FHA & VA Appraisals: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Before the Appraisal

If you’re buying or selling a home using an FHA or VA loan, the appraisal is an important part of the transaction—and there are a few property-condition items that can potentially create delays if they aren't addressed ahead of time.

The good news is that many common appraisal issues are relatively simple and inexpensive to fix when you know what to look for. Taking a little time to walk through the property before the appraisal can help keep the loan on track and reduce the possibility of last-minute surprises.

What Do FHA and VA Appraisers Look For?

An FHA or VA appraisal isn't about making sure a home is absolutely perfect. The focus is on safety, functionality and overall condition.

Here are some of the items worth checking before the appraisal.

1. Handrails and Stairways

If a staircase presents a safety concern because it is missing a required handrail, that may need to be addressed.

A quick walk through the home can help identify stairways that may need attention before the appraiser arrives.

2. Doors and Windows

Cracked doors or windows should be repaired or replaced.

Don't overlook seemingly minor damage. Taking care of these items ahead of time can help eliminate avoidable concerns during the appraisal.

3. Flooring and Carpet

Torn or ripped carpet should be repaired or replaced.

If you're preparing a home for sale, this is also a good opportunity to look around for other obvious flooring issues that could affect the home's overall condition.

4. Pest Infestations

Noticeable pest infestations should be treated and cleared up.

If there is evidence of an infestation, it's better to address the problem before the appraisal rather than waiting for it to be identified during the process.

5. Roof Condition

Take a close look at the roof.

Appraisers may look for issues such as:

• Missing shingles
• Broken shingles
• Curling shingles
• Missing tabs
• Proper ventilation

If you already know there is a roofing issue, getting it addressed before the appraisal can help prevent an unnecessary delay.

6. Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms should be in proper working order.

This is an easy item to check before the appraisal and one that shouldn't be overlooked when preparing a property.

7. Utilities Need to Be Working

Utilities must be turned on and functioning at the time of the inspection.

If you're selling a vacant property, make sure this is coordinated ahead of time so the appraiser can properly evaluate the home.

8. Water Pressure

Water pressure is another item to pay attention to.

One simple check mentioned in the checklist is to run the sink after flushing the toilet.

9. Attic and Crawl Space Access

The appraiser needs to be able to access attics and crawl spaces.

Before the appraisal, make sure these areas aren't blocked by belongings or other obstacles.

10. Electrical and Structural Issues

The checklist also identifies several areas that deserve attention, including:

• Exposed wires
• Floor support
• Framing
• Walls
• Ceilings

These aren't the types of issues you want to discover at the last minute.

11. Peeling Paint

Peeling paint is another item to address, particularly in homes built before 1978, where the checklist recommends checking for lead-based paint.

12. Drainage Problems

Don't forget the exterior of the property.

Drainage problems can also be identified as part of the appraisal process, so it's worth taking a walk around the property after rain or looking for obvious areas where water isn't draining properly.

What About the Property's Location?

Some appraisal considerations aren't related to the physical condition of the house itself.

The checklist also points to factors such as:

• Busy roads or heavy traffic
• Nearby commercial or industrial uses
• The location of gas or flammable tanks

The checklist specifically notes that gas and/or flammable tanks must be at least 300 feet from the home.

Selling a Home With an FHA or VA Buyer?

If you're a seller, don't wait until the appraisal is ordered to start looking for potential issues.

Before putting your home on the market—or at least before the appraisal—walk through the property with your Realtor and look for obvious condition and safety concerns.

A few relatively small repairs could help prevent a larger problem later in the transaction.

Buying With an FHA or VA Loan?

If you're the buyer, don't panic when you hear the word "appraisal."

The purpose isn't to demand a perfect house. The focus is on the property's safety, functionality and overall condition.

Your Realtor and lender can help you understand what to expect and what questions to ask throughout the process.

The Bottom Line

Preparation is your friend.

Many of the common issues identified during FHA and VA appraisals can be spotted ahead of time. Walking through the property before the appraisal gives you an opportunity to address potential problems rather than discovering them at the last minute.

Whether you're buying, selling, relocating to Clarksville/Fort Campbell, or considering putting your home on the market, having an experienced Realtor in your corner can make the process much easier to navigate.

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

I'm happy to help you understand what to expect before you get to the appraisal stage.

Angie McCormick
Broker/Owner | The McCormick Group RE
Serving Clarksville, Fort Campbell, and surrounding Middle Tennessee & Kentucky communities.

Have questions about FHA or VA financing? Reach out—I’m always happy to help.