VA Appraisal Fees
Current VA Appraisal Costs for FL, SC & TN
The VA sets maximum allowable appraisal fees by state. These fees are paid by the veteran borrower and are required for every VA purchase and refinance loan. Below are the current VA-approved appraisal fees for the states Coastal Funding Corporation is licensed in.
VA Appraisal Fees by State
Fees are set by the VA and subject to change. Contact your loan officer for the most current information.
South Carolina
Includes single-family, condo, and manufactured homes
Florida
Includes single-family, condo, and manufactured homes
Tennessee
Includes single-family, condo, and manufactured homes
VA appraisal fees are set by the Department of Veterans Affairs and are subject to change. Additional fees may apply for complex properties, manufactured homes, or properties requiring re-inspection after repairs. Contact your Coastal Funding loan officer for the most current fee schedule.
What Is a VA Appraisal?
A VA appraisal is a professional assessment of a property's market value and condition, required by the Department of Veterans Affairs for all VA-backed home loans. Unlike a standard appraisal, a VA appraisal also evaluates the property against the VA's Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) — a set of safety, structural, and livability standards designed to protect the veteran borrower.
The appraisal is ordered through the VA's appraisal management system and must be performed by a VA-approved appraiser on the VA's roster for that state. The lender orders the appraisal on behalf of the borrower — the veteran cannot select or contact the appraiser directly.
The VA Appraisal Process
From purchase contract to clear-to-close
Once you have a signed purchase contract and your VA loan application is submitted, your loan officer orders the appraisal through the VA's WebLGY system.
The VA randomly assigns a licensed, VA-approved appraiser from its state roster. Neither the borrower nor the lender can choose the appraiser.
The appraiser visits the property to assess its condition, measure square footage, photograph all rooms and exterior areas, and verify it meets VA Minimum Property Requirements.
The appraiser researches comparable sales (comps) in the area to determine the property's fair market value. The VA loan amount cannot exceed the appraised value.
The appraiser submits the report and the VA issues a Notice of Value (NOV). This document states the appraised value and any required repairs before the loan can close.
If the appraiser identifies MPR deficiencies, required repairs must be completed and re-inspected before the loan proceeds. Once cleared, the file moves to underwriting for final approval.
VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)
The VA requires every property to meet these standards before a loan can close
MPRs are not the same as a home inspection. They are a baseline set of safety and habitability standards the VA requires to protect the veteran's investment. A VA appraisal checks for MPR compliance — but veterans are still strongly encouraged to get a separate independent home inspection.
- Adequate heating system that can maintain 50°F in all rooms
- Safe and adequate electrical system with no exposed wiring
- Functioning plumbing with hot and cold running water
- Proper sewage disposal — public sewer or approved septic system
- No evidence of active pest infestation (termites, rodents)
- Roof must be in serviceable condition with remaining useful life
- Foundation must be sound with no significant settling or cracking
- No evidence of active water intrusion or moisture damage
- Crawl spaces must be accessible, dry, and properly ventilated
- All mechanical systems must be in working order
- Property must have safe pedestrian and vehicle access year-round
- Each living unit must have its own separate utility systems
- No encroachments or easements that affect use of the property
- Lead-based paint must be stabilized on homes built before 1978
- No hazardous materials or environmental concerns on the property
Tips for a Smooth VA Appraisal
A VA appraisal is not a home inspection. Hire a licensed home inspector separately to identify issues the appraiser may not flag.
Sellers should fix broken windows, missing handrails, peeling paint (pre-1978 homes), and non-functioning utilities before the appraiser visits.
If the appraiser believes the value may come in below the purchase price, they issue a Tidewater Notice. Your agent can then provide additional comps to support the value.
If the appraisal comes in low, you can formally request an ROV with supporting comparable sales data. Your loan officer can guide you through this process.
A VA appraisal (Notice of Value) is valid for 6 months and can be transferred to another VA lender if you switch lenders before closing.
The VA appraisal fee is typically collected at the time of ordering or at closing. Your loan officer will clarify the timing for your specific transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Use Your VA Benefit?
Our team specializes in VA loans across Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee. We'll walk you through the entire process — from appraisal to closing.
Equal Housing Lender. NMLS: 103035. Licensed in FL, SC & TN. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply.