Difference Between Home Appraisal & Inspection

A home appraisal determines the market value of a property for a mortgage lender. In contrast, a home inspection evaluates the physical condition, safety, and operational health of the home's structure and mechanical systems.

While an appraiser looks at comparable sales and high-level square footage, an STS home inspector climbs into the attic, opens electrical panels, runs thermal imaging scans, and checks for plumbing leaks.