VETERAN OWNED
If you’re selling a home in Bell County, Coryell County, or anywhere near Fort Cavazos, it’s likely your buyer is using a VA or FHA loan. These government-backed loans are popular in the area, and they come with stricter property standards than conventional financing. The appraisal isn’t just about determining value, it’s about making sure the home is safe, structurally sound, and ready to live in. That means sellers need to be mindful of a few specific issues that can delay closing the sale entirely. Explore what appraisers check for and how to avoid common repairs that could slow down your sale in an area where VA and FHA buyers are common.
Common Repairs That Slow Down Appraisals
1. Exterior Paint and Safety Hazards
One of the most common issues that comes up, especially in older homes, is peeling paint. If your home was built before 1978, this raises a potential lead paint concern, which will get flagged immediately. Even if your home is newer, exterior peeling or flaking can still be a red mark. You’ll also want to check for safety hazards like broken windows, missing handrails, or loose steps, which are all considered problems under VA and FHA guidelines.
2. Plumbing and Electrical Red Flags
Under-sink leaks, exposed wiring, and outlets that don’t work are more than just maintenance issues, they’re viewed as livability concerns. Appraisers will test basic functionality and may call for repairs if something is clearly unsafe or inoperable. If you’ve been putting off minor plumbing or electrical fixes, now’s the time to handle them.
3. Roof and Foundation Issues
Missing shingles, signs of roof leaks, and visible damage to the structure can all cause problems. Appraisers are looking for signs that the home has been well maintained and doesn’t have underlying damage. Cracks in the foundation, sloped floors, or soft spots in the roof may trigger a need for additional inspection or repair before the loan can proceed.
4. Heating, Cooling, and Other Systems
HVAC systems, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures all need to be in working order. A home that doesn’t have reliable heating and cooling won’t meet minimum property standards. Even if your systems are older, they must be functional. If anything has been disconnected, removed, or looks incomplete, it could hold up the process.
5. Pest Damage and Unfinished Work
In Texas, VA loans require a termite inspection, and any signs of active infestation or untreated wood damage will need to be resolved before closing. Unfinished home projects can also be an issue. Exposed drywall, incomplete additions, or missing flooring are all things that can make a home ineligible for these types of financing.
Conclusion
Prepping your home for a VA or FHA appraisal means thinking like an inspector. These aren’t cosmetic repairs, they’re fixes that determine whether the buyer’s loan can move forward. If you address these areas early, you protect your timeline, avoid last-minute stress, and open your home up to a wider pool of buyers. In a market where VA and FHA loans are so common, that kind of preparation can be the difference between a smooth closing and a deal that falls apart.
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