FHA and VA Appraisal Planning for Lansing Realtors

Start before writing the offer

Walk through the Michigan FHA and VA appraisal checklist with the property’s condition in mind. Note visible roof leaks, moisture damage, apparent structural concerns, exposed wiring, unsafe access and nonworking systems. Stay out of unsafe areas and leave specialized assessment to qualified professionals.

For an older Lansing home, bring the listing’s condition disclosures and any known repairs into the financing conversation. For a DeWitt, Holt or Mason address, confirm the actual water and sewage arrangements and access rather than assuming them from the mailing label. These are property-specific checks, not statements about the condition of those communities.

Share the address and a general description with your Lansing mortgage partner for Realtors. Avoid promising that a seller credit or a buyer’s willingness to do the work later will satisfy financing requirements.

FHA and VA are separate review paths

FHA property review follows HUD guidance, including the Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1. VA follows its own minimum property requirements. Ask the lender to apply the current program rules to the actual finding.

VA updated its guidance in 2026 concerning paint, detached improvements and some heating systems, among other topics. Do not apply an old shared repair list as an automatic rejection rule for both programs. The VA’s current appraisal-update explanation links to the revised guidance.

The VA homebuying guide distinguishes an appraisal from a home inspection. Buyers should evaluate their inspection options separately; an appraisal is not a substitute for a detailed investigation of condition.

Make a repair plan with clear responsibilities

1. Record the concern: identify the location and available disclosure or report without making your own engineering determination.
2. Confirm the requirement: ask the lender what the actual appraisal or underwriting condition requires.
3. Identify who will act: coordinate the buyer, seller and qualified contractor through the transaction’s agreed process.
4. Confirm evidence and timing: ask whether completion documentation, another inspection or other follow-up is needed.
5. Update the calendar: leave time for work and review before treating the closing date as secure.

Use the Lansing Realtor Mortgage Guide to track the financing milestones alongside the repair plan. Contract responsibilities and exact amendment language belong with the real estate professionals and, when needed, legal counsel.

Discuss value questions separately from condition

A repair finding is not the same as a difference between contract price and appraised value. Ask the lender what review process is available for a value concern and what documentation is appropriate. Do not promise a revised value or pressure an appraiser for a predetermined result.

For illustration, an FHA or VA buyer considering a Grand Ledge property might have both a roof concern and a tight closing target. A contractor estimate can inform planning, but the lender still needs to determine the permitted path. If renovation financing is being considered, raise it before assuming the original loan can simply include the work.

Send the concern while there is time to act

Use the FHA guide and VA buyer resources for financing context. For a condo, also review the Lansing condo guide; the unit appraisal and project review answer different questions.

Send Mike the address, concern and target closing date. We can identify the next financing question before the transaction is pressed against a deadline.