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Navigating the home buying process in 2026 involves understanding two critical evaluations that sound similar but serve entirely different purposes: the home appraisal and the home inspection. Both involve third-party professionals examining the property you're considering, yet their objectives, methodologies, requirements, and impacts on your transaction differ fundamentally. The average home appraisal costs $357 while the average home inspection costs $343, making these two assessments comparable in price but vastly different in purpose and value.
The confusion between these two evaluations is understandable given their timing often overlaps during the home buying process. However, based on real estate industry standards, understanding the distinction between what an appraiser evaluates versus what an inspector examines can empower you to make informed decisions, negotiate effectively, and protect your investment. The National Association of REALTORS®' 2023 Appraisal Survey indicates that appraisals average approximately $500, while home inspection industry research analyzing over 15,000 inspector listings projects that by 2026, national average inspection costs will exceed $600-$700 due to rising labor costs and increased demand.
This comprehensive guide examines everything you need to know about home appraisals and inspections in 2026, including their purposes, processes, costs, timing, and how each protects your interests during one of the most significant financial transactions of your life. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or an experienced investor, understanding these evaluations will help you navigate the home buying process with confidence and avoid costly surprises.
A home appraisal is an independent professional evaluation that determines the fair market value of a property at a specific point in time. Licensed and certified appraisers conduct these evaluations to provide an objective, unbiased assessment of what a home is worth based on its condition, location, features, and current market conditions.
The appraisal process follows strict guidelines established by federal regulations and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Appraisers typically use the sales comparison approach, which involves analyzing recent sales of comparable properties in the same area. The appraiser examines factors including the home's square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, age, condition, upgrades, and location, then compares these characteristics to similar homes that have recently sold nearby.
The average cost of a single-family home appraisal is $357, with typical costs ranging between $314 and $423. However, these figures vary significantly based on multiple factors. Zillow reports that inflation and increased demand for appraisals have driven costs higher in certain states, with New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington showing some of the highest appraisal costs in the country, ranging from $410 to $590.
The cost differences become even more pronounced when considering loan type. Conventional loans follow a straightforward evaluation process leading to lower costs, while government-backed loans require more extensive documentation. FHA appraisals typically cost slightly more than conventional loans, VA loan appraisals range from $550 to $1,500 with an average of $732, and USDA loans for single-family homes cost a flat $750 as of February 2021.
Mortgage lenders require appraisals to protect their financial interests and ensure they don't lend more money than a property is worth. The appraisal confirms for the lender that the home's value justifies the loan amount being requested. If you default on your mortgage, the lender needs confidence they can recover their investment by selling the property.
Senior director of housing counseling at Money Management International, an appraisal is always in the best interest of the buyer as it assesses the property's value and helps the buyer have confidence in the purchase price. Bruce McClary, senior vice president of membership and communications at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, notes that the appraised value is crucial in determining the loan-to-value ratio, which lenders use to assess risk. A lower LTV, often achieved with a larger down payment, typically results in more favorable interest rates.
Lenders typically require appraisals for conventional loans and government-backed loans offered through the Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Under federal regulations, neither the buyer nor the seller can choose the appraiser themselves, ensuring the independence and objectivity of the valuation.
Several key factors influence how much you'll pay for a home appraisal in 2026. Property size plays a crucial role, with larger homes, multi-family properties, or estates with complex features costing significantly more to appraise than standard single-family homes or condos. Multi-unit or high-value properties require more time and expertise from the appraiser, increasing the fee accordingly.
Geographic location significantly impacts costs. World Population Review reports that appraisal costs average $300 in states like Kentucky and Georgia, while they approach $600 in Washington and New Jersey. Angi data shows that unique features or specialized construction, such as historic homes or luxury finishes, may require additional reports or documentation, potentially adding $100 to $600 to the base appraisal cost.
An often-hidden cost factor involves Appraisal Management Companies. Recent industry data shows AMCs are retaining 40-70% of the total appraisal fee, with documented cases where borrowers paid $695 while the appraiser received only $301. When homeowners hire appraisers directly for purposes like estate valuations or divorce proceedings, they avoid AMC markups and pay fees directly to the professional, typically ranging from $450 to $1,900 depending on the complexity and intended use.
