Austin TX Homes Buyers need to understand that when they buy a house, a home inspection is not the same as an appraisal. I hear all the time, especially from first time home buyers, "Do I really need to pay for an inspection when the lender is going to send an appraiser?"

austin tx home inspectorYES!!

A home inspection is what tells you what is and isn't working in your potential new home, whereas an appraisal is to determine value.  Completely different things. The inspector turns all the mechanical things on like the AC, Furnace, and Stove. He runs all the water and checks for leaks. If you get one with a pest control license, they even check for termites, previous infestations and current ones.  Yes, if you're obtaining an FHA loan, the appraiser does look at some safety issues like making sure there are no exposed wires and whether the banister on a staircase will hold the minimum 250 pounds. Other than visual safety things, the appraiser is there to measure the home and give an opinion of value.

Home Inspectors in the state of Texas must be licensed and bonded. They all use the same form provided by the state so they are all looking for the same things. Granted, they don't all find the same things, but just like if you take your car to multiple mechanics, they'll all interpret their findings a little differently.

I highly recommend obtaining a home inspection so you know what you're getting into when you move in. Even with newer homes, things can go wrong. If you're thinking about making a change in the Austin TX area, please contact me and let's discuss your needs and wants.

**Are You Packed Yet?**

donna harris Realtor Austin TX blog

Donna Harris, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Austin Skyline
www.DonnaHomes.coma
Donna@DonnaHomes.com

Austin TX Real Estate and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Hill Country Austin TX Real Estate and beyond. Whether you're buying or selling an Austin home, I'll be with you every step of the way. 

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** #1 Agent in my Office for all of 2008 **

Copyright© 2011 By Donna Harris, All Rights Reserved. You may re-blog with links back to this post.
*Home Inspections and Appraisals - They are Not the Same Thing! * was first published on donnahomesblog.com.

 
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10 Comments on Home Inspections and Appraisals - They are Not the Same Thing!

FEB
04
2011
655,247 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Donna, I hear this all the time also and it is usually from the first time buyer but I have even had more seasoned buyers get the two confused.
10:16am • #1
237,958 Points 10 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Donna ....As Marchel has mentioned ...Clients do ask it all the time or a few just make assumptions   ... It's a good outline for a consumer that is very clear

 

Thank You
10:50am • #2
589,561 Points 61 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I haven't heard it expressed in that way Donna, but the whole home buying process can be daunting, especially for First Timers.  We need to keep educating them all along the way.
10:53am • #3
1 Featured Post Called Shot Master

Donna- I am with Karen on this one. We are professionals that require us to educate the clients we work wit. It is a little surprising to find out what the general public thinks sometimes though.
11:15am • #4
1,326,593 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Donna

You make great points, and that's a buyer needs to use the services of a real estate professional.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig
4:23pm • #5
FEB
05
2011
1,307,424 Points 96 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Yes, it's our job to help educate our buyers, and another point for a buyer to use an agent to represent them.
6:52pm • #6
396,963 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I just had this conversation recently with a homebuyer. They were under the impression that if the appraisal was going to happen, no need for an inspection. umm.. wrong!
8:21pm • #7
186,769 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp

Another excellent blog!  This makes me want to write that when purchasing a HUD home that you should still get your own inspection and not just go off HUD's inspection that is given!
10:53pm • #8
FEB
06
2011
280,432 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp

Donna, I always encourage my clients to get all there inspection, termites, surveys, etc. Great post.
4:39pm • #9

Just stopping by to invite you to the 2nd Annual ActiveRain Super Bowl Party. Hope you’ll come and bring some friends!
7:57pm • #10


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Donna Harris, REALTOR®, CDPE & ASP - Hill Country Austin Lakeway Homes

Austin, TX

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RE/MAX Austin Skyline

Address: 4611 Bee Caves Rd #200, Austin, TX, 78746

Office Phone: (512) 592-7127

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This blog is to help educate Buyers, Sellers and even other Realtors across the country.  Each market is different and the way Real Estate is done is different.  Austin Real Estate is completely different than Dallas, California and Florida and everywhere else in between.  Some times there will be other things besides real estate as I like to rant and rave as much as the next!!  Come back often!

Donna Harris, REALTOR® with RE/MAX
Donna Harris, REALTOR® with RE/MAX
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