What the VA appraiser reviews
The appraiser develops a market value and observes whether the home appears to meet VA property standards. Buyers should still order an independent home inspection because the two reviews serve different purposes.
Common MPR repair items
Common concerns include peeling paint on homes built before 1978, loose or missing stair rails, roof leaks or active moisture, exposed wiring, wood-destroying-insect evidence where inspections apply, and utilities or systems that do not operate.
What Tidewater means
Tidewater is a notice used when the appraiser expects the value to fall below the contract price. The lender receives a short window to provide additional comparable sales or market data before the appraiser completes the report.
Common questions
Is the VA appraisal a home inspection?
No. The VA appraisal develops the home’s market value and reviews basic VA Minimum Property Requirements for safety, sanitation, and structural soundness. A separate home inspection helps the buyer evaluate the home’s systems, components, and overall condition in greater detail.
Primary sources
Use the official sources below for current program guidance.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: VA Lenders Handbook ↗Published August 4, 2026. Reviewed August 6, 2026.