Why FHA Borrowers Need Appraisals and Inspections
January 27, 2025
Establishing Market Value
An appraisal is a professional assessment conducted by a licensed appraiser to determine the market value of a property.
Appraisers consider various factors, including the property's condition, location, size, recent sales of comparable properties (comps), and current market trends. Their primary goal is to provide an objective and unbiased estimate of the property's current market value.
Lenders require appraisals because the loan amount requested by the buyer must be aligned with the property's value. This protects the lender's investment by confirming the loan is not greater than the value of the collateral (the property).
An appraisal helps sellers establish the asking price, avoiding overpricing or undervaluing their property. Buyers benefit by ensuring they are not overpaying based on current market conditions.
Appraisals are also crucial in legal and financial matters like estate settlements, divorce proceedings, and tax assessments.
During the appraisal process, the appraiser physically inspects the property or reviews it remotely, depending on the circumstances. This is done to note its size, features, condition, and any upgrades or renovations.
They then research recent sales of comparable properties in the area, considering factors like size, location, age, and condition.
The appraiser prepares a detailed report that includes the property's description, market analysis, and final appraised value. The lender typically requires this report before mortgage approval.
Appraisals Compared to Home Inspections
Unlike appraisals, which focus on market value, home inspections delve into the physical condition of the property. Conducted by a qualified home inspector, this is meant to help identify existing or future issues with the property's structure, systems, and components.
Home inspections are crucial because they uncover issues that may not be visible during a casual walkthrough. Such problems may include structural damage, plumbing leaks, electrical problems, roofing issues, or potential safety hazards like faulty wiring, mold growth, asbestos, or lead paint.
By identifying these issues upfront, buyers can protect themselves from potential health risks and costly repairs in the future. The inspection report may also include estimates for necessary repairs, allowing buyers to budget accordingly or negotiate with the seller to address these issues before closing.
During the inspection, the inspector visually examines the property's interior and exterior, including the foundation, roof, attic, basement, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC system, and appliances.
The inspector may test the functionality of various systems and components, such as plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, heating and cooling systems, and appliances. The inspector then prepares a detailed report outlining their findings, including any defects or potential problems, photographs, and recommendations for repairs or further evaluation.
Why Both Are Necessary
Though distinct, appraisals and inspections are essential for a successful real estate transaction. Appraisals provide a macro view of the property's value within the market, while inspections offer a micro view of its physical condition.
Both reports empower buyers and sellers to make informed decisions. Buyers can accurately assess the property's value and condition before committing, while sellers can proactively address any issues to maximize their selling price.
Appraisals protect lenders from overvaluing the property, while inspections protect buyers from unforeseen expenses and potential hazards. Both reports can serve as valuable tools during negotiations, allowing buyers and sellers to address concerns and reach a mutually agreeable price and terms.
Appraisals and inspections play distinct yet equally vital roles in residential real estate transactions.

FHA Loan Articles
November 20, 2024Refinancing your mortgage offers a way to cash in on your home equity, potentially reduce your interest rate, or modify your loan term. Borrowers ready to consider have options including FHA loans and conventional loans.
While both provide avenues for refinancing, each loan type may be best for specific needs and financial circumstances. What are the differences between FHA and conventional refinance options?
November 14, 2024The home you want to buy might seem perfect, or it may have a few flaws that are acceptable in the grand scheme of things. But what about issues you can’t spot just by walking through the property a few times? A home inspection provides an unbiased, expert assessment of the property's condition, uncovering potential issues that might not be noticeable to the untrained observer.
November 12, 2024Escrow is an important feature of most typical FHA loans. An escrow account is a third-party account where borrowers deposit funds designated for property taxes and other uses. Requirements to use escrow accounts typically stems from a need to protect all parties involved in the transaction
November 2, 2024When it’s time to consider buying a home, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers two popular options. One is the traditional FHA purchase loan many use to buy a house in the suburbs. But not everyone wants to buy an existing property. Some want more control over the design and configuration of the home.
The other FHA construction loan option, the one-time close mortgage, comes in here. This option is for those who want to approve floor plans, have a say in the types of materials used to build the home and choose its features.
October 31, 2024When buying a home for the first time, it helps to know how long the process can take. How do you know if your appraisal report is delayed if you don’t know how long the FHA allows for the process to be completed? How long does it take to get from the final offer to closing day? A “typical” FHA loan process may take up to 45 days from start to finish. Several factors can influence this timeline.