If you’re selling a house in the Atlanta area, you may get interest from veterans or active-duty military buyers using a VA loan. VA loans are a great benefit for those who’ve served, offering no down payment, low interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance. But before the deal goes through, the property has to pass certain inspection and appraisal steps.
That’s where knowing the VA loan inspection requirements in Atlanta comes in. These inspections are designed to make sure your house is safe, sound, and move-in ready for military families when it’s time to close.
VA appraisal vs. VA home inspection
It’s easy to confuse a VA appraisal with a VA home inspection, but they’re not the same thing.
- VA appraisal: This is required. It checks two things: whether the house is worth the sale price, and whether it meets the VA minimum property requirements in Atlanta. These standards are part of the broader VA appraisal guidelines in Georgia and help make sure the property is safe and livable.
- VA home inspection: This is optional, but it’s a good idea. A buyer will likely get an inspection before they close, so getting an inspection done in advance can help set your expectations and identify potential problems. A regular inspection digs deeper into the condition of the house—like the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and foundation. It gives buyers a full picture of what they’re buying, even if the VA loan doesn’t require it.
What are VA Minimum Property Requirements?
So, what exactly are the VA loan inspection requirements in Atlanta? Loans are reliant on adherence to Minimum Property Requirements, or MPRs. Many buyers will use a VA home inspection checklist in Georgia to guide the process, which include requirements like:
- The house must be safe, sanitary, and structurally sound.
- The HVAC system needs to be fully functioning.
- There can’t be any lead paint (especially important to verify in houses built before 1978).
- The structure has to be weather-tight and proofed.
- The home must be pest-free.
If your house doesn't meet these standards, it may not pass the VA appraisal.
Common reasons houses fail VA inspections
Some Atlanta houses, especially older ones or fixer-uppers, don’t meet VA standards right away. Here are a few common reasons they fail:
- Roof leaks or damaged shingles
- Plumbing or electrical problems
- Foundation issues or uneven flooring
- Signs of termites or mold
- Missing handrails or other safety hazards
These problems can make it hard for Atlanta home buyers to use a VA loan to move forward unless repairs are made.
How to get your Atlanta house ready for a VA buyer
Want to avoid last-minute issues? Here are a few tips to help your property pass inspection:
- Get a home inspection before listing. That way, you can fix problems early.
- Check that the heat, water, and electricity all work properly.
- Handle small repairs, including things like loose handrails, leaky faucets, or broken light fixtures.
Taking these steps can make your house more attractive and help prevent delays during the sale.
What happens if the house doesn’t pass inspection?
If the VA appraisal or inspection finds problems, here’s what could happen:
- You might need to make repairs before the sale can close.
- The buyer could ask for a price reduction or back out.
- The buyer might apply for a VA renovation loan, which allows them to fix the issues after purchase.
If the appraised value is too low, the buyer can request a second opinion called a “reconsideration of value.” For sellers, especially those with older houses or properties that need work, this can be stressful and expensive. That’s why some choose to sell their house "as is" in Atlanta instead.
You can still sell if your house doesn’t meet VA loan requirements.
Understanding VA loan inspection requirements in Atlanta can help you prepare your house for a smooth sale to a military buyer. But if your property won’t pass a VA inspection or you need to sell fast, you still have options when it comes to your home sale. At We Buy Ugly Houses®, we buy houses and other types of property in Atlanta in almost any condition. That means:
- No repairs or renovations
- No waiting for a buyer’s loan approval
- No need to pass a VA inspection or get an appraisal
In the past 25 years, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners all over the continental United States sell quickly without stress. Whether you need to skip repairs, you’ve inherited a house you don’t want, or you’re just looking for a fast, easy sale, we can help.
With our 3-step home-buying process, we can take you from consultation to closing quickly, sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. But if that sounds too fast, we work with our sellers to figure out a closing schedule that suits their selling timeline. We don’t charge commissions or hidden fees, and we pay all typical closing costs.†
Call We Buy Ugly Houses in Atlanta today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
