The VA Home Loan Program wants to make sure that home buyers are spending their money on a suitable home that is safe and secure. This presentation reviews the VA Home Purchase Minimum Property Requirements which are required by VA and will be checked for by the VA appraiser.

1. VA HOME PURCHASE
MINIMUM PROPERTY
REQUIREMENTS
Veteran Home Financing
Brian Thomas

2. The Veteran’s Administration has Minimum
Property Requirements (MPR) which
protects a home buyer from any hazard that
will affect the health and safety of the
occupants. The home must be sound and
safe so that the home buyer and occupants
can live in comfort while enjoying the home.

3. 1. The MPR requires that proposed and under
construction properties be built according to
building code, Federal regulations and HUD
requirements.
Existing and new construction properties must be
safe, structurally sound, sanitary and meet
acceptable standards for a permanent home
relevant to its location.

4. 2. When making a VA home purchase, the
VA appraiser will make note of any
conditions that are in need of repair.
Common repairs include broken handrails,
deck guardrails, broken concrete, missing
outlet or switch covers, broken windows,
poor ventilation of heating systems.

5. 3. Conditions that indicate defective
construction, poor workmanship, continuing
settlement of the property, leakage,
excessive dampness, lead based paint,
decay and termites will all be noted by the
VA appraiser.

6. 4. Since wood destroying insects can create
a home that is unstable, the VA loan
appraiser will report any evidence of insect
infestation, fungus growth and dry rot.
In addition, a separate inspection by a wood
destroying insect inspector is necessary.

7. 5. Water leaks can be the cause of rotting
wood, mold and mildew, all of which can
leave a home unstable. Water issues,
such as leaks from a bad roof, water
pipes, drain pipes , siding and trim (where
caulking is worn) will be noted.

8. 6. Water in lower levels can indicate
improper grading, damaged gutters or
cracks in the foundation. Visible cracks in
walls can indicate a foundation issue and
unsound home.
Water can eventually cause mold and
mildew which can pose a serious health risk
to occupants.

9. 7. Water must be safe to drink and have less
than the maximum contamination levels
required per the EPA or the local jurisdiction
having authority.
The property chosen for a VA home purchase
must have domestic hot water and a
continuous supply of safe and potable water
used for drinking and other household uses.

10. 8. The water quality for an individual water
supply (wells) and community water systems
must meet the requirement in place by the
health authority that has jurisdiction. The
well water must be able to provide a
continuing supply of safe and potable water.

11. 9. Water testing may be required to determine
that Coliform Bacteria, Lead and Nitrate
levels are below the maximum contamination
levels.

12. 10. Properly working sanitary facilities with a
safe method of sewage disposal, whether
public or septic, must be present. An
individual sewage disposal system (septic)
must be able to dispose of all domestic
waste in a way that does not create a
nuisance or endanger public health.
Septic systems may be required to be tested.

13. 11. Private streets must be protected by a
permanent easement and maintained by a
homeowner’s association or maintenance
agreement.

14. VA approved appraisers are appointed
through the VA loan system and are familiar
with the VA Minimum Property
Requirements. Any impairments discovered
will need to be remedied prior to the VA loan
closing in order to eliminate further damage.
This also assures that the VA home
purchase is safe and sound for the new
homeowner and occupants.

15. Conclusion:
An approved VA lender is able to assist with
any details or questions regarding the VA
appraisal and Minimum Property
Requirements for a VA home purchase.
Get in contact with Brian Thomas at
Veteran Home Financing for more
information about the MPR for a VA loan or
for a free no obligation quote for a VA
home purchase loan.