A home inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a property's physical condition, focusing on safety, functionality, and the integrity of major systems and structures. Unlike an appraisal which determines monetary value, an inspection identifies what's wrong with the property and what might need repair or replacement in the near future.
Home inspections average $343 nationally, with typical costs ranging from $296 to $424. However, HomeAdvisor data analyzing over 30,000 real customer projects shows significant regional variation. Buyers in Hartford, Connecticut pay an average of $489, while those in Detroit pay around $300, reflecting differences in labor costs, cost of living, and market demand across different regions.
Inspection costs are rising steadily. The research projects that by 2026, the national average will exceed $600-$700 due to rising labor costs, inflation, and increased market demand. This upward trend reflects broader economic pressures affecting the real estate services industry.
Inspectors follow established standards of practice that ensure consistent and thorough evaluations across the industry. These standards require inspectors to examine the home's major systems and structures, including the foundation, roof, exterior walls and siding, electrical system, plumbing system, HVAC system, insulation, windows and doors, basement, and attic spaces.
A comprehensive home inspection covers numerous components and systems. Frank Lesh, owner of the Home Sweet Home Inspection Company and ASHI ambassador, notes that a home does not have a 'check engine' light, and things may be wrong that the homeowner or purchaser are honestly unaware of. This is precisely why professional inspection is so valuable.
Inspectors evaluate structural components including the foundation, floor structure, wall structure, ceiling structure, and roof structure. They examine the exterior elements including wall cladding, flashing, and trim, doors and windows, and attached decks, balconies, porches, and their associated railings. The roof covering, roof drainage systems, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations all receive careful examination.
The plumbing system evaluation includes water supply systems, drain waste and vent systems, water heating equipment, and visible fuel storage and distribution systems. The electrical system inspection covers service entrance conductors, service equipment, grounding equipment, main overcurrent protection devices, amperage and voltage ratings, distribution panels, conductors, overcurrent protection devices, and connected devices including fixtures.
The heating system receives evaluation for heating equipment, normal operating controls, automatic safety controls, chimneys, flues, and vents when applicable, solid fuel heating devices, heat distribution systems including fans and pumps, and presence of installed heat sources in each room. The air conditioning and heat pumps are evaluated for cooling and air handling equipment and normal operating controls, while interior spaces including walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, doors, windows, counters, cabinets, and visible insulation also receive assessment.
Specialized add-on inspections address specific concerns beyond the standard inspection scope and typically cost an additional $125 to $660. These specialized evaluations require specific expertise and equipment, making them separate services that home buyers can request based on their property's characteristics or their specific concerns.
Termite inspections cost between around $50 and $280, which is a modest investment considering that termite damage can cost anywhere between $250 and $37,500 to repair with an average repair cost of $3,000. This means a termite inspection could potentially save buyers thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in undetected damage.
Radon testing typically costs $125 to $250 and identifies whether this radioactive gas is present at dangerous levels in the home. Mold inspections range from $300 to $1,000, while sewer line camera inspections cost $250 to $500 and can reveal problems with the property's sewer connection that would be invisible during a standard inspection.
Additional specialized services include HVAC-specific inspections for $100 to $200, pest inspections for $75 to $150, lead paint testing for $200 to $400 in homes built before 1978, asbestos testing for $200 to $800, septic system inspections for $300 to $600, and well water testing for $50 to $150. Each of these specialized inspections addresses specific risk factors that vary by property age, location, and characteristics.
The average home inspection takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the size and condition of the property. HomeAdvisor data confirms this timeframe, noting that larger homes, older properties, or those with more complex systems may require additional time for thorough evaluation.
Most inspectors provide detailed written reports within 24 hours of completing the physical inspection. These reports typically include photographs, descriptions of findings, and recommendations for repairs or further evaluation by specialists when issues requiring expertise beyond the inspector's scope are identified.
Inspectors must remain independent and objective. ASHI's code specifically prohibits inspectors from performing repairs on anything they inspect, ensuring there's no incentive for the inspector to find problems or overlook them. As Frank Lesh notes, 'We only report what we see,' maintaining the integrity of the inspection process.
Most inspectors recommend that buyers attend the inspection. This allows buyers to ask questions, take notes, and see firsthand any issues the inspector discovers. While buyer attendance isn't required, it provides valuable education about the property and helps buyers understand the severity and implications of any problems identified.
