Understanding Appraisals: What Military Buyers & Sellers Should Know
Whether you're buying or selling a home, the appraisal is one of the most important steps in the process. It can also be one of the most stressful, especially if you're in the military, working with a VA loan, or operating on a tight PCS timeline. The appraisal has the power to delay or derail a deal, which makes preparation and understanding key.
This post breaks down what appraisals are, why they matter for military families, and how both buyers and sellers can take practical steps to avoid surprises.
What Is an Appraisal?
An appraisal is a professional, third-party assessment of a home’s fair market value. Lenders require them for nearly all financed home purchases to make sure the property is worth what the buyer has agreed to pay.
Appraisers consider multiple factors when determining a value, including:
Recent sales of comparable homes (also known as “comps”)
Size, layout, and condition of the property
Location and neighborhood trends
Age of the home and any structural issues
Updates, upgrades, and renovations
It’s not about what someone hopes a home is worth or what they paid for it in the past. It’s a snapshot of value based on the current market and the property itself.
Why Military Buyers and Sellers Need to Pay Close Attention
Appraisals matter in every real estate transaction, but they carry extra weight in military moves.
If you’re buying with a VA loan, your appraisal process includes more than just value. The VA requires homes to meet Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), which include standards for safety, structural soundness, and livability. A house that might pass for a conventional loan could be flagged under VA guidelines.
For military sellers, especially those facing PCS orders, timing is critical. A delayed appraisal or a value that comes in too low can disrupt closing schedules and cause unexpected complications. When you’re trying to coordinate a long-distance move, a delay can affect everything from housing to temporary lodging.
What Happens If the Appraisal Is Low?
This is a scenario that buyers and sellers often fear. But if it happens, there are ways to move forward without losing the deal.
A low appraisal means the appraised value came in below the agreed-upon purchase price. For VA loans, lenders will not allow borrowers to finance more than the appraised value, so a solution is needed to bridge the difference.
Here are a few common options:
Renegotiate the sale price so it matches the appraisal
Dispute the appraisal with updated or more accurate comps
Split the difference between buyer and seller
Request a reconsideration of value through the VA
This is where having a military-focused agent really helps. MIL-Estate-affiliated agents, like the ones here at Dorazio Real Estate, are experienced with these scenarios. We know how to present the strongest case to move the deal forward without unnecessary delay.
Tips for Sellers: Getting Ready for the Appraiser
Sellers often underestimate how much influence they can have on the appraisal process. While you can’t control market comps, you can make sure the home looks well-maintained and cared for.
Here’s how to help the appraiser see the value:
Clean and declutter every space
Take care of small repairs like leaky faucets or damaged trim
Prepare a list of upgrades with dates and costs if possible
Improve curb appeal with basic yard care and exterior cleanup
You don’t need to make major renovations. The goal is to make the home feel like it’s been well-kept and updated over time.
Tips for Buyers: Navigating the Process
Buyers using VA loans should be proactive from the beginning. Appraisals for VA loans involve both valuation and condition, so it’s important to know what to expect.
Work with an agent who understands VA loan requirements
Be realistic with your offer based on market conditions and comps
Expect the possibility of required repairs and stay flexible on timelines
A good buyer’s agent will help you target properties that are more likely to pass VA standards and assist with any follow-up items that may come out of the appraisal.
Final Thoughts
Appraisals are often viewed as a hurdle, but they don’t have to cause stress or delay progress on the transaction. With the right prep and a knowledgeable agent, buyers and sellers can navigate this step with confidence.
The MIL-Estate Network includes agents who know the military lifestyle firsthand. Brokerages like Dorazio Real Estate are proud to support active-duty service members and veterans with clear guidance and tailored strategies. We're here to help you move forward without surprises.
