Fresh paint is always a red flag for me too—like, what are they trying to hide? I totally get the temptation to skip an inspection, especially with how much everything costs already, but honestly, it’s not worth the gamble. We almost didn’t do one because our agent said the VA appraisal would “catch anything major.” Spoiler: it didn’t. The inspector found some sketchy wiring in the basement that could’ve been a nightmare later.
I know the upfront cost hurts, but I’d rather pay a few hundred now than get hit with a massive repair bill after moving in. And yeah, the VA appraisal felt more like a quick walk-through than a real check. Is anyone else surprised by how little they actually look at? It made me wonder what else could be lurking behind the walls... or in the attic (squirrel skeletons included).
Anyway, totally agree—think of the inspection as insurance for your sanity.
Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
Totally agree, the VA appraisal is really just a surface-level check. In my experience, it’s more about making sure the house meets minimum property standards than digging into actual problems. I’ve seen sellers slap on fresh paint or new carpet, and the appraiser just breezes by without lifting a finger to check for issues underneath.
I always budget for a separate inspection, even if it feels redundant. Curious—has anyone ever had a VA appraiser actually flag something major, or is it mostly just the basics like heating, roof, and safety stuff?
Had a VA appraiser once call out some peeling paint on an old window frame, but that was about as dramatic as it got. They didn’t touch anything else. Meanwhile, my inspector found a leaky pipe under the kitchen sink that would’ve been a nightmare later. I get why folks think the VA check is just the bare minimum—it really is. I wouldn’t skip a separate inspection, even if it feels like overkill.
I get why folks think the VA check is just the bare minimum—it really is. I wouldn’t skip a separate inspection, even if it feels like overkill.
That’s spot on. The VA appraisal isn’t a full inspection—it’s more about making sure the property meets their minimum standards and is safe, sound, and sanitary. They’ll flag obvious stuff like peeling paint or missing handrails, but they’re not digging deep for things like plumbing leaks or electrical issues. I’ve seen buyers surprised by what gets missed. Paying for your own inspection might feel like an extra step, but it can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. When we bought our place with a VA loan, I thought the appraisal would catch everything, but nope—our inspector found a leaky water heater and some sketchy wiring that the VA guy didn’t even mention. It felt like an extra hassle at the time, but honestly, it saved us a ton of stress later. The peace of mind is worth it, even if it feels redundant.
