VA Minimum Property Requirements 2026
In 2026, VA Minimum Property Requirements still enforce the same three pillars: the home must be safe, sanitary, and structurally sound. These standards are applied through the VA appraisal, and if the appraiser finds a habitability problem, the issue usually has to be repaired before the loan can close.
Next step: Check VA Loan Eligibility for Homes That Meet VA Standards
Choose what is true for the property. The result box stays visible on desktop while you work down the checklist, so you can see the outcome update without scrolling back up.
Red-flag items usually mean the VA appraisal comes back subject to repairs. Yellow items usually mean more review or documentation.
Filter the matrix by keyword, category, or outcome. The download buttons below export the full matrix as CSV or JSON.
Typical patterns only. This is a screening reference, not a guarantee or lending decision.
| Issue | Category | Typical outcome | Why it matters | Typical fix / next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defective exterior paint (chipping / peeling / cracking) | Paint / Lead | Repair required | Protects surfaces; pre-1978 is treated as lead-based paint. | Scrape, prime, repaint using lead-safe practices where applicable. |
| Defective interior paint | Paint / Lead | Conditional / further review | Often cosmetic post-1978; safety issue pre-1978. | Remediate where hazardous, especially in pre-1978 homes. |
| No continuous potable running water | Water & Sewer | Repair required | Continuous safe water is fundamental to sanitation. | Restore service; correct contamination; follow health-authority guidance. |
| Unsafe or non-functioning sewage disposal | Water & Sewer | Repair required | Failing sewer or septic is a direct sanitation problem. | Repair systems, connect to public where required, and obtain approvals. |
| No electricity for lighting and basic equipment | Utilities & Mechanical | Repair required | Each living unit must have electrical service. | Restore power and remedy unsafe conditions. |
| Frayed or exposed electrical wiring | Utilities & Mechanical | Repair required | Clear shock and fire hazard. | Licensed electrician repairs, replaces, or covers conductors. |
| Heating system not permanently installed or non-functional | Utilities & Mechanical | Repair required | Nonfunctional or unsafe heating commonly requires repair. | Repair or replace system and verify safe operation. |
| No reliable hot water or inoperative water heater | Utilities & Mechanical | Repair required | Basic sanitation and habitability issue. | Repair or replace water heater and correct unsafe venting or leaks. |
| Roof leaks or active moisture intrusion | Roof & Structure | Repair required | Roof must prevent moisture and have reasonable life. | Repair or replace covering and address flashing/interior damage. |
| Evidence of structural instability | Roof & Structure | Conditional / further review | Core safety and soundness issue; severity drives outcome. | Engineer evaluation and corrective work as needed. |
| Obvious safety hazards (stairs, rails, guards, trip hazards) | Safety | Repair required | MPR repairs focus on defects that impair safe use. | Repair or replace unsafe elements and ensure safe egress. |
| Wood-destroying insects, fungus, or dry rot | Pests | Repair required | Can damage structural components. | Treatment plus repair damaged wood; reports where required. |
| Purely cosmetic wear (worn carpet, scuffs, minor chips) | Safety | Usually OK | VA discourages conditions for cosmetic items alone. | No repair unless the issue becomes a safety hazard. |
| Private road or shared driveway lacks clear legal access or maintenance | Safety | Conditional / further review | All-weather access and legal right-of-way can be required for safe entry and marketability. | Provide recorded easement and maintenance agreement; cure title issues. |
| Poor drainage or negative grading causing water toward foundation | Roof & Structure | Conditional / further review | Water intrusion can affect sanitation and long-term structural integrity. | Regrade, extend downspouts, add drainage improvements, and verify moisture is controlled. |
| Excess moisture, standing water, or heavy dampness in crawl space | Roof & Structure | Conditional / further review | Persistent dampness can lead to decay, pests, and structural deterioration. | Correct the source, improve ventilation/dehumidification, and remediate damage. |
| Leaking stationary fuel or oil storage tank or evidence of contamination | Safety | Repair required | Potential environmental and health/safety hazard. | Professional evaluation, repair/remove tank as required, and document remediation. |
| Burglar bars that block egress without quick release | Safety | Repair required | Emergency escape risk and impaired safe occupancy. | Install quick-release mechanism or remove/modify bars. |
| Swimming pool safety hazards (broken barriers, unsafe equipment, obvious danger) | Safety | Conditional / further review | Obvious hazards may require correction before occupancy. | Repair hazards, meet local safety requirements, and document corrections. |
| Broken window panes or missing glazing creating safety/weather exposure | Safety | Conditional / further review | Safety hazard and potential moisture intrusion. | Replace glazing/window components and ensure weather-tight seal. |
| Private well or septic needs evidence of acceptability | Water & Sewer | Conditional / further review | Water quality and safe disposal are core sanitation requirements. | Provide required reports/approvals and repair if results are unacceptable. |
Structural Soundness
- Roof: The roof must be weather-tight, prevent moisture intrusion, and usually show reasonable remaining life.
