.jpg)
For both new and repeat home buyers, navigating the various real estate terms can be overwhelming. When you’re making the life-altering decision to buy or sell a home, you want to be able to make a confident and informed decision – we’re here to help.
One of the most significant points of the confusion comes down to the topic of a home inspection vs. appraisal. It’s not uncommon to hear the terms used interchangeably, but they’re actually quite different. An appraisal and an inspection both serve unique purposes for a prospective buyer.
An appraisal is intended to assess the value of a home, whereas an inspection evaluates its condition.
Chatham Homes Realty is here to help you each step of the way.
In this post, we’ll look closely at appraisals and inspections, breaking down the similarities and differences, and what to expect.
What Is a Real Estate Appraisal?
We often receive the question, “What is an appraisal inspection?” Many new buyers mistakenly believe that the appraisal and inspection are a single step in the home buying process, but each is a distinct step of its own.
An appraisal is designed to pinpoint the estimated market value of a property. It is required for most mortgage loans, primarily because the lender must confirm that they are not loaning out more than a property is worth.
The law dictates that appraisals must be completed by licensed third parties with no connection to the mortgage lender.
An appraiser considers a variety of factors when determining the value of a property, including:
- The condition of the home
- Its location
- The value of recently sold homes in the same neighborhood/area (called “comps,” or comparables)
The most significant benefit of appraisals is that it helps ensure that the buyer is not paying more for a property than it is worth.
When Is an Appraisal Required?
Appraisals are almost always required if you purchase a home with a loan from a mortgage lender. However, you may not be required to get an appraisal in certain circumstances.
Federal regulations state that privately-held loans for home prices under $400,000 are not legally required to complete an appraisal. That being said, the majority of lenders choose to require appraisals as a protective measure, regardless.
How Does an Appraisal Work?
The real estate appraisal process usually begins once an offer has been accepted on a property. Lenders are typically the ones that will order the appraisal (through a third-party provider), but buyers generally pay for it.
The appraiser is a neutral third party that will examine the interior and exterior of the property, evaluate comparable properties that have recently sold in the area, and forms a professional opinion on the property’s market value. This information is organized and presented in a report for the prospective buyer and the lender.
Assuming that the appraisal comes back with a value equal to or greater than the offer price, the lender then moves forward with finalizing the loan terms. However, if an appraisal comes back lower than the offer price, it can create a minor roadblock.
What If an Appraisal Is Low?
A low appraisal can be stressful when you feel incredibly close to securing your dream home. The good news is that low appraisals aren’t very common, though they can happen (particularly in a seller’s market).
If your offer is higher than the appraised home value, your lender generally won’t provide you with a loan for that amount. This is because the lender doesn’t want to facilitate a loan that exceeds the property’s actual value.
If an appraisal comes in below the offer price, you can:
- Dispute the appraisal
- Request a second appraisal
- See if the seller is willing to lower the asking price
- Offer to pay the difference in cash
Your real estate agent can help you determine which of the above options best suits the situation, your budget, and your goals. The team at Chatham Homes Realty can help you get started with this process today.
What Is a Home Inspection?
Like an appraisal, an inspection requires that a professional closely evaluate a property. However, that is essentially where the similarities end.
An inspection is intended to assess the present condition of a property, primarily to determine if there are any potential red flags (i.e., hazards, significant repairs needed, etc.). A home inspector closely examines the interior and exterior of a home, including the:
- Roof
- Structure
- Electrical system
- Plumbing
- Exterior elements, etc.
You may choose to be present during the inspection or opt to just receive the detailed inspection report. Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a report detailing precisely what was inspected and any identified issues.
Based on the inspection, you and your real estate agent can discuss the next steps. It is common for prospective buyers to negotiate with the seller to request repairs (or the financial means for repairs) as a part of the purchase process. For example, if it is determined that a property needs a new roof, you might ask that the seller either replace the roof or reduce the purchase price accordingly.
How Does a Home Inspection Work?
Usually, a home inspection is included as a contingency in a buyer’s offer to purchase a property. Should the inspection find any major “deal breakers,” you reserve the right to cancel your offer.
A home inspector is a trained professional selected and hired by a property’s potential buyer. In most cases, your real estate agent can help you locate a trustworthy inspector if needed.
The inspection will be set at a scheduled time at the property, and you and/or your real estate agent may be present. The inspector will use a detailed checklist to evaluate the property, looking for any significant damage or safety issues. Questions that will be addressed include:
- Is the property structurally sound?
- Is the roof damaged or in need of replacement?
- Are there any safety issues?
- Is the electrical system safe and functional?
- Are there any leaks or clogs in the plumbing system?
- Is there any water damage to the home?
- Does the heater and/or AC system function properly?
Inspections are intended to catch major problems before purchasing a home, but there are specific issues that might not be apparent. For many of these particular problems, specialized testing or inspections may be needed, such as:
- A termite inspection
- Radon testing
- Chimney inspections
- Mold inspections
Once the inspection is complete, the buyer is provided with the full report. It may even be an option to request an in-person walkthrough to see and discuss various issues. From there, the buyer and seller can work to negotiate any needed repairs or other contingencies. If an agreement can be reached, the sale of the property can proceed.
Is a Home Inspection Required?
A home inspection is not typically required (though it may be a term of certain loans). Usually, a buyer only stands to benefit from a home inspection. However, in a highly competitive market, a buyer might offer to waive the inspection to make an appealing offer to a seller. Remember that an inspection can protect you from costly repairs or safety risks. If you are considering skipping the inspection, talk to your real estate agent first.
Purchase a Home You Love – and Do It with Confidence – with Help from Chatham Homes Realty
Both an appraisal and an inspection are key components of the home purchase process, but there are many other steps to navigate along the way. For this reason, it is best to partner with an experienced and dedicated real estate agent you can truly trust to help you every step of the way.
If you want a home-buying experience that is as smooth and stress-free as possible, work with one of the expert professionals from Chatham Homes Realty. Here, we’re committed to supporting all our buyers (and sellers), no matter how familiar they are with the process.
For more information about purchasing a home in North Carolina, call Chatham Homes Realty today.
Image Credit: shisu_ka /
Shutterstock