While both appraisals and inspections involve professional examination of a property, they serve fundamentally different purposes and provide distinct types of information to different parties in the transaction. Understanding these differences helps buyers appreciate why both evaluations are important and how each protects their interests in different ways.
The following comparison highlights the fundamental differences between home appraisals and home inspections:
Appraisers focus on features and conditions that affect market value. They measure square footage, count bedrooms and bathrooms, evaluate the quality of construction and finishes, assess the condition of major systems, examine curb appeal and landscaping, note any significant deferred maintenance, and compare the property to recent sales of similar homes in the area.
Appraisers document factors that influence value including location quality, lot size and topography, architectural style and design, age and effective age after updates, quality of materials and workmanship, energy efficiency features, and any additions or improvements that affect value. The appraiser's goal is determining what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an arm's length transaction.
In contrast, inspectors examine functionality and safety rather than value. They test whether systems operate correctly, identify safety hazards, look for signs of water damage or moisture issues, check for proper ventilation, examine structural components for defects, test electrical outlets and panels, evaluate plumbing for leaks or drainage issues, and assess the condition and remaining life of major components.
Inspectors document defects and recommend repairs but do not estimate repair costs or suggest which repairs should take priority. Their role is identifying what's wrong or could become problematic, not determining how these issues affect the property's market value.
Both appraisals and inspections typically occur during the due diligence period after an offer has been accepted but before the final closing. However, their specific timing within this period differs based on their purpose and urgency.
Home inspections usually happen first, often within 7-14 days of contract acceptance. Buyers want inspection results quickly to determine whether they'll proceed with the purchase, request repairs, or exercise their right to cancel under the inspection contingency if significant problems are discovered.
Appraisals typically occur after the inspection, once the buyer has decided to proceed with the transaction. Lenders order the appraisal as part of the mortgage approval process, usually 2-3 weeks before the scheduled closing date. This timing ensures the lender doesn't invest in an appraisal for a transaction that might not move forward due to inspection findings.
While inspections and appraisals can occur around the same time, there's no real benefit to coordinating them. Each professional works independently and focuses on different aspects of the property. Scheduling them separately based on your timeline and their availability provides more flexibility and doesn't compromise the quality of either evaluation.
The home buyer typically pays for both the appraisal and the inspection, though the payment structures and timing differ significantly between these two services.
The home buyer pays for the appraisal as part of their closing costs. The lender orders the appraisal and ensures the appraiser's bill is paid, but isn't actually responsible for the cost. The appraisal fee is included in the good faith estimate and final closing disclosure that buyers receive from their lender.
While the buyer typically pays the appraisal fee, it's possible for buyers to request sellers pay for the appraisal as part of seller concessions. These details can be negotiated during the offer contract period, particularly in buyer's markets where sellers may be more willing to contribute toward closing costs to facilitate the transaction.
Buyers pay for home inspections directly to the inspector, separate from closing costs. The inspection fee is typically due shortly after the inspector submits their report. Since inspections occur early in the transaction during the due diligence period, buyers pay this cost before closing and may lose this money if they decide not to proceed with the purchase after reviewing inspection findings.
In some cases sellers may choose to pay for a pre-listing inspection before putting their home on the market. Sellers might conduct this inspection to identify and address issues proactively, help determine a fair asking price, or offer the report to potential buyers as evidence of the home's condition. Pre-listing inspections can streamline negotiations and reduce the risk of unexpected repair requests from buyers.
Discovering issues during either the appraisal or inspection process doesn't automatically derail the transaction, but it does create decision points where buyers, sellers, and lenders must determine how to proceed.
If the appraisal value comes in lower than the agreed-upon purchase price, the lender will only approve a loan based on the appraised value, not the contract price. This creates what's known as an appraisal gap that must be resolved before the transaction can proceed.
Buyers and sellers have several options when facing a low appraisal. The buyer can increase their down payment to cover the gap between the appraised value and purchase price. For example, if the home appraises for $380,000 but the contract price is $400,000, the buyer would need an additional $20,000 in cash to close.
The seller can reduce the purchase price to match the appraised value, eliminating the gap entirely. Buyers and sellers can meet somewhere in the middle, with the seller reducing the price somewhat and the buyer bringing additional cash to closing. The buyer can cancel the transaction if their contract includes an appraisal contingency, typically receiving their earnest money back.