- Foundation: Major cracks, sagging floors, or signs of continuing settlement can stop the loan until resolved.
- Attics and crawlspaces: These areas should be accessible, properly vented, and free of standing water or major hazards.
- If the house shows visible structural wear, get answers before the VA appraisal is ordered.
Mechanical and Utilities
- Heating: The home needs a permanent heat source capable of protecting plumbing and maintaining safe interior conditions.
- Electricity: Wiring and systems must be safe, functional, and in working order with no obvious hazards.
- Water and sanitation: The property must have potable water and a functional sanitary sewer or septic system.
- Make sure utilities are active before appraisal so the appraiser can test the systems.
Health and Safety Hazards
- Lead-based paint: On pre-1978 homes, peeling or flaking paint usually must be corrected before closing.
- Pests and rot: Active termites, fungus, and dry rot are common MPR problems and can require treatment or repair.
- Safety features: Missing handrails and inadequate emergency egress can trigger repair conditions.
- Fix cheap safety items early because small hazards can still delay the whole loan.
Access, Site, and 2026 Updates
- All-weather access: The property must be reachable year-round by a usable public or private road.
- Drainage: The site should move water away from the foundation to reduce pooling and moisture damage.
- 2026 focus points: Wood-destroying insect rules remain county specific, and appraisers are stricter about utilities being on during inspection.
- If the home has a private road, older septic, or drainage problems, raise it before you get deep into the contract. Properties in FEMA flood zones also require flood insurance, which adds to your monthly payment and affects qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are VA Minimum Property Requirements in 2026?
Does a VA appraisal replace a home inspection?
What happens if the home fails VA Minimum Property Requirements?
Is a home inspection required for a VA loan?
Can a VA loan be approved on an as-is property?
What happens if the home fails VA MPRs?
Can the seller refuse to make VA-required repairs?
What Are VA Minimum Property Requirements?
Will this house “pass VA,” or will the appraisal turn into a repair list that blows up your closing date? In 2026, VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) still come down to three tests: safe, sanitary, and structurally sound. Understanding the common dealbreakers helps you screen properties before making an offer. It’s whether basic systems work, obvious hazards are corrected, and the appraiser can verify those facts without guessing.
See Where You Stand on a VA Loan
Curious if you’d qualify for a VA loan today? Take 2 minutes to see where you stand. The pre-qualification tool below is free, shows your full results immediately, and asks for no contact info to view your assessment.
What MPRs Do Not Cover
MPRs target safety, soundness, and habitability — not cosmetics. Dated carpet, old paint on post-1978 homes, worn countertops, minor nail pops, and outdated fixtures do not fail a VA appraisal. Appliances are not inspected or tested. A home can be ugly and still pass MPRs. The appraiser is checking whether the property is safe to live in, not whether it is move-in ready by the buyer’s standards.
2026 Update
For VA appraisals ordered on or after May 1, 2026, detached structures — sheds, detached garages, workshops — are no longer required to meet MPRs. The appraiser still notes their condition, but defects in detached structures no longer block closing. Additionally, the radon-resistant construction certification requirement has been removed for new construction appraisals ordered after the same date.
How VA MPRs Are Actually Enforced
MPRs are enforced through the VA appraisal and the Notice of Value, not through your private home inspection. The appraiser is looking for conditions that make the property unsafe or not immediately livable — see home inspection vs VA appraisal for the full comparison — and they can make the appraisal “subject to” repairs. Your inspection is still worth doing, but for a different reason: it tells you what you’ll own after closing, including problems that are not MPR issues.
- Appraisal and inspection answer different questions, so a home can meet MPRs and still have expensive repairs you would only learn through an inspection.
- Most MPR problems are visible before you offer, which is why a quick pre-offer screen can save weeks of back-and-forth later.
