I get what you mean about the “minimum property requirements” feeling like a sneaky inspection. When I bought my place, the lender didn’t require a separate inspection, but I did one anyway just to be safe. Has anyone ever regretted skipping the inspection and just rolling with the appraisal? Seems risky, but maybe I’m just paranoid...
I totally get the paranoia—honestly, skipping the inspection always felt like tempting fate to me. The appraisal is really just about making sure the place is worth what you’re paying (and what the lender’s putting up), but it doesn’t dig into the nitty-gritty stuff like a real inspection does. I’ve heard stories where folks skipped it to save a few hundred bucks, only to find out later that their “bargain” house needed a new roof or had some sneaky plumbing issues. That’s not the kind of surprise I want after moving in.
I’m all about saving money, but an inspection feels like cheap insurance compared to what you might end up paying if something big goes wrong. Maybe it’s just my luck, but I’d rather know what I’m getting into—even if it means hearing some bad news before closing. The peace of mind is worth it, at least for me.