VA Appraisal Checklist

Know What the Appraiser Is Looking For Before Closing Day

VA appraisers check Minimum Property Requirements on every home. Use this list alongside your inspection report so nothing catches you off guard.

How Veterans and Agents Use This Checklist

This checklist is built around the VA's Minimum Property Requirements — the standards every home must meet before a VA loan can close. It is designed to be shared: send it to your agent before you make an offer, walk through it during your inspection period, and use it as a reference when requesting seller repairs. Agents who receive it know exactly what the VA appraiser will flag — which means repair requests land with documentation behind them, not just buyer preferences.

After Your Inspection

Once you have your inspection report, match each flagged item to the checklist. Any item that appears on both your inspection report and this checklist is a VA requirement — not a negotiating point. Sellers and their agents understand the distinction. Present it that way.

Report Details — required to generate PDF

Buyer Name

Buyer Email

Agent Name

Agent Email

Your progress0 / 28 reviewed (0%)

Roof has at least 2 years of remaining lifeCommon VA call-out — missing/curled shingles often flagged.No active leaks, sagging, or water stainingFoundation is free of major cracks or shiftingSoffits, fascia, and eaves are intactExterior siding has no exposed wood or rotVA frequently calls out chipped/peeling paint on pre-1978 homes (lead paint).

Electrical panel is functional and properly labeledNo exposed or frayed wiringKnob-and-tube or aluminum wiring is a common deal-breaker.All outlets and switches operate normallyGFCI outlets present in kitchen, baths, garage, and exterior

All faucets, toilets, and drains operate without leaksWater heater is functional and properly strapped (where required)Adequate water pressure at all fixturesProperty has continuous, safe water supplyWells require water quality testing — a common VA condition.Sewer or septic system is operational

Permanent heat source in every living areaSpace heaters do NOT satisfy VA heat requirements.Heating system reaches at least 50°F in all roomsAC system functional (required in most Texas markets)No visible rust, leaks, or carbon-monoxide hazards

Safe, all-weather access road to the propertyHandrails present on stairs with 3+ stepsMissing handrails are one of the most common VA repair items.Smoke detectors installed in required locationsNo wood-destroying insect (termite) damageTermite inspection (Form NPMA-33) required in most Texas counties.Property free of environmental hazards

Floors, walls, and ceilings are structurally soundWindows and doors operate properlyKitchen has working stove/oven and basic appliancesAt least one functional bathroom with tub or showerNo broken windows or missing screensBroken glass is a common appraiser call-out.

Questions About What the Appraiser Found?

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VA Appraisal Checklist

How Veterans and Agents Use This Checklist

After Your Inspection

Questions About What the Appraiser Found?

VA APPRAISAL CHECKLIST REPORT

Items Confirmed ✓

Items Requiring Seller Attention