Closing on a property with open permits using VA loan

[Bernie Serrano]

I am representing a buyer who wants to purchase a property using a VA loan. There is one slight issue, the property has an open permit from 1992! The lender says the permit has to be closed in order to purchase the property and the seller does not wish to pay for the permit. Has anyone ever run into this issue before? If so, how did you work around it? My guess would be to find a contractor that would be willing to close the permit and hope they don't charge an arm and a leg?

Any suggestions would help. Thanks!