A required step along the path to VA loan approval is the VA appraisal. The appraisal helps lenders calculate a home’s reasonable market value and ensures the property measures up to the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs).
It’s a tall order for a VA appraiser: compiling these detailed reports takes careful analysis, supporting documentation and, most importantly time.
But just how long should a prospective buyer expect to wait for a VA appraisal?
How long does a VA appraisal take?
Typically, a VA appraisal takes anywhere from one to two weeks to complete. Most areas can expect the appraisal process to take approximately 10 days. The VA does not mandate a strict timeline but offers a timeliness expectation based on the home’s location and size.
VA Appraisal Timeliness Guidelines By State
The VA timeliness guidelines start from the date the lender orders the appraisal. Most states have a single timeliness benchmark, but a few states (notably Alaska, Montana, Washington and Wyoming) have guidelines that vary by city.
You can find the current VA appraisal timelines on the VA's website.
Delays Can (and Do) Happen
Timeliness guidelines are certainly helpful for buyers, sellers and agents on a narrow closing time frame. But don’t mistake these “guidelines” for “deadlines.” Delays can happen, and those delays could push a deal past its ideal closing date. Any of the following situations could extend VA appraisal completion times:
- Local appraiser shortages
- Higher-than-usual VA appraisal demand
- Difficulty accessing the property due to weather or other conditions
- Lack of suitable comparable sales
- Difficulty contacting real estate agents involved in the transaction
Appraisers must provide the lender with an explanation for any delays. To stay on top of any holdups, buyers are advised to maintain regular communication with their lenders during this phase.
What can I do to speed the appraisal process along?
Anxiously awaiting the results of the VA appraisal, it’s common for buyers to wonder, “Is there something I can do to speed the process along?”
The answer to this question: Choose the right lender, and stay in constant contact.
Getting an appraisal report isn’t as simple as calling an appraiser. Let’s take a look at the entire process:
Potential Delays in the VA Appraisal Process
| Step | Potential Delay |
|---|---|
| 1. The lender orders the appraisal | The lender needs to finalize credit details before ordering the appraisal |
| 2. The appraisal request gets sent to the next available appraiser | There is a huge backlog of appraisal requests in your area |
| 3. The appraiser must request access to the property via the real estate agent | The listing agent fails to return the appraiser’s call for a couple of days |
| 4. The appraiser could request additional inspections | The appraiser detects a faulty electrical system or the home’s roof needs to be replaced |
| 5. The VA appraisal report goes to the Staff Appraisal Reviewer (SAR) for approval | The property may not meet Minimum Property Requirements, or the appraisal report may be incomplete |
The key point is this: There are several players involved in the VA appraisal process, and mistakes made by any of these players could result in delays.
Buyers can’t “choose” their VA appraiser or their listing agent, but they can certainly choose the right VA lender.
An experienced VA lender like Veterans United Home Loans orders VA appraisals promptly, knows how to handle appraisal delays and has adequate SAR staffing to provide optimal VA appraisal turnaround times.
It is crucial to carefully consider your choice of lender. When dealing with a potentially complex process like the VA appraisal, an experienced VA lender is one of the best advocates to have on your side. Choose wisely, and you can achieve your dream of owning a home as quickly as possible.
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