Appraisal vs. Home Inspection: What’s the Difference? 🤔🏠
👉 Click here to watch the video 🎥 Home Inspection vs. Appraisal 
If you’ve ever felt confused about inspections and appraisals, you’re not alone. Rob breaks it down simply so you know exactly what to expect.
One of the most common questions we hear in real estate is:
“What’s the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection?”
🏡 Appraisal vs Home Inspection: An appraisal tells the lender what your home is worth 💰, while a home inspection shows the buyer the condition of the property 🔍. Appraisals protect the lender, inspections protect the buyer — both are important, but they serve different purposes! ✅
🔍 The Home Inspection (This One’s for the Buyer)
A home inspection is designed to help the buyer understand the condition of the home. It’s detailed, thorough, and takes time.
During a home inspection, inspectors typically:
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Test outlets and electrical systems ⚡
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Open windows and doors 🪟
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Run hot and cold water 🚿
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Check appliances like the stove, oven, and dishwasher 🍳
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Inspect the furnace, plumbing, attic, crawl spaces, and visible areas 🔎
Their job is to point out everything they can see — small, big, and everything in between. That’s why reports can be long (sometimes very long). The key is keeping things in perspective and focusing on major issues, safety concerns, and health-related items.
🏦 The Appraisal (This One’s for the Bank)
An appraisal is ordered by the lender, not the buyer. Think of it as the bank’s way of making sure the home is worth what they’re lending.
Appraisers focus on:
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The home’s value 📊
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Recent comparable sales
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Overall condition
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The type of loan being used
Loan type matters:
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VA & USDA loans (100% financing) require stricter standards
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FHA loans have specific condition requirements
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Conventional loans are typically more flexible
✅ Why This Matters
A great inspection doesn’t guarantee a smooth appraisal — and vice versa. Knowing the difference helps reduce stress and avoid surprises during the transaction.
Have questions? Reach out anytime. This is what we do every day, and we’re happy to help.
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