What Every Veteran Should Know Before Making an Offer
The VA's Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) are designed to ensure a home is safe,
structurally sound, sanitary, and suitable for everyday living. The goal is not perfection.
The goal is helping Veterans purchase homes that are safe and functional.
VETERAN TIP
Before making an offer, send the property address to your Florida’s VA Mortgage
Center Loan Officer. We have reviewed thousands of properties and have first-hand
experience as to what will pass or fail the VA MPR’s.
A quick review can often identify potential concerns before you spend money on
inspections, appraisals, and due diligence. Many potential VA issues can be identified
before a contract is written.
WHAT THE VA IS LOOKING FOR
✓ Adequate living space
✓ Areas for sleeping
✓ A functional kitchen
✓ Functional bathroom facilities
✓ Safe drinking water
✓ Hot water
✓ Safe sewage disposal
✓ Reliable heating
✓ Safe access to the property
✓ Protection from the elements
COMMON PROPERTY ISSUES
• Roof leaks
• Significant roof deterioration
• Exposed electrical wiring
• Unsafe electrical systems
• Broken windows
• Missing handrails where safety requires them
• Structural settlement
• Foundation concerns
• Water intrusion
• Excessive dampness
• Health and safety hazards
• Unsafe stairways or walking surfaces
• Trip hazards that create a safety concern
SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS & TRIP HAZARDS
Minor cosmetic cracking is generally not an issue.
Potential concerns:
• Severely raised sidewalks
• Broken concrete creating a tripping hazard
• Unsafe walkways
• Significant driveway deterioration creating a safety concern
WOOD ROT & WDO ISSUES
Examples include:
• Termite damage
• Active termite infestation
• Significant wood rot
• Structural wood deterioration
Extensive wood rot, structural deterioration, or active infestation often require repair
before closing.
WELL WATER
Properties served by private wells will require water tests for lead, nitrates, and
bacteria.
DRAINAGE & WATER MANAGEMENT
Standing water near the home
Water pooling against the foundation
Improper grading
Excessive moisture around the structure
ATTICS & CRAWL SPACES
Evidence of roof leaks
Water stains
Excess moisture
Poor ventilation
Structural deterioration
LEAD-BASED PAINT (PRE-1978 HOMES)
Chipping paint
Peeling paint
Flaking paint may require repair before closing
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
• Failing septic systems
• Obvious system deficiencies
• Improper operation
A septic inspection may be required if the VA appraiser notices obvious issues, such as
water pooling near the septic field, foul odors, or any other signs the system is failing.
FLOOR COVERINGS
VA does not require carpet to be present or in perfect condition, the focus is on safe and
sanitary living conditions.
Concrete, tile, laminate, wood flooring, and other flooring types are generally acceptable.
Even unfinished subfloors may be acceptable provided they are safe and free from
hazards such as:
• Exposed nails
• Loose flooring materials
• Unsafe walking surfaces
The concern is safety, not appearance.
FIXER-UPPERS
Examples that often do NOT matter:
✓ Old cabinets
✓ Dated flooring
✓ Cosmetic updates needed
✓ Older appliances
✓ Worn carpet
✓ Outdated paint colors
Examples that MAY matter:
⚠ Roof leaks
⚠ Structural problems
⚠ Unsafe electrical systems
⚠ Extensive wood rot
⚠ Trip hazards
⚠ Health or safety hazards
CONDOMINIUMS
Condominium projects must be approved for VA financing.
The good news is that condo approval can be checked before you write an offer. Verifying
approval status early can save time and help avoid surprises later in the transaction.
Always verify condominium eligibility before making an offer, or contact your loan officer
and have them check the VA approved condo list.
COMMON VA MYTHS
Myth: The home has to be perfect.
Reality: The VA does not require perfection.
Myth: The property must have carpet.
Reality: VA does not require carpet.
Myth: You cannot buy an older home with a VA loan.
Reality: Many older homes qualify without issue.
Myth: Any condo can be financed with a VA loan.
Reality: The condo project generally must be VA-approved.
BEFORE YOU MAKE AN OFFER
Send your Loan Officer at Florida’s VA Mortgage Center the property address before making
an offer, if the property has a well, septic system, condo association, older roof, or appears
to need repairs.
If you send over the property address before you spend money on inspections and
appraisals, we can often advise you whether to proceed or move on to another
property.