I hear this a lot—folks assume the VA appraisal is a deep dive, but it’s really just a quick check for minimum property standards. I’ve seen buyers get tripped up by hidden electrical or foundation issues that never came up during the VA process. Has anyone here actually had the VA appraiser flag something major, like a roof or HVAC problem? I’m curious how often that actually happens versus what gets missed...
Title: VA Appraisal vs. Inspection—How Much Does It Really Catch?
I hear this a lot—folks assume the VA appraisal is a deep dive, but it’s really just a quick check for minimum property standards. I’ve seen buyers get tripped up by hidden electrical or foundation issues that never came up during the VA process.
That’s pretty much been my experience too. The VA appraiser’s job is basically to make sure the place isn’t falling apart and meets their minimum standards—stuff like no peeling paint, safe utilities, no obvious roof leaks, etc. But it’s nowhere near what you’d get from a licensed home inspector poking around in the crawlspace or opening up the electrical panel.
I’ve actually had a VA appraiser flag a roof once, but honestly, it was so obvious you could see daylight through the shingles. Not exactly a “hidden” issue. I’ve never seen them catch subtle stuff like outdated wiring or minor foundation cracks. If anything, I’d say they tend to err on the side of “good enough” as long as the basics are covered.
What I find interesting is how many buyers don’t realize the VA appraisal isn’t a substitute for a real inspection. There’s this assumption that because it’s a government-backed loan, everything’s getting checked out with a fine-tooth comb. In reality, a lot can slip through. I’ve seen properties pass VA but then get dinged in a regular inspection for things like HVAC on its last legs or ancient plumbing.
Curious if anyone’s had the opposite experience—like, did your VA appraiser ever dig deeper and call out something major that wasn’t super obvious? Or is it pretty much always just the surface-level stuff? I wonder if it varies by region or just depends on the individual appraiser’s attention to detail.
Either way, I’d never skip a full inspection just because the VA signed off. Too much risk, especially with older homes.
Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
There’s this assumption that because it’s a government-backed loan, everything’s getting checked out with a fine-tooth comb. In reality, a lot can slip through.
That’s the myth I run into all the time—folks think since the VA is involved, the house must be getting the “white glove” treatment. Not even close. The VA appraisal is really just a box-checking exercise to make sure the place isn’t a total disaster and meets their minimum property requirements. If you’re expecting them to crawl under the house or test every outlet, you’re setting yourself up for a rude awakening.
Here’s the deal: the VA does NOT require a full home inspection. They require an appraisal, which is mostly about value and basic safety. The appraiser might notice if there’s mold growing on the ceiling or if the stairs are missing a railing, but they’re not going to catch half of what a real inspector will. Think of it like taking your car through a drive-thru car wash instead of actually popping the hood and checking the engine.
I’ve seen buyers get burned by this more than once. One couple I worked with thought the VA sign-off meant everything was golden. Fast forward a few months, and they’re dealing with a sewer line from 1963 that nobody bothered to look at. The VA didn’t catch it because, honestly, it wasn’t leaking onto the lawn (yet).
If you’re buying with a VA loan, pay for your own inspection—period. It’s not just about peace of mind; it’s about not getting stuck with a money pit that eats up your savings faster than you can say “unexpected repairs.” Sure, you might get lucky and have an appraiser who’s extra thorough, but I wouldn’t count on it. Most of them are just making sure the basics are there so the VA can back the loan.
Bottom line: don’t confuse “meets minimum standards” with “move-in ready” or “problem-free.” That’s a recipe for regret, especially if you’re not prepared to shell out for repairs right after closing.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen the VA appraisal catch some pretty big issues that a regular buyer might’ve missed. Had a client last year whose appraiser flagged a faulty electrical panel—ended up saving them a headache and a few grand. Sure, it’s not a full inspection, but sometimes those “minimum standards” do catch more than people expect. I still recommend a real inspection, but I wouldn’t say the VA process is totally toothless either. Sometimes it’s just enough to make sellers fix the obvious stuff before closing.
“I still recommend a real inspection, but I wouldn’t say the VA process is totally toothless either. Sometimes it’s just enough to make sellers fix the obvious stuff before closing.”
Couldn’t agree more with this. The VA appraisal isn’t just some box-checking exercise—those minimum standards can actually have some bite. I’ve seen sellers scramble to fix leaky roofs or busted heaters just because the VA appraiser flagged them. It’s like the appraiser’s got a sixth sense for stuff that’ll cost you money down the road.
That said, I always tell folks: don’t skip the full inspection. The VA appraisal is like your car’s check engine light—it’ll catch the big, scary stuff, but it won’t tell you your brakes are about to go. Still, I’ve seen enough “surprise repairs” forced by VA appraisers to know they’re not just phoning it in.
Bottom line, the VA process isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely not useless. Sometimes it’s just enough to keep everyone honest... and maybe save you from inheriting a money pit.
