Sometimes saving a few bucks upfront just means paying more later...
Totally get the urge to save cash, but skipping a real inspection is just asking for trouble. VA appraisal is like checking if a car has tires—not if the engine works. Yeah, it’ll catch the big stuff, but all those little issues? That’s on you. I tried to cut corners once and ended up with a plumbing bill that made me wish I’d just paid for an inspection in the first place. Lesson learned...
Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
I get where you’re coming from, but I don’t totally agree that skipping a full inspection is always a disaster. Sometimes, if you know what you’re looking at or have experience with older homes, you can spot the obvious red flags yourself. Not saying it’s for everyone, but I’ve bought properties where the VA appraisal was enough for my risk tolerance. Sure, there’s always a gamble, but sometimes the numbers just don’t justify another $500+ out of pocket. Guess it depends on your comfort with risk and how much you trust your own eye.
I get where you’re coming from about risk tolerance, but I’d still push back a bit—there’s a difference between the VA appraisal and a real inspection. The VA appraiser checks for “minimum property requirements,” but they’re not digging into the nitty-gritty like a home inspector does. I’ve seen folks get surprised by hidden plumbing or electrical issues that don’t show up in an appraisal. That $500 can save a lot of headaches down the road. Still, if you know what you’re looking at, maybe it makes sense for you... just wouldn’t recommend skipping it as a rule.
there’s a difference between the VA appraisal and a real inspection. The VA appraiser checks for “minimum property requirements,” but they’re not digging into the nitty-gritty like a home inspector does.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I’ve bought a few properties with VA loans, and the appraisal is really just a surface-level check. I once had a place pass the VA appraisal, only to find out later the crawlspace was basically a swimming pool—something a home inspector caught right away. That $500 felt like a bargain after seeing what repairs would’ve cost. I get that some folks are comfortable skipping it, but for most buyers, it’s a solid safety net.
Yeah, I’ve run into that too—VA appraisal just checks the basics, like making sure there’s heat, no peeling lead paint, stuff like that. It’s not a substitute for an actual inspection at all. I know some buyers want to save money, but skipping a full inspection can really bite you later. I once had a roof issue that the appraiser totally missed... inspector caught it, and it saved me thousands. Definitely worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