- A common misunderstanding is thinking “VA won’t finance older homes,” when the real issue is uncorrected hazards like paint failure, unsafe wiring, or active leaks.
- Scenario: The appraisal clears with no repairs, but the inspection finds an aging HVAC and drainage issues—items that may not be MPR triggers but still affect your budget.
- Use MPR as a pass/fail screen and your inspection as a decision tool, because the appraisal is about eligibility and the inspection is about ownership risk.
- Before you offer, look for the usual MPR triggers: peeling paint, missing handrails, exposed wiring, roof leaks, no heat source, and water damage.
- Keep contract timelines realistic, because “subject to” repairs add scheduling steps even when the repair itself is simple.
VA.gov: Home Buying Process and MPR Appraisal Step
What “Subject To Repairs” Means and Why It Slows Closings
“Subject to” means the appraiser conditioned the value and eligibility on repairs being completed and verified. The loan usually can’t close until the lender has evidence the required work is done, which can include a reinspection. The delay isn’t always the repair. It’s the coordination: getting the seller to schedule it, getting access, then getting verification back into the loan file before the rate lock or closing date hits.
- Small repairs can cause big delays when contractors can’t get scheduled quickly or when the seller doesn’t treat your closing date as their deadline.
- Most lenders will not let you “close and fix later” for core habitability items, so a repair list often becomes a hard gate to funding.
- Reinspections cost time and money, and if you don’t plan for that step, your timeline gets squeezed right when disclosures and final underwriting are happening.
- Scenario: A simple handrail repair is delayed a week, then the reinspection appointment is another week out, and your lock extension becomes the real cost.
- Assign repair ownership immediately—who schedules, who pays, and who confirms completion—because vague responsibility is the #1 reason repairs drift.
- Get a repair completion date first, then schedule the verification step around it, because the verification is often the pacing item.
- Don’t waive contingency leverage until you know the repair plan is real, because “seller will repair” is meaningless without dates and access.
VBA: VA Appraisal Fees, Timeliness, and $150 Reinspection Fee (PDF)
Structural Soundness: Roof, Foundation, Attic, and Crawlspace
Structural MPR issues are about stability and moisture intrusion, not cosmetic wear. Roofs must keep water out. Foundations and floors must be stable enough for safe use. Attics and crawlspaces don’t have to be pristine, but they can’t show severe hazards like standing water or damage that suggests the structure is actively failing. Where deals get stuck is “unknowns” the appraiser can’t reconcile without repairs or further proof. MPRs apply the same way to off-grid properties, where private wells, septic, and solar power must satisfy the same safety and soundness checks.
- Roofs usually get flagged when they leak or clearly fail to prevent moisture intrusion, not just because they’re old or the shingles are faded.
- Foundations become an MPR problem when there’s evidence of major movement, unsafe floors, or continuing settlement that affects safety or structural integrity.
- Crawlspace ponding water is a frequent trigger because it points to moisture damage risk and can lead to rot, mold, and long-term structural deterioration.
- Scenario: A home has a water-stained ceiling but the seller says “old leak.” The appraiser can still condition for proof of repair or active leak correction.
- Ask early about roof age and leak history, because a known leak with no repair proof commonly turns into a repair condition.
- During showings, look for soft floors, significant cracks, and water staining, because those are fast indicators of issues the appraiser can’t ignore.
- If crawlspace issues are visible, assume the fix may involve drainage or moisture control, which often doesn’t fit into a short close window.
Mechanical and Utilities: Heat, Electrical, Water, and Sewer
MPRs require basic systems that support normal living: safe electrical service, adequate heat, and safe water and sewage disposal. The details matter. For example, a wood stove can’t be the only heat source if plumbing areas can’t be kept at 50°F. Water must be potable. Sewage must be sanitary. A common 2026 friction point is utility status: if utilities are off, the appraiser may not be able to reasonably confirm function and the appraisal can become “subject to” turning systems on or correcting defects.
- Heat issues show up when there’s no permanent system or when the system can’t reasonably support healthful living conditions for the property.
- Electrical issues show up as obvious hazards—exposed wiring, unsafe panels, or conditions that suggest the system isn’t safe to operate.
- Water and sewer issues are deal-stoppers when the property can’t demonstrate a continuous potable supply and a safe sewage disposal method.
- Scenario: A vacant home is winterized and utilities are off. The appraiser can still condition the file because the lender needs proof systems are functional.
