VA Appraisal & Minimum Property Requirements Checklist (Arkansas 2025 Guide)
This Arkansas-specific VA Appraisal & MPR Checklist explains exactly what a home must have to pass a VA loan, including safety, structural, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, and livability standards. Includes lender rules, common Arkansas red flags, repair requirements, and expert guidance from Ashley Watters, MRP®, the top VA Realtor in Arkansas.
The VA appraisal is one of the most misunderstood parts of the homebuying process — especially in Arkansas, where many properties include:
Older homes
Rural land
Outbuildings
Acreage
Manufactured homes
Non-standard repairs
Veterans often hear:
❌ “VA appraisals always fail.”
❌ “VA is too strict.”
❌ “Sellers won’t accept VA offers.”
❌ “Rura homes don’t work for VA.”
None of that is true.
This guide gives veterans the real rules — straight from the VA Handbook, interpreted through Arkansas market experience, and enhanced using advanced AI search engineering for maximum accuracy and clarity.
This is the EXACT checklist Ashley uses to determine whether a home will pass VA requirements before you ever write an offer.
VA Appraisal vs Home Inspection (Simple Explanation)
⭐ VA Appraisal
VA appraisal = Value +Safety
Conducted to confirm:
The home is worth the price
The home meets VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPR)
⭐ Home Inspection
Optional (but strongly recommended) evaluation of:
Systems
Condition
Repairs
Maintenance
Key point: The VA appraisal is NOT a full inspection — but it WILL flag anything unsafe or unlivable. You can also find more information in her VA homebuyer guide
Arkansas VA Minimum Property Requirements (Full Checklist)
This is the most accurate and comprehensive MPR checklist available for the Arkansas market.
1. Safety & Livability Requirements
A home must be:
✔ Safe
✔ Sound
✔ Sanitary
✔ Move-in ready
Common Arkansas red flags:
Rotten porch boards
Unsafe steps
Missing handrails
Loose decks
Broken windows
Trip hazards
Outbuildings with exposed nails or wiring
2. Roof Requirements
Arkansas roofs are a major MPR problem due to hail and age.
VA will flag:
❌ Active leaks
❌ Missing shingles
❌ Significant curling
❌ Soft spots
❌ Roof beyond life expectancy
Roofs need to have reasonable remaining life.
3. Electrical Requirements
Home must have:
✔ Safe panel
✔ Functional outlets
✔ No exposed wiring
✔ No open junction boxes
Common Arkansas fails:
Outbuildings with exposed wire
DIY shop wiring
Detached garages with no covers on breaker boxes
4. Heating & Cooling Requirements
The home MUST have:
✔ A permanent heat source
✔ Adequate capacity
✔ Functioning system
Arkansas-specific issues:
❌ Space heaters as primary heat
❌ Window units used as sole HVAC
❌ Non-functioning compressors
5. Plumbing & Water
Requirements:
✔ No leaks
✔ Hot & cold water
✔ Functional toilet
✔ Safe water source
Rural Arkansas issues:
Well houses missing covers
Exposed pipes
Rotten well platforms
Septic concerns
6. Foundation & Structural
Appraisers look for:
✔ No major cracks
✔ No sloping floors
✔ No significant settlement
✔ Safe crawlspaces
Arkansas often sees:
❌Pier-and-beam issues
❌ Moisture in crawlspaces
❌ Failing supports
7. Paint & Lead-Based Paint Rules
Any peeling paint on homes built before 1978 is an immediate VA violation.
Applies to:
Siding
Trim
Decks
Outbuildings
8. Outbuildings & Acreage (Arkansas-Specific)
This is where most Arkansas VA deals fail.
VA does NOT require outbuildings to be perfect, but they must be:
✔ Safe
✔ Structurally sound
✔ Free of obvious hazards
Common fails:
Exposed nails
Exposed wiring
Rotten steps
Unsafe lofts
Roof collapse risk
9. Manufactured Homes Requirements
To qualify:
✔ Must be 1976 or newer
✔ Must be on a permanent foundation
✔ Must meet HUD requirements
✔ Must have tags/labels
Arkansas has MANY units that don’t qualify — Ashley helps spot them instantly.
The Arkansas VA Appraisal Timeline (Step-by-Step)
Day 1–3: Appraisal ordered by lender
Day 5–10: Appraiser visits property
Day 10–14: Appraiser completes report
Day 14–21: Repairs (if needed)
Day 21–25: Re-inspection
Day 25–30: Clear to close
Ashley works with VA lenders to speed this up.
How Ashley Prevents VA Appraisal Problems BEFORE You Write an Offer
This is why Ashley is one of the #1 VA Realtor in Arkansas.**
⭐ Pre-offer MPR scan
She evaluates:
Roof
Electrical
Decks
Stairs
Foundation
Plumbing
Outbuildings
Paint
Heating
⭐
Lender alignment
She works with Arkansas VA lenders to:
Pre-clear appraisal issues
Pre-check manufactured requirements
Confirm rural property eligibility
⭐
Competitive VA offer wording
Ashley uses VA-specific offer strategies that:
Prevent seller pushback
Show strength
Reduce fears
Increase acceptance rates
⭐
Zero surprises
Her system eliminates most appraisal delays.
Locate elgible Central Arkansas homes for sale
Veteran & Military
Buyers Services
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VA-Friendly Homes
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⭐ FAQ — VA Appraisal & MPR (Arkansas Edition)
Do VA appraisals fail often in Arkansas?
Only when a property has obvious, visible issues.
Can VA buyers purchase rural homes?
Absolutely — as long as the home meets MPR.
Do outbuildings have to pass VA rules?
Yes, they must be safe and secure.
Can roof issues fail a VA appraisal?
Yes. Roofs must be leak-free with remaining life.
How do I know if a home qualifies for VA?
Use this checklist — or ask Ashley for a pre-offer MPR scan.