:

1. Establishing Market Value – Ensuring the property is worth at least the loan amount.
2. Meeting Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) – Confirming the home is safe, sound, and sanitary.

According to Chapter 12 of the VA Lender’s Handbook (VA Pamphlet 26-7), the appraisal ensures the home is:

• Safe: Free from hazards such as exposed wiring or structural concerns.
• Structurally Sound: Featuring a solid foundation, intact roof, and stable framework.
• Livable and Hygienic: Equipped with functioning plumbing, heating, and waste systems.
• Properly Valued: The appraised value must support or exceed the contract price.

VA appraisers do more than assign value. They follow Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) to protect veterans from risky or unlivable homes. Only VA-certified appraisers can conduct these assessments.

Conventional = Value onlyVA = Value + Safety Standards

Learn how VA home loans differ

VA appraisers typically review:

• Paint Condition: No peeling or chipping (especially in homes built before 1978 due to lead paint risk).
• Roof Condition: Free from leaks or damage.
• Basements/Crawl Spaces: Must be dry and accessible.
• Heating Systems: Fully functional and appropriate for the home’s size.
• Electrical Systems: Safe, compliant, and without exposed wiring.
• Mechanical Systems: Operational and well-maintained.
• Bedroom Egress: Must have windows large enough for an emergency exit.
• Handrails: Required on stairs and elevated decks.
• Water & Sewage Access: Functional clean water and proper waste disposal.
• Year-Round Street Access: Must be safely accessible in all seasons.

Pro Tip: Conduct a pre-appraisal walk-through with your real estate agent to address potential concerns before the official review.

Even well-maintained homes may face challenges during the appraisal. Common issues include:

• Required Repairs: If the home doesn’t meet VA minimum property requirements (MPRs), you may be able to ask the seller to make repairs. In some cases, your lender might also allow you to set aside funds in a repair escrow to fix the issues after closing-if regional rules permit it.
• Low Appraisal Values: If the appraised value is below the purchase price, buyers can request a Reconsideration of Value (ROV) through their lender by submitting additional comparable sales or correcting errors in the appraisal report.

• Fees: Typically range from $500 to $900, varying by location. The Department of Veterans Affairs publishes regional fee limits, which can be found on the VA’s official website.
• Timeline: Most VA appraisals are completed within 7 to 10 business days, though this may be longer in rural or high-volume areas.

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Based on industry best practices from NMLS-licensed professionals:

• Work with a VA Loan Specialist: Professionals experienced in VA financing can help you proactively address appraisal red flags.
• Prepare the Property: Ensure all systems are working, the home is clean, and any minor issues (like missing handrails or chipped paint) are addressed beforehand.
• Agent Attendance: If permitted, your real estate agent may attend the appraisal to highlight recent upgrades or clarifications.

Partnering with knowledgeable, licensed professionals can help make the VA appraisal process more transparent and efficient:

• reAlpha Mortgage (NMLS #1743790) specializes in VA home loans. Their licensed team is trained to identify potential VA appraisal concerns and guide buyers through each step of the process-from pre-approval to closing.
• reAlpha offers a technology-powered real estate platform that assists buyers with market insights and education. The model emphasizes data-informed decisions and transparency, helping buyers understand their options if an appraisal comes in low.

Buying a home is a big decision - and having the right information puts you ahead. But the real advantage comes from pairing smart research with a smarter way to buy.

When you use a reAlpha real estate company, you can be eligible to receive up to 1% of the home purchase price back as a credit at closing. Add reAlpha Mortgage, and that rebate can increase to up to 1.5% back, helping offset closing costs and keep more money in your pocket when it matters most.

The rebate is simple, transparent, and applied directly at closing - no complicated hoops, no delayed payouts. Just real savings tied to using a fully integrated homebuying experience.

See how much you could save:

• Check your eligibility
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