Two different professionals, two different jobs, one very common point of confusion. Here is the difference.
What Does the VA Appraiser Do?
The appraiser evaluates:
- Market value
- Comparable sales
- Property condition relevant to VA Minimum Property Requirements
- Safety/sanitation/security considerations
What Does a Home Inspector Do?
A home inspector typically evaluates accessible components and systems such as:
- Roof
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Structure
- Appliances
- Attic
- Exterior
The scope is much broader from the buyer's due-diligence perspective.
What Are VA Minimum Property Requirements?
VA MPRs are designed to help ensure the property is safe, sanitary, and structurally sound enough for VA financing.
Specific current requirements should be verified through VA guidance.
What If the Appraiser Requires Repairs?
The parties may need to determine:
- Who will repair
- Whether seller agrees
- Whether another solution is permitted
- Whether contract rights apply
Lisa can help negotiate repairs and credits around what the lender and VA actually require.
Example
Appraiser flags missing handrail/safety issue.
That is different from an inspector identifying:
- Aging HVAC
- Sewer problem
- Pool equipment failure
The VA appraisal does not replace those inspections.
How Lisa Helps
Lisa can help you understand what the VA appraisal means for the purchase, negotiate repair requests, and keep the transaction timeline coordinated with the lender.
She does not perform or approve the appraisal, and she does not determine VA financing approval. An independent home inspection is a decision for you and your inspection professional.
For the whole VA library, visit the VA Home Loans hub or start at the Financing a Home resource center.
