Future Military Homeowners
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The VA loan, intended to help military members secure a home, may inadvertently become a hindrance. The loan’s strict requirements, which are meant to protect the buyer, could make it difficult for service members to purchase a foreclosure.
Since the collapse of the housing market, foreclosed homes have become abundant. In many areas, they represent the best deal for future homeowners. Yet, for active and retired military members, there are unexpected obstacles.
The Appraisal and Inspection Process
The appraisal is to prevent military members from investing in a rundown home, which may become unaffordable later. This means that foreclosed homes, which often need some improvements, can be off-limits for military members.
The VA requires that all properties meet certain health and safety standards before purchase. For a home to be approved, the VA requires an inspection of the property to insure that it is move-in ready.
NPR speaks with Bill White, assistant director of loan policy for the VA, who says even the VA has thought about these challenges.
“We have talked among ourselves about, ‘Well, are we protecting somebody out of a home?’”
Why VA Loans Worry Property Sellers
The offer of zero down payments has made the VA loan popular among service members. But property sellers, especially those selling foreclosed homes, are sometimes wary of the VA loan appraisal and inspection process.
According to the Veteran Journal, it is not unusual for sellers of foreclosed homes to accept a lower cash bid rather than deal with the VA loan appraisal and inspection process.
The journal speaks to Guy Cecelo, CEO of Inside Mortgage Finance, who points out “…buyers may be willing to pay a certain amount for the home, but if the appraiser doesn’t agree that the house is worth that much, the seller ends up accepting a lower amount.”
How the Department of Veteran Affairs Can Help
The Department of Veteran Affairs acquires property as a result of VA guaranteed homes falling into foreclosure.
These properties are marketed for sale through a property management contract, which was awarded to BAC Home Loan Servicing LP. To browse available homes, service members can visit Equator Financial’s listings or search using Multi Listing Systems (MLS).
2 Comments
i just bought a home that closed last week. it was approved by the VA appraiser with no repairs required. when i moved in the city would not connect the gas because there were multiple leaks throughout the house and the gas lines were flex hoses when they were supposed to be hardlines. Also i found many safety hazards after buying it, such as the bathrooms leaked like crazy to the crawl space and electrical outlets and wires were exposed all over the place. Will the VA cover any of that stuff?
Elias-
I would recommend you get in touch with your lender ASAP.