Buyers can sometimes challenge the appraisal by providing additional comparable sales data to support a higher valuation, or request a second appraisal if they believe the first contained errors, though lenders aren't required to honor such requests and buyers would need to pay for the second appraisal.
When home inspections reveal problems, buyers have several options depending on the severity of the issues and the terms of their purchase contract. Most contracts include an inspection contingency that gives buyers the right to respond to inspection findings.
Buyers can request that sellers repair specific items before closing. This approach works well for straightforward repairs where the scope and cost are clear. Buyers can request a credit at closing to cover the cost of repairs they'll complete after taking ownership. This option gives buyers control over contractor selection and repair quality.
Buyers can request a reduction in the purchase price to account for needed repairs, effectively adjusting the home's value to reflect its true condition. If sellers refuse to address significant issues, buyers can exercise their inspection contingency to cancel the contract and receive their earnest money back, avoiding purchasing a property with known major problems.
Buyers can also choose to accept the property as-is, particularly if they're getting a good deal on the purchase price or if the needed repairs are minor relative to the property's value. This decision should be made carefully after understanding the full scope and cost of needed repairs.
Sellers aren't legally required to repair any issues found by a home inspection in most states. However, some repairs may be mandatory depending on the buyer's lender, particularly issues involving structural defects, building code violations, and health or safety hazards. FHA and VA loans have especially strict requirements about which issues must be addressed before closing.
Certain findings during these evaluations should raise immediate concerns and warrant serious consideration about proceeding with the purchase, requesting significant concessions, or walking away from the transaction entirely.
Foundation problems represent one of the most serious red flags during a home inspection. Significant cracks, bowing, settling, or water infiltration in the foundation can indicate serious structural issues. Foundation repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars and may indicate ongoing soil or drainage problems that will persist even after repairs.
Roof problems including significant damage, multiple layers of shingles, sagging, or a roof nearing the end of its expected lifespan represent major concerns. A full roof replacement typically costs $5,000 to $25,000 making this a substantial expense that buyers should factor into their decision-making.
Electrical system issues including outdated wiring, insufficient electrical service, federal Pacific or Zinsco panels known for safety issues, aluminum wiring, or evidence of amateur electrical work represent both safety hazards and expensive repair needs. Complete rewiring of a house can cost $8,000 to $15,000 or more.
Major plumbing problems including polybutylene or lead pipes requiring replacement, sewer line damage or failure, significant leaks, or evidence of previous water damage suggest expensive repairs. Sewer line replacement can cost $3,000 to $25,000 depending on the scope of the problem.
Heating and cooling systems that are non-functional, near the end of their expected lifespan, or improperly sized for the home represent major concerns. Replacing an HVAC system typically costs $5,000 to $10,000 or more, making this a significant expense for buyers to consider.
Mold, asbestos, or radon issues discovered during specialized testing represent both health and financial concerns. Mold remediation can cost $500 to $6,000 or more depending on extent, asbestos removal ranges from $1,500 to $30,000, and radon mitigation systems cost $800 to $3,000 to install.
Termite damage or active termite infestation requires immediate attention. As noted earlier, termite damage repairs cost $250 to $37,500 with an average of $3,000, representing a substantial potential expense that warrants careful evaluation.
Certain findings during the appraisal process can signal problems even though appraisers don't specifically identify 'red flags' in the same way inspectors do.
If the appraiser notes significant deferred maintenance, this can lower the appraised value and may indicate the property hasn't been well cared for. Issues like peeling paint, broken fixtures, damaged flooring, or neglected landscaping all signal to appraisers that the property has maintenance problems.
If the appraiser struggles to find comparable properties or notes the subject property is significantly different from recent sales in the area, this can indicate the property is overpriced for the market or has unique features that limit its appeal.
If the appraiser identifies health or safety hazards such as missing handrails, damaged stairs, exposed wiring, or other code violations, these must typically be addressed before closing, particularly with FHA or VA loans. These findings can delay or complicate the transaction.
If the appraisal comes in significantly below the contract price, this indicates the agreed-upon price exceeds market value. This could suggest the buyer overpaid in a competitive situation or that the seller priced the property too aggressively for current market conditions.
