An appraiser evaluates the market value of a home, comparing it to similar recent sales nearby, and arriving at an opinion of the reasonable price of the home in the current market, while a home inspector analyzes the condition of the home, noting defects that require repair or replacement.

   While an appraiser takes into consideration the overall condition of the home in preparing the appraisal, he or she does not scrutinize all the home’s components and report on them individually like a home inspector does. Conversely, although some home inspectors may offer cost estimates for necessary repairs, the overall value of the home is not addressed.

   An appraisal is required to mortgage a home purchase, while a home inspection is recommended—but not required—by most lending institutions. Both home inspection and real estate appraisal are licensed professions in the State of Florida, under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), with education requirements and testing for licensing and continuing education necessary to maintain a license.

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  To learn more strategies for getting the best possible home inspection, here’s a few of our other blog posts:

• How can I make sure I don't get screwed on my home inspection? 

• How thorough is a home inspector required to be when inspecting a house?

• Should I trust the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement?

• Can I do my own home inspection?

• How can homebuyers protect themselves against buying a house over a sinkhole? 

• The seller gave me a report from a previous home inspection. Should I use it or get my own inspector? 

    To read about issues related to homes of particular type or one built in a specific decade, visit one of these blog posts:

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1940s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1950s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1960s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1970s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1990s house?

• What problems should I look for when buying a country house or rural property? 

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been moved?

• What do I need to know about buying a foreclosure? 

• What should I look for when buying a former rental house?  

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been vacant or abandoned?

• What are the most common problems with older mobile homes?

• What should I look for when buying a house that is being "flipped" by an investor seller? 

• What do I need to know about a condo inspection?

• What are the "Aging In Place" features to look for when buying a retirement home?

   Visit our HOME INSPECTION page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.