When VA Appraisals Might Come Up Short: What Is The Tidewater Initiative?

The VA appraisal process is quite different from a normal appraisal. During the VA appraisal, the appraiser doesn’t juts tell you how much a home is worth, but also decides what if any changes need to be made to the house before the VA will back the home loan. The lender doesn’t hire the appraiser themselves. They just contact the Veteran Administration and request an appraisal. Well, in 2003, something new was added to the whole thing. The Tidewater Initiative was re-affirmed by the VA in 2017, and you can see the update in the VA circular 26-17-18. It talks about for improving communication with appraisers. The Tidewater Initiative happens before the appraisal report is finished and ends up reducing the number of requests for appraisal rebuttals.

If the VA appraisal price comes up short, the appraiser will call the lender and let them know that they are “invoking the Tidewater Initiative.” That certainly sounds terrifying. It’s actually a very formal and specific process that benefits the veteran and can keep the mortgage deal from falling apart. The appraiser will provide a “Tidewater Notice” to the lender. The lender will inform the realtor or contact. They have two work days to return any additional information to the appraiser. They have two working days to send in additional comparable sales with verification that the sale closed. They can also include pending sales contracts along with a brief description of the differences of the pending sale and the property that is currently undergoing the Tidewater Initiative.

Are You Thinking of Buying a Home in Dubois County?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Jasper, Dubois, Spencer, Martin and Davis counties and all of our surrounding areas. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, at Sell 4 Free Welsh Realty our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated with new homes every hour. By signing up for New Listing alerts you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale and get price change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the hottest deals!

Start your Home Search now

Popular Jasper Indiana Home Searches:

Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

View the newest homes listed in Dubois County in the last 10 days:

This desired flexible Cumberland floor plan offers room to grow and adapt to your lifestyle. The two-story foyer includes two large closets for coats and seasonal storage. The main level features a spacious family room, dining area, and kitchen, all bathed in natural light with panoramic backyard views. The upgraded kitchen layout includes granite countertops, a tile backsplash, and a stainless steel appliance package with a gas range. A powder bath and laundry room with pantry shelving are conveniently located off the kitchen. For your enjoyment, a deck is located off of the dining area. Upstairs provides a private family retreat with a generously sized owner's suite, including an ensuite bath with a double bowl vanity and a walk-in closet. Three additional bedrooms, a second full bath, and a loft complete this home. RevWood Select Granbury Oak flooring is throughout the main living areas and ceramic tile is installed in the wet areas. Jagoe TechSmart components are included. You'll love this EnergySmart home! $340,800 Active

1398 N Hunters Crossing Circle Huntingburg, Indiana

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,151 SqFt 0.21 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Now is your chance to own this inviting 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home nestled on a spacious corner lot in Ferdinand. Step inside to a welcoming and roomy living area, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The open-concept kitchen and dining area offer plenty of space to gather and enjoy meals together.  Just off the dining room, you'll find a convenient laundry area. Washer and Dryer are included.  One of the standout features of this home is the expansive, sun-filled sunroom—an ideal space for entertaining guests or unwinding in comfort.  Step outside to your private oasis: a fenced backyard with an in-ground pool, perfect for summer fun and outdoor living. There's also additional yard space outside the fenced area for added enjoyment or potential expansion. The attached one-car garage includes built-in shelving for storage and a bar area—offering a perfect retreat from the sun during those hot summer days. Recent Updates Include: Roof (2024), HVAC System (2020), Windows (2018), Water Heater (2022). Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to enjoy comfort, convenience, and summer-ready outdoor space—all in a desirable location! $254,700 Active

601 E 21st Street Ferdinand, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,562 SqFt 0.33 Acres

Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Situated on a 1.15 acre lot in Jasper is this 1708 sq. ft. stone home. Features include 3 bedrooms, a partially finished basement, a 2 car attached garage and 2 outbuildings.  There is also an additional storage area with a single overhead door located just off of the garage. The large welcoming front porch leads to a spacious living room. The adjacent room between the kitchen and living room could be used as a sitting room or a formal dining room. There is also a 2nd floor attic space that could be completed for additional bedrooms. The full basement offers a family room, a work shop, a second kitchen, the laundry space, and some bathroom facilities. Newer septic was installed approximately 10 years ago. Home also has replacement windows in  most of the home. The HVAC was updated in 2013 as well as the water heater. Make this spacious property your own with some tender loving care and attention. There is original hardwood floors under the bedroom carpets. Property is being sold "AS IS". $239,900 Active

1800 N 350 W. Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,218 SqFt 1.15 Acres

Listing courtesy of Gary Schnell from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.