The appraisal is part of the lending path
VA says the lender requests the appraisal. The appraisal estimates market value at the time of inspection, and VA states that it is not a home inspection or guaranty of value. The VA Construction and Valuation resources provide current program guidance for property and appraisal questions.
The VA approved appraiser has an independent role. Your agent cannot direct the value conclusion. Your lender uses the appraisal in its loan process.
- Ask the lender about appraisal ordering and timing.
- Ask your agent how the contract handles appraisal and inspection decisions.
- Read the report with the lender and appropriate professionals before deciding on next steps.
The inspection is your condition investigation
A buyer chooses whether to obtain a home inspection and which qualified specialists are useful. An inspector may identify conditions outside an appraiser's scope. A specialist may be needed for roof, HVAC, sewer, electrical, pest, pool, or other property questions.
No website screen can replace a visit, inspection, appraisal, title review, or professional advice. The Property Fit Screen helps organize questions before you commit.
Keep the program, property, and buyer decisions separate.
Use the responsible source for each question. Then connect the answers in the buyer plan.
- 01Confirm the sourceUse current VA material and written figures from the responsible lender or servicer.
- 02Test the propertyReview condition, inspection choices, appraisal scope, title, and insurance.
- 03Keep roles clearThe VA, lender, appraiser, inspector, and agent each answer different questions.
- 04Make the buyer decisionSet the offer and due diligence plan from the property and loan facts.
This article follows VA's COE process page and VA Construction and Valuation resources, reviewed August 4, 2026. It does not interpret an appraisal report, create a repair list, or state that a property will qualify.