Why Should You Consider Accepting a VA Loan Offer on Your Home?

Hi, my name is Evan Kaufman, a VA loan originator, and I’m here to help answer a common question: “I’m a seller, and I’ve received a VA loan offer on my home. I’m hesitant about accepting it for various reasons. Why should I consider a VA loan in the first place?”

If this sounds like you, congratulations on getting an offer! But if you’re unsure about VA loans—maybe you’ve heard they can be problematic, or you just don’t know much about them—this is the video for you. Let’s break down what a VA loan is, the benefits it offers, and why you might want to accept a VA loan offer.

1. VA Loan Basics

If you’ve received a VA loan offer, it means the buyer is likely a veteran or an active-duty service member. As a veteran myself, I’d love to say that alone is a great reason to accept the offer—to support those who served. But beyond that, there are many practical reasons to consider accepting a VA loan.

2. The Process Is Similar to Other Loans

The process of closing a VA loan is now almost identical to that of conventional loans or other loan types. Over the past 5–10 years, significant changes have been made to streamline the VA loan process.

Speed: VA loans can close as quickly as other loans, often well under 30 days. A closing timeframe of 20–40 days is common.

If you’ve heard that VA loans are slower, that’s outdated information. Today, experienced lenders can execute VA loans just as efficiently as any other type of loan.

3. The Appraisal Process

One of the unique benefits of VA loans is their appraisal process, which includes a feature called the Tidewater Initiative. This can be a major advantage for sellers.

What Is Tidewater?

If the appraiser is having difficulty valuing the property at the offer price, they issue a Tidewater Notice. This notice gives the buyer and their agent the opportunity to provide additional evidence, such as comparable sales, to support the value of the home.

Other loan types don’t allow this level of interaction with the appraiser, which means surprises are more likely if the appraisal comes in low.

No Surprises: With Tidewater, sellers are notified in advance if there are any appraisal concerns, giving them time to address the issue. This reduces the likelihood of unexpected delays or disputes.

Updated Process: The VA appraisal process has improved significantly over the years. While there are minimum property requirements (e.g., no major holes, peeling paint), these are similar to what’s expected with other loan types. Any glaring property issues would likely be flagged by FHA, USDA, or conventional loans as well.

4. Flexible Closing Options

VA loans now close just like other loan types:
Virtual Closings: Many states allow virtual signings, which is especially helpful if your buyer is an active-duty service member stationed overseas.

Mail-Away or Power of Attorney Closings: These options ensure that distance or deployment won’t delay the closing process.

In practice, the closing process for VA loans is identical to conventional loans, making them easier than ever to work with.

5. Financial and Ethical Considerations

Beyond the technicalities, accepting a VA loan can be a financially sound decision:

Competitive Terms: VA loans offer benefits like 0% down for the buyer, which can make your offer stronger and more likely to close.

Support Veterans: By accepting a VA loan, you’re also supporting those who have served or are currently serving in the military.

Final Thoughts

If you’re comparing a VA loan to other types (e.g., conventional, FHA, USDA), VA loans are now on equal footing—or even better in some regards. The Tidewater process, faster closing times, and flexible options make them a strong choice. And while it’s always great to help a veteran or service member, you can rest assured that a VA loan is not just a good deed—it’s also a practical and reliable option for sellers.

If you have any questions about the process, feel free to reach out. My name is Evan Kaufman, and I hope this helps you feel more confident in selling your home with a VA loan. Take care!