If you own a home, there’s a good chance you’ll sell it someday. And when you do, the buyer’s loan type will matter more than you might think.
Right now we’re working through VA and FHA required repairs on some of our listings. We see the same thing every time. A seller finds out about a repair requirement after they’re under contract, and suddenly there’s a deadline, a contractor to find, and a lot of stress. Most of it could have been handled months or years earlier, on their own timeline.
Here’s what we’d tackle now if you’re a homeowner who might sell down the road.
Why loan type matters
Conventional loans, FHA loans, and VA loans all require an appraisal. But FHA and VA appraisers also check that the home meets minimum property standards. The idea is that the home should be safe, structurally sound, and livable.
That doesn’t mean your home has to be perfect. It means certain issues can hold up a closing if they aren’t addressed. And since a good chunk of buyers use FHA or VA financing, it’s smart to be ready for them.
Peeling and chipping paint
This is one of the most common ones we see. It’s also one of the cheapest things on this list to fix.
Scrape, prime, and repaint any problem areas inside and out. Pay attention to window trim, porch railings, and exterior siding where moisture tends to hit hardest. If your home is older, use lead-safe practices or hire someone who does.
Handrails and safety hazards
Stairs with several steps and no handrail are a classic flag. So are loose railings, broken steps, and missing or damaged deck railings. These are easy to overlook when you’ve lived somewhere for years and know exactly where to put your hand.
Walk your home like a stranger would. Check every set of stairs inside and out, every deck, every porch. If something wobbles, fix it.
The roof
Roofs are a big one. An appraiser may flag active leaks, missing shingles, or a roof that’s near the end of its life. Replacing a roof is not a small expense, which is exactly why you want to know where yours stands before a buyer’s lender does.
If your roof is aging, get it looked at by a licensed roofer now. A small repair today is much easier than a rushed replacement under contract.
Moisture, leaks, and wood rot
Water is the root of a lot of problems. Look for stains on ceilings, soft spots around tubs and sinks, rotted fascia or trim, and anything that suggests water is getting where it shouldn’t.
Check your gutters and the grading around your foundation too. Water that pools near the house is a problem waiting to happen. In Atlanta, with the rain we get and the age of a lot of our housing stock, this one comes up often.
Working systems
Heating, plumbing, and electrical should all be in working order. Exposed wiring, missing outlet covers, a broken water heater, or a furnace that doesn’t kick on can all raise concerns.
If something in your home has been limping along, don’t wait. Fix it on your schedule so you aren’t scrambling later.
Pests
Evidence of wood-destroying insects or active termite damage is something lenders pay attention to. An annual pest inspection is inexpensive and gives you a head start on any issue.
Missing or broken windows and doors
Cracked glass, windows that won’t close, and exterior doors that don’t latch properly can all be flagged. These are usually quick, affordable fixes that make the home safer and more secure anyway.
The benefit of doing it early
Here’s what we’ve seen. Sellers who handle these things ahead of time have more control. They can shop for contractors, compare prices, and pick a timeline that works for them. Sellers who wait until they’re under contract often feel rushed, and they sometimes have to negotiate repairs or credits just to keep the deal together.
You also widen your pool of buyers. A home that’s ready for any loan type is a home more buyers can actually purchase. That’s especially valuable if the market gets competitive or you want to avoid delays at closing.
As the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes in its home loan program information, homes purchased with a VA loan must meet minimum property requirements. Knowing that going in puts you ahead of the game.
If you’re thinking about selling in the next few years and want to know what to tackle first, we’d love to walk through it with you.
The bottom line
You don’t need a perfect home to sell. You need a home without surprises. A little attention now, on your terms, can save you a lot of stress later. Start with the small stuff, get the big stuff looked at, and give yourself the gift of time.