When you’re buying a home you might wonder if waiving a home inspection will give you an edge in a competitive market. I get asked this all the time: “Can we skip the inspection? Won’t the appraiser find anything?”

The short answer is no.

An appraisal and a home inspection are two different animals and it’s important to understand the difference before you make a decision that could cost you later.

What Does an Appraiser Do?

An appraiser’s job is to determine the value of the home. They’ll visit the property to see the overall condition, check for certain safety features and compare it to other homes in the area to make sure it’s priced right. They might note missing handrails or a loose deck post but they’re not there to test appliances or major systems like HVAC, plumbing or electrical.

Who does the appraiser work for?

The bank or lender. Their job is to protect the institution lending you money by making sure the home is worth what you’re paying.

What Does a Home Inspection Do?

A home inspector, on the other hand, is working for you—the buyer. They’ll do a thorough examination of the property, test all major systems, appliances and structural components. The inspector is looking out for you, making sure the home is safe and finding costly repairs before you commit.

Why You Shouldn’t Waive a Home Inspection

Waiving a home inspection might seem like a way to make your offer more attractive but it could leave you open to costly surprises after the purchase. Plumbing, electrical systems and hidden structural problems can be missed if you only rely on the appraisal.

If you’re buying in Virginia I’d love to help you negotiate the right home inspection for you. And if you’re looking to invest or move outside of Virginia I can connect you with a trusted agent from my network of professionals across the country, many of whom serve the military and government community.