- Confirm utilities can be on for appraisal and inspection when possible, because verifying function is easier than arguing about what “probably works.”
- For well/septic, request any existing service records early, because resolving water quality or septic issues late can push you past contract deadlines.
- Don’t assume “space heaters are fine,” because the file usually needs a permanent heat solution that fits the property’s plumbing and climate realities.
Does Peeling Paint Fail a VA Appraisal?
Two of the fastest MPR triggers are defective paint on homes built before 1978 — see lead paint requirements — and basic fall hazards like missing handrails. Paint issues are treated as potential lead-based paint hazards and typically must be scraped, primed, and repainted. Buyers in high-risk zones should also consider radon testing. Handrails, unsafe steps, and similar hazards get flagged because they’re obvious and directly tied to injury risk. These repairs are often simple, but they still require completion and verification before closing.
- Pre-1978 defective paint gets flagged because it’s treated as a lead hazard, and the appraiser will typically require correction as a condition of value.
- Handrails and safe steps get flagged constantly because they’re visible, objective, and easy for an appraiser to document in the report.
- “It’s cosmetic” is not a defense when the defect creates a safety hazard, which is why loose rails and broken steps become mandatory repairs quickly.
- Scenario: A buyer loves an older home, but the exterior trim has peeling paint. The seller refuses to repair, and the file can’t close as-is.
- On pre-1978 homes, walk the exterior trim and windows looking for peeling paint, because that’s one of the most predictable repairs in VA files.
- Fix obvious fall hazards before the appraiser visits when you control the property, because missing handrails are simple but they still stop closings.
- If the seller won’t repair, treat it as a contract decision early, because you generally can’t “credit it away” when the repair must be completed before closing.
VBA Denver: VA Appraiser Guidance on Lead Paint and Safety Items (PDF)
Wood-Destroying Insects: What Is Required and Where
Termites, fungus, and dry rot issues can become MPR conditions when there’s evidence of infestation or damage, and in certain locations a wood-destroying insect (WDI) report is required even without visible signs. This is one of the most common “surprise requirements” because it’s location-driven. If your property is in a county where WDI information is required, you want to know early so you can schedule it and avoid last-week scrambling.
- A WDI requirement can be location-driven, which is why two similar houses in different counties can have different documentation requirements.
- If the appraiser sees evidence of infestation or damage, the file can require treatment and repairs, which is often slower than buyers expect.
- Scheduling delays are common because pest companies book out, and the seller’s availability and tenant access can slow inspections further.
- Scenario: A buyer is 10 days from closing and learns a WDI report is required in their county; the inspection can’t be scheduled in time without extending closing.
- Check whether WDI information is required in the property’s county before you’re deep into underwriting, because scheduling is the hard part, not the rule.
- If there is evidence of damage, assume repairs and treatment may be required before closing, because lenders usually can’t ignore active infestation risk.
- For multi-unit properties, plan access for every unit, because a WDI report and repairs can be delayed when tenants block entry.
VBA: VA Local Requirements (WDI/Termite Counties)
Access and Site Conditions: Roads, Easements, and Drainage
The property must be reachable safely year-round and must not have site conditions that predict ongoing damage or unsafe occupancy. Properties on private roads need a recorded easement and maintenance agreement before closing. Properties with a swimming pool must also meet fencing and barrier safety standards. All-weather access is a common requirement: private streets typically need a permanent easement and a maintenance agreement. Drainage problems can become conditions when water is directed toward the foundation or when the site shows obvious ponding. These issues are often fixable, but they rarely fit inside a tight contract schedule.
- All-weather access matters because the lender needs reliable collateral; a home you can’t reach safely year-round is a risk the file usually can’t ignore.
- Easements and maintenance agreements matter because private road access without recorded rights can stall title work and make the appraisal “subject to” correction.
- Drainage issues get flagged when they appear to threaten the foundation or create recurring water intrusion, which is a structural and habitability risk.
- Scenario: The house is fine, but access is over a private road with no recorded easement. The deal stalls while the title and access issue is negotiated.
- Confirm access early, including whether roads are public or private and whether easements are recorded, because fixing access issues late is slow.
- Look for water patterns near the foundation, because grading problems often show up as staining, pooling, or damp crawlspaces after rainfall.
- Ask your inspector to document drainage observations, because a clear report helps you negotiate repairs or decide to walk away before timelines tighten.
