How Long a VA Appraisal Typically Takes

A Veterans Affairs (VA) appraisal is a mandatory step for individuals using a VA loan to purchase a home. This process establishes the property’s fair market value and ensures it meets the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). The appraisal protects both the veteran borrower from overpaying and the VA, which guarantees a portion of the loan. Understanding the appraisal timeline is important for navigating the homebuying journey.

Typical Timeline for VA Appraisals

The timeline for a VA appraisal varies, but generally takes one to three weeks from order to final report. Many areas see appraisals completed within approximately 10 business days. The VA provides appraisers with guidelines ranging from 7 to 21 business days, depending on various factors. These timelines are a reference to help manage expectations during the homebuying process.

Factors Influencing Appraisal Duration

Several elements influence the duration of a VA appraisal. The availability of VA-approved appraisers in a specific geographic area is a primary factor. In regions with fewer appraisers or high demand, the process may extend beyond the average timeframe. Property complexity, such as unique architectural styles or rural settings, can also require more time for the appraiser to find suitable comparable sales and conduct a thorough analysis.

Market conditions and appraiser workload contribute to the duration. During periods of high real estate activity, appraisers may have a larger backlog of requests, leading to longer turnaround times. External events, like weather conditions, can impede an appraiser’s ability to access a property or complete work efficiently. The lender’s efficiency in ordering and processing the appraisal request also affects the overall timeline.

Key Stages and Associated Timelines

The VA appraisal process follows several distinct stages. The appraisal order begins once the lender finalizes credit details and formally requests the appraisal through the VA’s online portal. A VA-approved appraiser is then assigned and required to make initial contact within two business days to schedule the property inspection.

The on-site property inspection involves the appraiser’s physical assessment of the home to determine its value and verify compliance with Minimum Property Requirements. After the inspection, the appraiser compiles the report, which includes an estimated value and notes any required repairs, and uploads it to the VA’s secure web portal. This report writing and submission phase typically occurs within 10 business days of the initial contact. Finally, the VA and the lender’s Staff Appraisal Reviewer (SAR) review the report for compliance and to issue the official Notice of Value (NOV), a step that generally takes up to five business days.

Addressing Potential Delays

Despite standard timelines, certain situations can introduce delays into the VA appraisal process. A common cause for delay is if the property does not meet the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). These requirements ensure the home is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. If the appraiser identifies MPR violations, such as a damaged roof or faulty electrical systems, repairs must be completed before loan approval, often necessitating a re-inspection that adds significant time.

Another specific VA process that can cause a slight delay is the Tidewater Initiative. This occurs when the appraiser anticipates the property’s value will be lower than the agreed-upon purchase price. The appraiser then notifies the lender, allowing a short window, typically 48 hours, for additional comparable sales data to be provided to support the contract price. If the appraised value is still too low after the appraisal, a Reconsideration of Value (ROV) can be initiated. This appeal process involves submitting additional evidence to challenge the appraisal, and can add several weeks to the overall timeline.