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Real Estate Q&A: What is the Difference Between an Appraisal and an Inspection?

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Realty Group

What is the Difference Between an Appraisal and an Inspection?Appraisal vs. Inspection


An Appraisal is requested by your lender to determine the value of the property.  Your lender wants to be sure the property is worth the amount of money they are loaning the buyer for the purchase.  A licensed Appraiser will evaluate the home based on:

  • Features
  • Style/Floorplan
  • Size
  • Lot Size
  • Location/Neighborhood
  • Comparable Active Listings
  • Comparable Sold Properties

 

An Inspection can be requested by the seller (generally before listing) or by the buyer (after a purchase offer is accepted) to determine condition of the property.  As the buyer (or the seller), you have the option to hire a Licensed Home Inspector or you can inspect the property yourself.  We recommend hiring a professional.  As a buyer, this is your opportunity to see what repairs might be necessary and it may be a decision point to terminate the contract.  A Licensed Home Inspector will examine the following:

  • Roof
  • Exterior of the house
  • Foundation
  • Home Systems: Electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling, venting
  • Appliances (that are included with purchase)
  • Windows, Doors
  • Attic
  • Basement/Crawl Space
  • Sprinkler System



If you have Real Estate Questions, The Foerster Team has the Answers.  Please call us at (720) 530-5554, email us at Donna@TheFoersterTeam.com or leave your question in the comments section below.  Who knows?  Your questions might be the topic of a future blog post!

 

What is the Difference Between an Appraisal and an Inspection?

 

 

 

Posted by

  

rich and donna

 

Rich and Donna Foerster

The Foerster Team

HomeSmart Realty Group, LLC

REAL Market Knowledge. REAL Service. REAL Estate.

Serving Metro Denver

www.TheFoersterTeam.com

720-530-5553 (Rich)

720-530-5554 (Donna)

 

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Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

Donna - this is a great explanation of the difference in an appraisal and an inspection.  I run into this question with first time home buyers. 

May 31, 2012 02:34 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

There's no confusion between these two as you explain what each is in this post.  Good info.

May 31, 2012 02:53 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Hi Barbara~ It's a very common question with First Time Home Buyers.  It was for me too!

Thanks Chris Ann.  I hope the bullet points help with clarification too.

May 31, 2012 03:50 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Great work. You really explained the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal very well and how they are used in the home buying process.

May 31, 2012 11:31 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Thanks Debbie.  Doing my best to educate consumers with my FAQs!

May 31, 2012 11:47 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Donna, Great explanation on the difference between an appraisal and an inspection. 

May 31, 2012 11:47 AM
Heather Milbourn
South Beaches Real Estate Professional - Seminole, FL

More great info and you always make it seem so simple, Thank You

May 31, 2012 10:10 PM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Thank you Kathleen and Heather.  This will be a good reference piece for our Buyer's Handbook.

Jun 01, 2012 02:39 AM
Anonymous
Jaime Westman, HouseHunt.com

Donna, the time it took you to write this very well thought out post will educate your consumers and save you time down the road. Well worth the effort, and done in a format that is friendly to it's readers. Bravo!

Jun 01, 2012 05:41 AM
#9
Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Donna, this is great information for home owners and sellers - it's amazing how people intermingle the term "inspection."  Great job. 

Jun 02, 2012 07:34 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Jaime~ Great feedback, thank you! 

Juli~ I was focused on buyers, but you are so right Juli.  It's good information for sellers too!

Jun 02, 2012 12:09 PM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Hello Ashley and thank you! This was one of several FAQ posts I wrote.  I plan to write several more, just need to find the time!

Jul 18, 2012 07:23 AM