The short answer is yes—nearly every home purchase benefits from both an appraisal and an inspection, even though only the appraisal is typically required by lenders.
You'll need an appraisal unless you're paying cash for the property. Any mortgage lender will require an appraisal to protect their interest in the property. Even cash buyers sometimes order appraisals to ensure they're paying a fair market price, though this is optional when no lender is involved.
You should get an inspection even though it's optional. The relatively modest cost of $300-$700 is minimal compared to the potential costs of undiscovered problems. As the American Society of Home Inspectors emphasizes, you're making one of the largest financial commitments of your life—knowing exactly what you're buying provides invaluable protection and peace of mind.
A home inspection can save you very expensive headaches later. Problems with the foundation, roof, electrical system, plumbing, or HVAC that go undetected until after purchase become your responsibility and expense. Discovering these issues before closing gives you negotiating leverage and the option to walk away if problems are too severe.
The only scenario where you might reasonably skip an inspection is if you're buying a newly constructed home with builder warranties covering major systems and structure. However, even new construction benefits from inspection. Materials may have been unknowingly defective or installed incorrectly, so it's best not to assume 'new' means 'flawless.' Pre-drywall inspections for new construction cost $100 to $400 and allow examination of components that will soon be covered.
While you can conduct inspections and appraisals simultaneously, there's no real benefit to coordinating their timing. Each professional works independently and focuses on different aspects. Scheduling them separately based on your timeline provides appropriate flexibility and ensures quality work from both professionals.
In the year 2026, when you purchase a home, it is essential to have both a home inspection and a home appraisal performed, but these two processes serve distinct functions. In the lengthy guide that we have, we have discussed this topic. When you consider how much a property typically costs and how secure these evaluations make you feel, Angi 2025 believes that the entire cost of about seven hundred dollars is a worthwhile investment given the circumstances. It costs an average of $357 to do an assessment, while it costs an average of $343 to go through an inspection.
Appraisals are required in order to determine the value of a property with regard to the open market. They are also responsible for protecting the money of the lender by ensuring that they do not lend more money than the property is actually worth. Not only is this assessment required in order to obtain a mortgage, but it also demonstrates to prospective purchasers that they are not paying an excessive amount in marketplaces where there is a great deal of competition. When contrasted with the other fees associated with the closing, this essential expense is still fair. Based on estimates provided by the industry, it is anticipated that the costs of appraisals would remain relatively consistent across the country, ranging from $314 to $423.
In accordance with the American Society of Home Inspectors and the regulations governing consumer protection, inspections are carried out to ensure that a house is both secure and in excellent condition. When this occurs, purchasers are protected from receiving unpleasant and costly shocks after they have purchased something. This optional investment has the potential to save purchasers thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars by identifying potential issues with the home before they purchase it. In spite of the fact that inspections will become more expensive in the future, research conducted by the industry indicates that they are still among the most beneficial expenditures that prospective purchasers of homes can make. It is anticipated that the cost of inspections will range from $600 to $700 across the nation by the year 2026.
The most effective method for purchasing real estate is to combine the two appraisals in order to have a comprehensive view of the property that you are purchasing. The inspection will reveal any issues that are not taken into consideration by the market value, and the appraisal will ensure that you are paying the appropriate price for the property that is under consideration during the process. They provide you with the knowledge and the safety you require to move on with confidence or to achieve better terms, according to experts in the area who agree that it is what they do together.
More than 15,000 inspector ads were analyzed by Home Inspection Trends, and the findings revealed that new technologies are causing the inspection industry to undergo significant transformations. Inspections with the assistance of artificial intelligence, drone roof studies, thermal imaging to check for energy efficiency, and sewer line cameras to examine plumbing are some examples of the technologies that fall under this category.Although these new technologies make examinations more comprehensive, they also result in an increase in costs due to the fact that they require specialized training and expensive equipment.
It is recommended by real estate professionals that you never miss the inspection, despite the fact that it is voluntary. Additionally, they suggest that the appraisal serves to safeguard both you and your lender. This is true for inexperienced investors as well as those who are purchasing their first house. The low overall cost of these two evaluations is a vital safeguard for what is likely to be the most significant financial deal of your life, according to the factors that decide whether a deal is successful that are used to evaluate whether or not a deal is successful.