VBA: Compliance Inspector Guide (Access and Site MPRs) (PDF)
Manufactured Home MPRs
Manufactured homes must meet standard MPRs plus additional requirements: a permanent foundation that meets HUD and local code, the HUD certification label (red tag) on each section, minimum 400 square feet for a single-wide or 700 square feet for a double-wide, no structural damage from transport or setup, and all utility connections secured. The funding fee is 1% instead of the standard purchase rate. For the full guide, see VA loans for manufactured homes.
Environmental Proximity Hazards
Certain nearby hazards trigger additional appraisal review or can block VA financing entirely. The VA appraiser must note and evaluate properties within these proximity thresholds.
| Hazard | Proximity Threshold | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Above-ground or underground storage tank (1,000+ gallons) | Within 300 feet | Appraiser must note; may require environmental assessment |
| High-voltage electric transmission lines | Within 100 feet of property boundary | Requires utility company easement documentation |
| High-pressure gas or liquid petroleum pipelines | Within 100 feet | Appraiser must note and assess risk; may require pipeline company documentation |
| Airport runway proximity | Within Clear Zone or Accident Potential Zone | Ineligible in Runway Clear Zone; restricted in APZ with disclosure |
Can You Buy a Duplex with a VA Loan?
Duplexes and fourplexes fail MPR more often because every unit counts. A vacant unit with no working heat, unsafe electrical, or water damage can stop the entire deal. Mixed-use properties add complexity because nonresidential use must remain subordinate and within limits, and appraisers often scrutinize utility separation and marketability more closely. These deals can work, but they require more planning and more timeline buffer.
- In multi-unit purchases, “we’ll renovate the vacant unit later” often becomes “fix it now,” because every unit must meet basic habitability for the loan to close.
- Access is a recurring problem because the appraiser must be able to evaluate all units; tenant refusal is a real closing risk you need to manage in the contract.
- Mixed-use properties can be eligible when the business use is clearly subordinate, but lenders often apply overlays and require tighter documentation.
- Scenario: A fourplex looks solid, but one vacant unit has utilities off and visible wiring issues; the file becomes subject-to repairs and verification before closing.
- Before offering, confirm you can access every unit for appraisal and inspection, because “no access” is one of the most avoidable causes of VA appraisal delay.
- Walk the vacant units carefully, because sellers often defer repairs there and that’s where the biggest MPR problems hide.
- Plan extra time for multi-unit and mixed-use files, because the appraisal and documentation path is usually longer than a single-family VA purchase.
What Are VA Minimum Property Requirements?
The easiest MPR problems to fix are the ones you never let into your contract timeline. A quick screening at showing time can catch most of the common triggers, including any VA flip rule concerns if the home was recently resold. Then your contract should handle the predictable friction points: who repairs, who pays, who provides access, and how quickly work has to be completed. The goal is not a “perfect house.” It’s a house that can close on your timeline.
- Most MPR issues are visible: paint failure, handrails, broken steps, roof leaks, obvious water intrusion, and unsafe electrical conditions.
- Seller promises are not scheduling. If you need repairs, the contract should include deadlines, access requirements, and a plan for reinspection timing.
- Credits don’t always solve MPR repairs because many repairs must be completed before closing, so a credit-only strategy can fail even in friendly negotiations.
- Scenario: A seller agrees to fix peeling paint but doesn’t start until the last week; the reinspection can’t be scheduled in time and you pay lock extension costs.
- Write repair responsibility and access rights into the contract, because “seller to repair” without deadlines is how repairs drift past closing.
- Ask whether utilities will be on through appraisal and repair verification, because verification is faster when systems are available for observation.
- Build a reinspection buffer into your timeline, because even small repairs typically need verification before clear-to-close.
VBA Circular 26-14-5 (MPR Repairs and Appraisal “Subject To”) (PDF)
VA Appraisal vs. Home Inspection — Two Different Things
The VA appraisal checks whether the property meets Minimum Property Requirements and determines fair market value. A home inspection is a separate, optional service that gives the buyer a detailed look at the property’s condition. They are not interchangeable.
| Feature | VA Appraisal | Home Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Required? | Yes — ordered by the lender | No — but strongly recommended |
| Who performs it? | VA-assigned appraiser from roster | Inspector chosen by the buyer |
| Cost | $500–$1,200 (varies by location) | $300–$500 (average $343) |
| What it checks | MPR compliance + market value | Detailed condition of all systems |
| Can it kill the deal? | Yes — MPR failures require repairs | No — findings are informational only |
The appraisal tells the lender the home is safe and worth the price. The inspection tells the buyer what to expect after closing. Get both.
