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VA Appraisal Fees, Requirements and What to Expect

Understanding the process, requirements and cost of a VA appraisal will prepare you for the homebuying process.

Barbara Marquand
Chris Jennings
Michelle Blackford
Updated
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Nerdy takeaways
  • Fees for a VA appraisal typically run between $600 and $1,200, depending on the location and property type.
  • You must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for safety and sanitation.
  • The appraisal process can take anywhere between one to three weeks and includes a "safety net" if the value comes in low.
When you apply for any type of mortgage to buy a home, the lender will usually require an appraisal to estimate the home's value. The same goes for a VA loan, except the lender will hire a VA-approved appraiser. Here's what a VA appraisal entails and how much it will cost.
» MORE: How VA loans work and who qualifies

What is a VA loan appraisal?

A VA appraisal is required when using a VA loan to buy a home. Besides estimating its market value, a VA-approved appraiser thoroughly checks the home to make sure it meets Minimum Property Requirements set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
A VA appraisal is also needed to get a VA cash-out refinance, but they’re usually not required for a regular VA streamline refinance (where the loan balance stays the same, but the rate and term changes).
» MORE: How to refinance a VA loan

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VA appraisal fees

The VA limits how much appraisers can charge, and the fee varies by state and sometimes county. Nationwide, maximum VA appraisal fees range from $600 to $1,200 for single-family homes, condos and manufactured homes.
The lender hires the appraiser, but you pay the VA appraisal fee as part of the mortgage closing costs unless the seller agrees to pay it. Appraisers can ask for permission to charge additional fees for mileage and the extra time required to evaluate complex properties.
» MORE: What are VA loan closing costs?

VA appraisal checklist

The VA’s Minimum Property Requirements ensure that homes financed by VA loans are safe, structurally sound and sanitary.

VA Minimum Property Requirements

The VA’s appraisal guidelines are lengthy and detailed. Here are some basic MPRs you should be aware of:
  • There must be enough space for living, sleeping, cooking and dining, and adequate bathrooms.
  • The property must be safely accessible via a public or private street with an all-weather surface.
  • Water must drain away from the house.
  • The home must have electricity for lighting, and any visibly damaged or exposed electrical wires must be repaired.
  • There must be a continuous, safe water supply, hot water, sanitary facilities and safe sewage disposal.
  • Mechanical systems must be safe to operate and protected.
  • The roof must be in good condition.
  • The crawl space must be accessible and properly vented.
  • Basements must be dry and not have any obvious structural problems.
  • Exterior paint should provide thorough coverage to protect the home from the elements. On homes built before 1978, any loose, cracked or peeling paint inside or outside must be repaired due to the possibility of lead contamination.
Any defective conditions that make the property unsafe or threaten the structure or sanitation must be corrected. Examples are defective construction, leaks, decay, excessive dampness and termites.

VA appraisal timeline

The VA also sets standards for how long it takes for appraisers to respond and complete the work. The timeliness requirements for VA appraisals vary by region and are based on customary timelines for conventional home appraisals.
The appraisal can take anywhere from seven to 21 days to complete depending on where you live, according to the latest available VA data.

VA appraisal vs. home inspection

A VA appraisal is not a home inspection. An inspection is a detailed assessment of a home's condition. While not required, it’s a good idea to get a home inspection after a seller has accepted your offer but before the purchase is complete.
A VA appraiser will note when "readily apparent" repairs are needed to meet minimum property requirements, then prepare an appraisal that is subject to those items getting fixed before closing. However, the appraiser won't do the kinds of detailed checks of mechanical systems and appliances that inspectors do.

What happens if the VA appraisal is low?

If you believe the appraisal came in too low, you can request a reconsideration of value through the VA, since a VA loan cannot exceed the home’s appraised market value.
Appraisers use sales of comparable homes, known as "comps," to help establish market value. If the appraiser believes the home’s value will come in below the sales price, they must notify the lender before finishing the report.
At that point, the lender and other parties have two business days to submit additional comparable sales data. The appraiser will review this information and may make adjustments if the information has any bearing on the home's value. The finalized appraisal is then submitted to the VA, which reviews the report and supporting data before issuing the official appraised value.
NerdWallet writer Isabella Angelos contributed to this story.
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