Home Inspections and Appraisals: What’s the difference?

The question we get time and time again: “But I already have to get an appraisal. Why do I need a home inspection too?” Both home inspections and appraisals are great ways to find out the value of a property you are considering purchasing or selling, however they both serve very different purposes. This guide will help you understand the key differences between home inspections and appraisals, and why you should budget for one or both services.

Home inspections and appraisals are two ways to determine a property’s value.

Home inspections and appraisals are two ways to determine a property’s value. Both of these services are performed by professionals, but they serve different purposes. Home inspectors provide an objective assessment of the condition of a home, while appraisers determine the fair market value of a property.

Both types of assessments can help you make better decisions about buying or selling real estate properties, so let’s take a closer look at each one:

Home inspections

Home inspections are a great way to get a sense of the condition of a house. These assessments, which are performed by licensed professionals, can help you determine if there are any issues with your prospective home before you buy it.

Getting a home inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process, as it can help uncover any potential issues with the property before you make a final purchase decision. The main reasons to get a home inspection include identifying any major defects or safety issues with the property, determining the overall condition of the home’s major systems and components (such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing), and estimating the remaining lifespan of these systems. Additionally, a home inspection report can provide you with the leverage to negotiate any necessary repairs or request a lower purchase price. Ultimately, a home inspection can give you peace of mind and help you make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the purchase of a property. For more information on home inspections and what services are available in your area, head to our website!

Appraisals

Appraisals are a professional opinion of the value of a property. Appraisals can be performed by licensed real estate appraisers or insurance companies, but they’re most often used for mortgage loans and other financing. Appraisals may also be required by banks in order to determine how much money you can borrow for your home purchase. Home appraisals can also be useful for homeowners who are looking to sell their property or for those who want to refinance their mortgage. If you’re looking at buying or selling real estate, it’s important to know what kind of assessment your lender will require–if any–and whether that assessment will affect your ability to get approved for financing.

If you’re trying to determine how much tax should be charged on your property each year (known as “ad valorem taxes”), an appraisal will likely come into play here as well; this is because ad valorem taxes are based on market value rather than assessed value alone.

Appraisals play a crucial role in the approval process for FHA and VA home loans. For FHA loans, the property must meet certain minimum property requirements, as determined by the appraiser, to ensure the property is safe, habitable, and structurally sound. The appraiser will also assess the property’s value to ensure it meets the loan-to-value requirements for FHA loans. For VA loans, the appraiser will assess the property’s value and condition to ensure it meets the VA’s minimum property requirements. If the property does not meet these requirements, the loan may be denied, or the seller may be required to make repairs before the loan is approved. Therefore, it is important to have a thorough appraisal to ensure that the property meets the necessary criteria for FHA and VA loans.

For more information on Oklahoma appraisal requirements, visit the Oklahoma Real Estate Appraiser Board website or find an appraiser by county on the Roster of Oklahoma Appraisers.

The cost of home inspections vs. appraisals

While the cost of a home appraisal and a home inspection can be similar, the value of these services can be very different. A home appraisal is important for anyone who is buying or selling a property, as it ensures that the property is worth the amount of money being loaned. A home inspection is important for anyone who is buying or selling a property, as it identifies any issues, potential problems, and condition of the property.

The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the property, the size and type of the property, and the experience and qualifications of the inspector. On average, the cost of a home inspection is between $300 and $500. Some inspectors will offer additional services related to the condition or maintenance of a property, including water well inspections and disinfections, septic system inspections, scope services, and thermal imaging, which can all increase the price of your inspection, as well as possibly save you from costly repairs down the line.

The cost of a home appraisal can vary depending on several factors, including the surrounding area where the property is located, the size and type of the property, and the type of loan being sought for the property. On average, the cost of a home appraisal is between $500 and $600.

Conclusion

While both a home inspection and an appraisal are important steps in the home buying process, they serve different purposes. A home inspection is a thorough examination of the property’s condition, including the overall structure, major systems, and components. The inspector will identify any issues or defects that could potentially affect the safety or habitability of the property. On the other hand, an appraisal is an evaluation of the property’s value, typically conducted by a licensed appraiser. The appraiser will assess the property’s condition, location, and comparable sales in the area to determine an accurate value. While a home inspection is optional (depending on the state where the property is located), an appraisal is typically required by the lender to ensure that the property is worth the amount of the loan. In summary, a home inspection is focused on the condition of the property, while an appraisal is focused on a property’s value.