What Happens When A Home Fails VA MPRs
A failed MPR item does not end the deal — it creates a condition. The appraiser notes the issue as “subject to” repair, and the closing is held until the repair is completed and the appraiser re-inspects.
- Negotiate repairs with the seller. The most common path. The seller makes the repair, the appraiser re-inspects ($150 flat fee), and the deal proceeds.
- Escrow holdback. In some cases, the lender may allow closing with funds held in escrow for the repair to be completed post-closing. Not all lenders allow this, and the repair must still be done.
- Renegotiate price. If the repair cost is significant, the buyer can renegotiate the purchase price to account for the work needed.
- Walk away. If the seller refuses to make repairs and the cost is prohibitive, the VA escape clause allows the buyer to terminate without penalty if the appraised value (or condition) does not meet expectations.
The Bottom Line
VA MPRs in 2026 are still a safety screen: the property has to be safe, sanitary, and structurally sound. The most common delays come from “subject to” repairs—peeling paint on pre-1978 homes, missing handrails, roof leaks, unsafe electrical, water/septic problems, crawlspace moisture, and access or drainage issues. Multi-unit deals fail more often because every unit must meet the standard and the appraiser needs access to all units. The clean approach is screening for obvious triggers before you offer, writing repair and access deadlines into the contract, and budgeting time for repair verification. If the deal only works with a perfect timeline, pick a different house or a different closing date.
Resources Used
- VA.gov: Home Buying Process and MPR Appraisal StepExplains that the VA appraisal checks minimum property requirements and is not the same as an inspection.
- VA Basic MPR Checklist (PDF)Quick-reference checklist covering roof moisture prevention, 50°F heating rule, potable water, crawlspace moisture, and basic system requirements.
- VBA: VA Appraisal Fees, Timeliness, and $150 Reinspection Fee (PDF)Confirms reinspection fee and provides VA appraisal fee/timeliness references.
- VBA Denver: VA Appraiser Guidance (PDF)Includes lead-based paint guidance and site/drainage conditioning examples used by appraisers.
- VBA: VA Local Requirements (WDI/Termite Counties)County lists where wood-destroying insect information is required.
- VBA: Compliance Inspector Guide (PDF)Includes access requirements like all-weather streets, easements, and individual unit access considerations.
- VBA Circular 26-14-5 (PDF)Describes how required MPR repairs are listed and handled as appraisal conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a VA Appraisal the Same as a Home Inspection?
No. The VA appraisal checks value and basic property condition requirements for loan eligibility. A home inspection is your deeper risk check. A house can pass MPRs and still have expensive issues you’d only learn through inspection.
What Repairs Most Often Stop a VA Closing?
Peeling paint on pre-1978 homes, missing handrails, roof leaks, unsafe electrical, water or septic problems, and crawlspace moisture are common. These issues come up frequently when buying a foreclosed home with a VA loan. These items become “subject to” conditions and usually must be repaired and verified before closing.
Do Utilities Have to Be On for a VA Appraisal?
VA requires systems to be safe and functional. If utilities are off, the appraiser may not be able to reasonably confirm function, and the appraisal can become subject to turning systems on or correcting defects. Many lenders prefer utilities on to avoid delays.
Can a Seller Give a Credit Instead of Doing VA Repairs?
Sometimes for non-critical items, but many MPR issues must be corrected before closing. If the repair affects safety or habitability, lenders usually require completion and verification. A credit-only strategy often fails when the condition must be resolved pre-close.
Why Do Duplexes and Fourplexes Fail More Often?
Every unit must meet MPRs. A vacant unit with no heat, unsafe wiring, or water damage can stop the entire loan. Access is also harder because the appraiser needs to evaluate all units, and tenant refusal can delay the appraisal.
How Much Is a VA Reinspection Fee?
Reinspections are commonly $150 under VA fee guidance. The bigger cost is time: repairs must be completed, access must be scheduled, and the verification has to make it back into the loan file before closing.
Are Termite Inspections Always Required?
No. Requirements can be location-driven. Some counties require wood-destroying insect information even without visible signs, and evidence of infestation or damage can trigger treatment and repair requirements. Check the county list early to avoid late scheduling problems.
