How is a home inspection different from an appraisal?

Keep two separate issue lists

On the inspection list, record the system, finding, limitation, recommended follow-up, and decision consequence. A moisture stain might require investigation into active leakage even when the seller says it is old. On the appraisal list, record any effect on the loan amount, lender conditions, or transaction feasibility. Do not move an unresolved condition issue off the first list merely because the second process supports the price.

Consider a hypothetical condo whose valuation supports the purchase but whose association is planning expensive exterior work. The appraisal result does not answer whether you can fund your share or live with the disruption. Conversely, a house with manageable maintenance may still produce a financing shortfall if the valuation is lower than expected. Ask the relevant professional to explain each issue in their scope, then combine the results in your own budget and contract decision. The distinction prevents an apparently reassuring report from being used to answer a question it was never designed to resolve.

• Track condition and financing separately.
• Do not use valuation as a repair guarantee.
• Link each unresolved issue to a contract date.

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