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Understanding VA Loan Requirements and How a Home Inspection Can Help Sellers in Pittsburgh

aaronwest241

Updated: 7 days ago

For many veterans and active-duty military members looking to buy a home in Pittsburgh, VA loans provide excellent benefits, including no down payment, lower interest rates, and reduced closing costs. However, homes purchased with VA loans must meet specific property standards that can impact the sale. As a seller, understanding these requirements and preparing your home in advance can make your property more appealing to a wider range of buyers, including those using VA financing.


One way to ensure that your home is ready for all types of offers is to invest in a pre-listing home inspection. This proactive step helps identify any issues that may affect a VA loan, giving you the opportunity to fix them before listing your property. In this article, we’ll explore the key VA loan requirements, how they differ from conventional loans, and why a pre-listing home inspection is essential for sellers in Pittsburgh.


Man smiling, leaning on a truck with "Keystone Castle Inspections" logo and contact details. Wearing a cap and navy shirt. Fence in background.


What Is a VA Loan?


A VA loan is a mortgage option backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), designed to help veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses purchase or improve a home. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, allowing lenders to offer more favorable terms like no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates.

While these loans provide significant advantages, they come with Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) that the home must meet to ensure the safety, security, and livability of the property for the buyer. Understanding these requirements is essential for sellers who want to accommodate VA buyers.


VA Loan Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)


Although a VA loan doesn’t require a "passing" home inspection in the traditional sense, it does require the property to meet certain conditions before the loan can be approved. These MPRs ensure that the home is a safe and sound investment for both the buyer and the lender. Failing to meet these standards can delay or even derail the sale.


Here are some key MPRs that apply to VA loans:


  1. Safety Hazards: The home must be free of any safety hazards, such as exposed wiring, broken windows, or structural issues. Properties with lead-based paint (common in homes built before 1978) will require remediation. The VA loan process puts a strong emphasis on ensuring the home is safe for occupants.

  2. Structural Soundness: The foundation, roof, and walls must be free from major defects or damage. If there are signs of termite damage or other pest-related issues, the VA will require treatment and repairs before the loan is approved.

  3. Mechanical Systems: All major systems—including heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical—must be in good working order and have enough life expectancy to last for years. Issues with these systems are often flagged during inspections and may need to be addressed to meet VA requirements.

  4. Access and Utilities: The home must have safe and accessible entry from a public or private road, and all utilities (water, sewage, and electricity) must be functioning properly. If the home is on a private road, a legal, permanent easement must be in place.

  5. Pest Control: The VA typically requires a pest inspection to check for termites or other wood-destroying organisms. If the property shows signs of infestation, treatment and repairs will need to be completed before the loan can go forward.

  6. Roof Condition: The roof must have sufficient life remaining and be free from leaks or significant damage. If the roof is aging or shows signs of failure, repairs or replacement may be necessary.

  7. Wood-to-Soil Contact: One often-overlooked issue is wood-to-soil contact—particularly with structures like deck stairs, fences, and sheds. When wood comes into direct contact with soil, it creates an ideal environment for termites and other wood-destroying pests. VA loans require that this issue be addressed before approval. Elevating or treating these areas can help prevent pest problems and make the home compliant with VA standards.


How a Pre-Listing Home Inspection Can Help Sellers


If you're a seller in Pittsburgh, you can attract a broader range of buyers by preparing your home for VA loan eligibility. One of the best ways to do this is through a pre-listing home inspection, which allows you to identify and resolve potential issues before listing the property.


Here’s how a pre-listing inspection can benefit you as a seller:


  1. Identify and Fix VA Loan Issues: A pre-listing inspection can uncover problems that might prevent the home from meeting VA loan standards. Common issues like wood-to-soil contact, roof damage, or outdated electrical systems can be addressed before buyers even see the property. By making these repairs ahead of time, you reduce the risk of delays or loan rejections due to property conditions.

  2. Build Buyer Confidence: When you provide potential buyers with a recent inspection report, it shows that you’re being transparent and proactive. Buyers—especially those using VA loans—are more likely to feel comfortable making an offer on a home that’s already been inspected and cleared of major issues.

  3. Streamline Negotiations: When buyers know upfront that the home has been inspected and issues have been resolved, negotiations tend to be smoother. You’ll be less likely to face surprise repair requests after the buyer’s own inspection, leading to faster and more straightforward closings.

  4. Expand Your Buyer Pool: Homes that are VA loan-ready appeal to a wider range of buyers, particularly veterans and active-duty military members. By addressing VA loan requirements in advance, you can increase your pool of potential buyers, which could lead to more offers and a higher sale price.

  5. Avoid Last-Minute Delays: Homes that don’t meet VA loan MPRs can cause delays in closing while repairs are made or additional inspections are performed. By tackling these issues ahead of time, you can speed up the closing process and avoid last-minute complications.


Common Repairs to Make for VA Loan Eligibility


If you're preparing your home to meet VA loan standards, here are a few common repairs to consider:


  • Wood-to-Soil Contact: Check for any areas where wood structures, like deck stairs or fences, are in direct contact with the soil. This issue creates a conducive condition for termites, and the VA will likely require it to be fixed. Elevating the wood off the ground or adding protective barriers can resolve this issue.

  • Roof Repairs: If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or shows signs of leaks or damage, it’s a good idea to repair or replace it before listing the home. The VA requires that the roof be in good condition and capable of lasting for several years.

  • Safety and Code Compliance: Ensure that the home is free from safety hazards. This includes repairing broken windows, securing loose railings, and addressing exposed electrical wiring. Ensuring that the home is up to code can also help you avoid problems during the VA loan approval process.

  • Pest Inspections and Treatment: Termite damage and infestations are common issues that can hold up VA loans. If you suspect or know of any pest problems, schedule an inspection and treatment as needed.

  • Update Major Systems: Make sure that heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems are in good working condition. If any of these systems are outdated or malfunctioning, repairs or upgrades may be necessary to pass a VA loan appraisal.


Why Hire a Home Inspector in Pittsburgh?


Choosing a qualified home inspector is essential for identifying potential problems that could affect a VA loan. With one year of experience as a home inspector in Pittsburgh, I understand the specific requirements of VA loans and can help sellers ensure their home is compliant before listing.

My inspections are thorough and detailed, providing you with a comprehensive report that highlights any issues that could affect the sale of your home. I’ll work with you to address these problems and make sure your property is ready for any buyer, including those using VA loans.


Conclusion


For sellers in Pittsburgh, preparing your home to meet VA loan requirements can expand your pool of potential buyers and help ensure a smooth, fast transaction. A pre-listing home inspection can identify and resolve issues like wood-to-soil contact, roof damage, and pest infestations before they become problems. By addressing these concerns early, you’ll be better positioned to accept all types of offers, including those from veterans and military buyers using VA loans.

If you're getting ready to sell your home and want to ensure it’s VA-loan ready, schedule a pre-listing inspection with Keystone Castle Inspections today! www.keystonecastleinspections.com


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