When a veteran or active-duty service member is thinking about buying a home, a VA home loan can make things a lot easier. This loan program is backed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and comes with great perks like no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance. But before a deal can close using a VA loan, the house has to meet certain VA loan requirements to make sure it's safe, clean, and in decent shape.
If you’re a homeowner in Houston planning to sell your house to a VA buyer, it helps to understand what these inspections involve. Whether you're listing your home or going the off-market route, knowing the VA rules up front can save you time, stress, and effort.
VA loan appraisal vs. VA home inspection
A lot of people mix up the VA appraisal with a VA home inspection, but they’re different steps in the process.
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VA appraisal: This is required with every VA mortgage loan. A VA-approved appraiser will confirm the market value and make sure it meets the Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), which are basic rules for structural safety.
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VA home inspection: This part is optional, but it can be a smart move. A VA home inspection provides a deeper look at the home’s overall shape like the roof, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and more. Buyers get peace of mind, and sellers can catch issues early and make repairs before problems delay the sale.
VA loan minimum property requirements (MPRs)
If a buyer is using a VA home loan to buy your Houston home, it needs to meet some core VA home loan requirements to qualify.
Here’s what the VA looks for:
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Safe and sound structure: The home can’t have major damage, unsafe conditions, or serious wear and tear.
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Working utilities and systems: All electrical, plumbing, and heating systems must function properly, which means no faulty wiring, leaky pipes, or broken heaters.
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Roof in good condition: The roof needs to be in solid shape with no active leaks or structural concerns.
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No lead-based paint hazards: Especially in older homes (built before 1978), chipped or peeling paint needs to be addressed.
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No termites or pest issues: Depending on where you live, a termite inspection may be required. Pest damage or infestations have to be treated before closing.
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Proper drainage: The lot must drain well. There can’t be any standing water in crawl spaces, basements, or around the foundation.
5 common reasons Houston houses fail VA inspections
There are several common reasons a home might not meet VA loan appraisal requirements here in Houston:
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Roof damage or leaks: Missing shingles, sagging spots, or signs of water intrusion
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Plumbing and electrical problems: Exposed wires, faulty outlets, or pipes that leak or clog
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Foundation or structural issues: Cracks in the walls or floors that hint at deeper problems
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Termites or wood rot: Any visible signs of damage caused by pests or decay
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Basic safety problems: Missing stair railings, broken windows, or non-working smoke detectors
Even small problems can make it tough for a home to meet VA loan requirements, especially if they affect safety or function.
How to prepare your Houston house for a VA appraisal
If you're planning to sell your house to a buyer using a veteran home loan, getting ahead of these issues can make a big difference.
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Schedule a pre-sale inspection: Have a pro take a look at your home before it goes on the market. It’s a good way to find and fix problems before a VA appraiser flags them.
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Get major systems in working order: Check your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. If something’s broken, it’s worth fixing now.
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Tackle the small stuff: Patch that hole in the wall, secure loose railings, fix any slow drains, and replace broken or missing light fixtures. These quick repairs can go a long way.
What happens if your house fails a VA appraisal?
If your home doesn’t meet the VA’s standards during the appraisal, it doesn’t mean the sale is over, just that some issues may need to be addressed.
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Seller repairs: You may be asked to make certain repairs before the buyer’s mortgage loan can be approved.
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Buyer options: The buyer may apply for a VA renovation loan to roll repair costs into their loan program, or they may ask you to cover the work.
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Reconsideration of value (ROV): If the appraised value comes in lower than the sale price, the buyer can submit additional information (like other real estate listings) to try to raise it.
Of course, if your home needs a lot of work, and you don’t want to take on the hassle, there’s another option.
Want to skip the repairs? Sell your house “as is.”
VA appraisals are meant to protect veterans, making sure their home is safe, sound, and ready to live in. For sellers, understanding VA loan requirements can help you avoid surprises and make your house more appealing to VA buyers.
If you're unsure whether your home can meet VA loan eligibility rules or you just don’t want to go through the appraisal process and make the necessary repairs, We Buy Ugly Houses® is here to help. We buy houses in almost any condition, which means you can sell your house “as is” with no appraisals, no inspections, and no need to make repairs. With our 3-step home-buying process, we can take you from consultation to closing quickly, sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. We don’t charge commissions or hidden fees, and we pay typical closing costs.†
Not every home meets VA loan standards, and that’s okay. If you're ready to move on without the hassle of repairs, inspections or appraisals, We Buy Ugly Houses in Houston can help. Get your free, no-obligation consultation today.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
