Is the VA Appraisal the Same as a Home Inspection?

If you’re using a VA loan to buy a home near Fort Bragg, you’ve probably heard about the VA appraisal and the need for a home inspection. Many buyers ask me if they’re the same thing—and the answer is no.

Both are important steps in the home-buying process, but they serve very different purposes.

1222 Kienast Fayetteville, NC 28314

What Is a VA Appraisal?

The VA requires an appraisal on every home purchased with a VA loan. The purpose is to:

• Confirm fair market value – Ensures the home is worth at least what you’ve agreed to pay.

• Check minimum property requirements (MPRs) – The VA wants to make sure the home is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary.

Think of the appraisal as protecting both you and the lender from overpaying or buying a home with major safety issues.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is optional (but highly recommended) and is ordered by the buyer, not the VA. A professional inspector will check the home’s systems and condition, such as:

• Roof, plumbing, and electrical

• HVAC systems

• Foundation and structure

• Appliances and overall maintenance issues

The inspection gives you a full picture of the home’s condition so you can make an informed decision or negotiate repairs.

Key Differences

• Who it’s for: Appraisal is for the lender/VA, inspection is for the buyer.

• Focus: Appraisal checks value + basic safety, inspection checks condition + functionality.

• Requirement: Appraisal is mandatory for VA loans; inspection is optional but highly advised.

Bottom line: The appraisal protects the lender. The inspection protects you.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Appraisals vs. Home Inspections

1. Do I have to get a home inspection if I have a VA appraisal? No, but you should. The appraisal doesn’t catch detailed issues like a home inspection does.

2. Who pays for the VA appraisal? The buyer pays for the appraisal, and costs in North Carolina typically range from $600–$750.

3. What happens if the VA appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price? You can renegotiate with the seller, make up the difference in cash, or walk away from the deal.

4. Can I choose my VA appraiser? No, the VA assigns an appraiser at random to ensure fairness.

5. What happens if the inspector finds problems the appraiser didn’t? The inspection report gives you leverage to negotiate repairs or credits with the seller—even if the appraisal already passed.

👉 If you’re buying with a VA loan, I’ll guide you through both the appraisal and inspection process so you feel confident every step of the way.

📲 Call/text me at 910-916-9315 or email cassie@birchandbeamrealty.com to get started.

And remember—Close with Cassie.