A home inspection is a professional evaluation of a property’s visible condition, typically performed by a licensed home inspector. Its purpose is to identify potential issues related to safety, function, and overall condition before a real estate transaction is …

A home inspection typically takes place after a property is under contract and before the transaction is finalized. During the inspection, a licensed inspector evaluates the home’s accessible areas to document its visible condition at that time.

Inspections …

A home appraisal is an independent assessment of a property’s market value, performed by a licensed appraiser. Appraisals are typically required by lenders to confirm that a property’s value supports the loan amount being requested.

Unlike inspections, appraisals …

An appraisal typically takes place after a property is under contract and is ordered by the lender as part of the loan approval process. During the appraisal, a licensed appraiser visits the property to gather information used to determine its current market value.

Preparation can influence how smoothly both inspections and appraisals proceed. While buyers and sellers have different roles in the process, understanding what inspectors and appraisers typically need helps set realistic expectations and reduce avoidable delays.

Final Review and Next Steps

Once the home inspection and appraisal have been completed, the reports are reviewed and incorporated into the transaction. This stage helps ensure that both the property’s condition and its market value have been evaluated before …