Michigan FHA & VA Appraisal Checklist for Homebuyers, Sellers & Realtors
Use this Michigan checklist to spot readily observable property concerns before the appraiser arrives. Check each item after reviewing it; a checked box is not a determination that the property meets FHA or VA requirements.
Working with a Lansing-area buyer?
Bring the property, timeline and unresolved financing question to your Lansing mortgage partner for Realtors. Use the agent mortgage guide, condo questions and Lansing VA and FHA appraisal guidance to prepare before an offer.
The big ones to check before the appraiser arrives
PEELING PAINT • ROOF LEAKS • ROTTEN WOOD • EXPOSED WIRING • UNSAFE STEPS/RAILINGS • WATER PROBLEMS • STRUCTURAL CONCERNS • NONWORKING UTILITIES
Addressing obvious issues beforehand may reduce required repairs, reinspections and closing delays. Not every item automatically causes an FHA or VA appraisal failure. Requirements vary based on property condition, loan program, appraiser findings, lender requirements and applicable HUD/VA guidance.
Walk through the property checklist
Check boxes are for your review only and reset when you reload this page. Avoid unsafe areas and leave specialized evaluation or repairs to qualified professionals.
FHA and VA home appraisal repairs: what happens next?
FHA appraisal requirements and VA appraisal requirements are not interchangeable. VA revised guidance in 2026 affecting paint, detached improvements and certain heating systems. Ask the lender to apply current agency guidance to the specific property rather than treating this shared checklist as a universal repair list.
If an appraisal identifies a repair condition, discuss the finding, responsibility for repairs and any required completion evidence with your lender and real estate professionals. Do not assume that a cosmetic issue is an automatic denial or that checking an item guarantees approval.
A checklist for Realtors, buyers and sellers
Use the same list before listing, writing an offer or scheduling an appraisal. Share the property address and the visible concerns early so the financing discussion can happen before deadlines become tight.
Explore FHA financing in Michigan, VA financing in Michigan and Realtor tools and resources.
Discuss the property before the appraisal
Buying or selling a home with FHA or VA financing? Send me the property address before the appraisal and I’ll help you identify potential financing issues that may be worth addressing early.
Send Mike the Property Address
Mike Alkema | Mortgage Broker | NMLS #642953
Leeward Point Mortgage | 616-319-1640
MikeAlkema@LeewardPoint.com
Agency guidance and educational disclaimer
Reference: HUD Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 and VA’s 2026 appraisal requirements update. Guidance reviewed September 11, 2026.
This checklist is provided for general educational purposes and is not an FHA, HUD, VA, lender, appraisal, engineering, pest, or home-inspection determination. Property requirements vary based on the loan program, property, appraiser findings, lender requirements, and applicable agency guidance. An appraisal does not replace a professional home inspection.