Home Inspections and Appraisals

Home appraisals and inspections are necessary steps in the home buying process.

A new home will likely be one of the largest financial decisions you make in your life. These two steps will provide you with critical information on your upcoming transaction.

Here’s what to expect from a home appraisal and inspection and why they can potentially save you time, money, and headache down the road.

Home Appraisal

When you apply for a mortgage, an unbiased appraisal is the best way to verify the value of a home.

Dustin Harris, Appraiser Coach, further clarifies the appraiser’s role,

“It’s important for everyone to understand that the appraiser’s job in the end is to remain that unbiased third party, to truly tell the client what that home is worth in the current market…”

The appraisal process is critical in helping lenders determine safe loan limits. Today’s housing market is fast-paced and competitive though, meaning home prices and values are constantly changing.

This is causing a problem known as the appraisal gap. This happens when the appraisal comes in below the buyer’s contract price. This can sometimes stop a transaction from proceeding any further.

Home Inspection

The inspection is another important process in evaluating a home. While the appraisal determines the current value of your home, the inspection determines the current condition of the home.

“Home inspections are the opportunity to discover major defects that were not apparent at a buyer’s showing… Your home inspection is to help you make an informed decision about the house, including its condition.”

The inspection process will make you aware of any potential problems with the home. Anything from old plumbing to a faulty HVAC system. This will give you the opportunity to discuss and negotiate any potential issues with the seller.

An inspection will help prepare you as a new homeowner. They can shed light on costly issues that would otherwise be a surprise later on.

Source: Keeping Current Matters

Bottom Line

A proper appraisal and inspection will provide you with unbiased information on the value and condition of a home, critical steps in preparing you for your home purchase.

If you’re going through either process soon, we want to help you prepare. Reach out to one of our Art of Homeownership Professionals to help guide you along the path of buying a new home.