Home Appraisal Versus Inspection
What’s the Difference between a Home Appraisal Versus Inspection?
Will you need a home appraisal and a home inspection? What is the difference between the two? If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy.
In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. It’s also a different step in the process from a home inspection, which assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. Here’s the breakdown of each one and why they’re both important when buying a home.
Home Appraisal
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:
“A home purchase is typically the largest investment someone will make. Protect yourself by getting your investment appraised! An appraiser will observe the property, analyze the data, and report their findings to their client. For the typical home purchase transaction, the lender usually orders the appraisal to assist in the lender’s decision to provide funds for a mortgage.”
When you apply for a mortgage, an unbiased appraisal (which is required by the lender) is the best way to confirm the value of the home based on the sale price. Regardless of what you’re willing to pay for a house, if you’ll be using a mortgage to fund your purchase, the appraisal will help make sure the bank doesn’t loan you more than what the home is worth.
This is especially critical in today’s sellers’ market where low inventory is driving an increase in bidding wars, which can push home prices upward. When sellers are in a strong position like this, they tend to believe they can set whatever price they want for their house under the assumption that competing buyers will be willing to pay more.
However, the lender will only allow the buyer to borrow based on the value of the home. This is what helps keep home prices in check. If there’s ever any confusion or discrepancy between the appraisal and the sale price, your trusted real estate professional will help you navigate any additional negotiations in the buying process.
Home Inspection
Here’s the key difference between an appraisal and an inspection. MSN explains:
“In simplest terms, a home appraisal determines the value of a home, while a home inspection determines the condition of a home.”
The home inspection is a way to determine the current state, safety, and condition of the home before you finalize the sale. If anything is questionable in the inspection process – like the age of the roof, the state of the HVAC system, or just about anything else – you as a buyer have the option to discuss and negotiate any potential issues or repairs with the seller before the transaction is final. Your real estate agent is a key expert to help you through this part of the process.
In Southwest Florida, depending on the home you are purchasing, in addition to a regular home inspection, you should consider a radon inspection and or a termite inspection. We will provide a list of reputable inspectors for your consideration.
So, the appraisal and the inspection are critical steps when buying a home, and you don’t need to manage them by yourself. Let’s connect today so you have the expert guidance you need to navigate through the entire homebuying process.
Begin Your Own Search for a Vacation Home or Second Home in Naples Florida:
So, if you’re ready to begin your search for your dream home or condo in Southwest Florida, we encourage you to explore our website to find information about communities in the area. If golf is your game, we specialize in golf community real estate.
There are more than 150 different golf communities in our area and most of them have a private golf course within the community. It can be challenging to navigate the plethora of communities, membership options, golf course design, amenities and more. We will help provide you with a list of the top private golf communities which match your lifestyle.
Also, if you are considering new construction, remember the contractor’s real estate agent represents the builder’s best interest, not yours. There is no cost for you to have an agent represent you. In fact, we may be able to help you save money and negotiate for extras which the builder may not let you know about.
Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations via paperless transactions for your property from offer to close!
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a focused and results-oriented Realtor in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero or Fort Myers who will help you achieve your Real Estate needs, please reach out to us directly. Additionally, if you are looking for a golf community expert or you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, vacation home, second home, golf home or dream home, call or text 239-370-0892 or email Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com
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January 27th, 2021 Posted by NaplesGolfGuy
