Vic Malone, CAPT USN (ret)

New 2026 VA Appraisal Rules: What Colorado Springs Veterans Need to Know

March 31, 20262 min read

Breaking! Big Wins for Veterans

VA Appraisal Rules 2026 Colorado Springs

If you’ve been following the Colorado Springs real estate market, you know that "VA Appraisal Repairs" have often been a sticking point for sellers. Historically, minor issues could stall a closing for a Veteran buyer.

That is officially changing on May 1, 2026.

As a Veteran-owned business here in the Springs, I’m excited to share that the VA is trimming away outdated Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) to make VA loans more competitive than ever.

The "1979 Rule" – A Game Changer for the Springs

One of the biggest headaches in local neighborhoods like Briargate or Widefield has been peeling paint on older homes. Previously, any peeling paint was treated as a lead-paint hazard regardless of the home's age.

  • The Update: For homes built in 1979 or later, peeling paint will no longer be an automatic "deal-killer" repair condition. Appraisers can now focus on safety rather than cosmetic maintenance.

What Else is Changing?

The VA is streamlining several other technical requirements to speed up the process:

  • Heater Requirements: Non-vented heater rules are being relaxed.

  • Radon Triggers: Automatic testing triggers are being revised to match local jurisdictional standards.

  • Faster Turnarounds: By removing these "ticky-tack" requirements, appraisers can focus on fair market value and structural integrity, leading to fewer delays.

Why This Matters for Your Next Offer

If you are a Veteran looking near Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, or Schriever SFB, these changes mean your offer is now more attractive to sellers. You can walk into a multi-offer situation knowing the VA appraisal isn't the "barrier" it used to be.

Pro-Tip for Realtors: Tell listing agents that the VA has modernized. We aren't looking for "perfect" homes; we're looking for safe homes.

Ready to see how much you can save with a VA IRRRL or a new Purchase? Don't wait for the May 1st rush. Let’s get your eligibility verified today. Call 719-304-4900 or visit us at our downtown office at 102 S. Tejon Street, Suite 1100.

Vic Malone is a retired Naval Officer and 13-year veteran of the mortgage business. Owner of Peak Seven Mortgage, providing low-hassle, low-cost loans to Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and all of Colorado.

Vic Malone

Vic Malone is a retired Naval Officer and 13-year veteran of the mortgage business. Owner of Peak Seven Mortgage, providing low-hassle, low-cost loans to Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and all of Colorado.

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