03/24/2026
If a seller is willing to accept an FHA offerā¦ why not VA?
Short answer? It usually comes down to misunderstanding VA loans, not the strength of the buyer.
VA buyers are actually some of the strongest, most qualified buyers out thereābut there are a few myths that still scare sellers and agents off:
ā¢ āVA appraisals are too strict.ā
Reality: VA appraisers are looking for safety and livabilityāvery similar to FHA. If a home is in decent condition, itās typically not an issue.
ā¢ āVA buyers canāt pay over appraised value.ā
Not true. VA buyers can pay the differenceāthey just need the cash to do it.
ā¢ āVA takes longer to close.ā
Also outdated. With a solid lender, VA loans can close just as fast as conventional or FHA.
ā¢ āThe seller has to pay all the fees.ā
There are limits on what veterans can pay, but it doesnāt automatically mean the seller is covering everything.
So why do some sellers still choose FHA over VA?
š Lack of education
š An agent advising based on outdated info
š Fear of the unknown
š Or simply choosing the āfamiliarā option
The truth is, when you look at the whole offer (price, terms, strength of buyer), a VA offer can be just as strongāif not stronger.
If youāre a seller, donāt leave great buyers off the table because of myths.
And if youāre a buyer using your VA benefitāyou deserve an agent who knows how to position your offer the right way.