Since you now have a better understanding of the significant distinctions that exist between inspections and evaluations in the year 2026, are you prepared to embark on the adventure of purchasing a property with complete assurance? One should make it a priority to become acquainted with those who are employed in the real estate industry, such as mortgage lenders, certified house inspectors, and real estate brokers. It is possible for these experts to assist you in safeguarding your financial resources and guiding you through each stage of the procedure.
The appraiser looks at a number of things that affect the home's market value. The size of the lot, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the condition of the property, the location, and the prices of similar properties that have sold recently are all things to think about. An inspector checks the roof, the foundation, the plumbing, the electrical, and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to make sure they are safe and working properly. This is in line with what ASHI says to do. Inspectors find problems with a product, while appraisers figure out how much something is worth.
During the due diligence process of a real estate deal, it is common for inspections and appraisals to happen at the same time. Frank Lesh of ASHI, on the other hand, says that there is no real benefit to syncing them. The specialists all work alone and on different parts of the house. Most of the time, you can set them up on your own based on your schedule and their availability. Usually, inspections happen first, seven to fourteen days after the contract is signed. Most of the time, appraisals happen two to three weeks before the closing.
Damage to the foundation, support beams, or load-bearing walls of your home, which are responsible for keeping your home safe and stable, is a major cause for concern. People who know a lot about the subject say that fixing a foundation can be very expensive, with some cases costing tens of thousands of dollars. They also said that problems can get a lot worse over time if they aren't fixed right away. Inspection experts say that other big warning signs are major roof problems, electrical systems that are old or dangerous, major plumbing problems, and signs of mold or water damage.
To find out if the price is fair, an appraiser should look at the condition of the home and compare it to other recent sales of similar homes. The property will be looked at based on its square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the land, and overall condition. The quality of the finishes, any changes or improvements made, and how well the property is kept up will all be taken into account in this evaluation. The appraiser must consider the area's features, the location's features, like school districts and facilities, and any other unique features that could make the home's value go up or down.
There are many things that can lower the value of a property, such as bad looks and curb appeal, old or broken appliances and systems, floor plans that are hard to use or don't work well, and safety issues or code violations that are easy to see. There are rules that appraisers must follow in order to give an accurate value to a property. For example, peeling paint, broken fixtures, damaged flooring, or old systems are all signs that the property hasn't been taken care of properly, which lowers its appraisal value. The market comparison method says that a property's value goes down when it is near business districts, busy highways, or neighborhoods that are getting worse.
Angi, HomeAdvisor, and data from all over the country show that the cost of house inspections will likely be very different from state to state in 2026. Bankrate says that the average cost of living in Hartford, Connecticut is $489. In Detroit, on the other hand, the average cost of living is $300. You found out that inspections in New York City cost between $421 and $511 after doing some research on the topic. A look at trends in the industry shows that costs are usually higher in areas with a higher cost of living and work. The Pacific Northwest and the Northeast, for example, are often more expensive than the Midwest and the Southeast. Taking into account more than 15,000 inspector postings, it is expected that the national average in 2026 will be higher than $600–$700. This is because inflation and rising labor costs are both factors.
Fixr's research on new construction shows that even brand-new homes can benefit from having an expert check them out every now and then. The cost of checking out a new building is about the same as the cost of checking out an old one, which is between $100 and $400 at most. The construction industry's quality control rules say that it's possible that the materials were put together wrong or were faulty without anyone knowing. So, just because something is "new" doesn't mean it's "perfect." The best practices in the industry say that pre-drywall inspections are very helpful for new construction. They cost between $100 and $400 and let inspectors look at parts like framing, electrical wiring, and plumbing that will soon be hidden behind drywall and will be hard to check.
Federal law says that no one involved in a mortgage transaction can choose the appraiser for the deal. The lender must get the appraisal from one of the professional appraisers they have approved in order to make sure that it is fair and unbiased. In the real estate business, it is common for buyers to choose their own home inspector to check out their properties. You can use the advice your real estate agent gives you, but you don't have to. You could also ask your family and friends for their suggestions. You should look for home inspectors who are members of professional groups like the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. The fact that the inspector is a member of these groups shows that they are reliable and up to date on new information.
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