A home inspection is a professional evaluation of a property’s physical condition prior to purchase.
Inspectors assess:
It identifies potential issues before closing.
While lenders focus on appraised value, buyers use inspections to:
Inspections protect buyers from unexpected repair costs.
Inspection → Evaluates condition
Appraisal → Evaluates value
They serve different purposes.
Is an inspection required?
Lenders require appraisals, but inspections are typically optional for buyers.
Can a deal fall through after inspection?
Yes, depending on contract contingencies.
Do inspectors guarantee future condition?
They assess current observable issues, not future performance.