Does a VA Loan Require a Home Inspection?

If you’re a veteran or active-duty military personnel looking to secure a VA loan for a home, you’ve probably heard words like “appraisal” and “home inspection” thrown around. While they may sound similar, they have very different purposes. Like SC jumbo loans and even traditional loans, it’s important to know the requirements around inspections. 

Does a VA loan require a home inspection? Fortunately, you won’t have to pay for a home inspection with a VA loan. But that doesn’t mean you should pass on it.

At BrickWood Mortgage, we assist veterans with VA loans on a regular basis. One of the most important things you can do is understand what you need versus what you want. This can save you a lot of heartache in the future. Let’s take a closer look at what VA appraisals are, what home inspections entail, and why a home inspection can be one of the smartest decisions you make in the process.

VA Appraisals vs. Home Inspections

While a VA loan does require an appraisal, it’s not necessarily the same thing as a home inspection. An appraisal is performed by a VA-approved appraiser. Essentially, it’s performed to determine what the home is worth, as well as to make sure it meets VA loan house inspection requirements and VA’s Minimum Property Requirements. This protects you and the bank because it ensures you’re paying what the home is actually worth, as well as making sure it’s safe and livable.

While an appraisal is necessary, a home inspection is not. But it’s a wise choice. An inspection is a thorough evaluation of a home, including everything from the foundation to the roof. Understanding the VA loan inspection criteria can help you see why an inspection adds another layer of protection.

What Are VA Minimum Property Requirements?

VA Minimum Property Requirements are in place to ensure the home you are purchasing is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. This means the appraiser will check for things such as a damaged roof, bad plumbing, or electrical issues. If the home does not pass the MPRs, the seller will need to make the necessary repairs before the loan will be approved. These are part of the VA loan inspection requirements that ensure your future home meets essential safety and quality standards.

Although the MPRs are the minimum requirements, they do not give us the whole picture of the condition of the home. This is where the home inspection comes in.

Why We Recommend a Voluntary Home Inspection

Although a home inspection is not required for a VA loan, we strongly encourage our clients to do so. Not only will it give us more leverage when it comes to negotiations, it will also give you the opportunity to avoid potential costly repairs in the future. We see it all the time, where a veteran buys their dream home, and just a year or two later, they are hit with unexpected repair bills. 

The hundreds of dollars spent on the inspection will save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Pair a VA house inspection checklist with an inspection, and you’ll have a detailed overview of any property. Not only will it save you money, it will give you the peace of mind knowing exactly what you are getting for your money.

Making Informed Decisions Together

Making the decision to purchase a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, and we are dedicated to guiding you through the VA loan process with confidence and ensuring you are fully aware of everything going on throughout the process. Although the VA does not require a home inspection, we find it to be a useful tool for empowering you to make the most informed decisions regarding your home purchase.

If you’re considering a VA loan and have questions about appraisals, inspections, or anything else, we’re here to help at BrickWood Mortgage. We’re dedicated to helping veterans and military personnel get the home they deserve!