Just got a call from my realtor who was told by my lender (who tried to call but I was unavailable at the time) that the VA Loan Appraiser for my house said that the roof wouldn't last for more than 25 years, and that the lender's underwriters couldn't justify giving me a 30 year loan, just a 25 year loan. The extra amount I'll pay is only about $80 more, so I don't mind paying it. This is all in spite of the fact that the roof was replaced 3 years ago. Has anyone here seen a situation like this? If so, should I proceed with caution on accepting the 25 year loan, or should I challenge the appraisal?

Sounds a little unusual.  I don't know of ANY roof--aside from metal--that is EXPECTED to last more than 25 years.  Most shingles are rated 25-30 years, but everyone knows you have to think replacement around 20.  Especially if you live in an area where I do that frequently gets hail.

That said, you know the old rule: He who has the gold (money) makes the rules. If you want Uncle Sam's guarantee behind your VA loan, you'll play their games. I think some of those inspector/appraisers simply nitpick stuff to justify their pay check.

@Chase Kimbrell

Hi Chase,

Does this guy predict how long the roof will last, or is he just saying it won't last 25 years?

(Based on the replacements I see in Austin, getting 15 years out of a SFH shingle roof seems like a reasonable time in some areas.)

@Erik W.

Erik, that was basically my thought too, that it’s just a dumb thing he came up with to make it sound like he was doing something. Maybe the lender is taking this farther than it needs to. And Scott, I agree, I didn’t expect the roof to last longer than 15 years myself. I thought this whole thing was a but silly. My realtor and lender contact were really confused about the whole thing.

Well thanks for your input. I guess I’ll just proceed with a slightly shorter loan. Lol.