Are VA appraisals harder than conventional appraisals?
They are different, not harder. A VA appraisal adds minimum property requirements covering safety, soundness, and sanitation — working utilities, a sound roof, safe access, no exposed wiring. Most Utah homes in ordinary condition pass without issue. Fixer-uppers and homes with significant deferred maintenance draw more repair conditions. The value opinion itself is produced the same way as in any appraisal.
They are different, not harder. A VA appraisal adds minimum property requirements covering safety, soundness, and sanitation — working utilities, a sound roof, safe access, no exposed wiring. Most Utah homes in ordinary condition pass without issue. Fixer-uppers and homes with significant deferred maintenance draw more repair conditions. The value opinion itself is produced the same way as in any appraisal.
Detailed answer
A VA appraisal does two jobs at once: it estimates market value, exactly as a conventional appraisal does, and it verifies that the property meets VA minimum property requirements. Those requirements are not a home inspection and not a quality ranking. They ask whether the home is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary — functioning heat, safe electrical, no active roof leaks, potable water, working sewer or septic, safe stairs and railings, and no visible wood-destroying insect damage in areas where inspection is required. Ordinary Utah housing stock clears this comfortably. Where friction appears is in three situations: homes sold as-is after long vacancy, older properties with peeling paint built before 1978, and properties with unpermitted or unfinished work. In those cases the appraiser lists conditions that must be corrected before closing, and someone has to pay for the repairs. Sellers who understand this in advance usually handle it; sellers who learn about it after the appraisal often panic. Raise it during negotiation, not after.
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