Seller is Veterans Affairs : Will they negotiate

[Jeff S.]

There is a foreclosed property I've been watching that is owned by "Secretary of Veterans Affairs". I assume that means someone defaulted on a VA loan ?

It has been on the market a while and the price recently dropped by $10k.  It doesn't look too bad, but one problem is the roof : layers of asphalt shingles over old wooden shake shingles.  (Property is old, built in 1899).

If I was going to put a bid on the property, would it make any sense to ask that the roof be replaced ? Is the VA just like any other seller in that regard, or do they play by different rules ?

[Christopher Brainard]

@Jeff S.

I highly doubt that they will replace the roof for you prior to close. I would price your offer accounting for the roof repair and/or any other repairs which are needed. You can always ask for seller concessions at closing to help defer the costs.

-Christopher