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I've been getting some questions about appraisals and home inspections - do you really need both? Short answer: YES! Keep reading for the long answer 👇

An appraisal is used to determine the value of the home and is required by your lender. To come up with a value, the appraiser compares the subject property to similar nearby homes that have sold recently (called 'comps' in the real estate world). The appraiser typically does a brief walk through of the home to make sure the public record information is correct (things like number of bedrooms/bathrooms) and check for issues that affect the value of the home (property damage, unfinished remodeling, lack of functioning plumbing, etc). The appraiser will also check for things like smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and other potential safety issues. However, an appraiser does not complete an in depth inspection of the home. That's where the home inspector comes in.

For the home inspection, a certified home inspector will typically spend several hours checking out the house from top to bottom. They evaluate the condition of the home and look for any issues that could affect the buyer's investment. While home inspectors can't see through walls, they are able to give a very detailed report on any current problems or things that could become a problem in the future. The buyer is responsible for hiring their home inspector, so it is very important to make sure you are choosing a licensed professional. Saving a little on the cost of the inspection might end up being a huge expense down the road.

As always, I'm here for any questions you may have about the home buying process. Call, text, or email anytime!

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