I hear you on that—VA appraisals catch the basics, but they’re definitely not a substitute for a real inspection. I’ve seen buyers get burned thinking “VA checked it, we’re good,” only to find out later about hidden plumbing or electrical issues. That $400 upfront can save a ton of headache (and money) down the road. It’s tempting to skip it, but in my experience, it’s almost never worth the gamble.
That $400 upfront can save a ton of headache (and money) down the road. It’s tempting to skip it, but in my experience, it’s almost never worth the gamble.
Honestly, skipping the inspection just because the VA did an appraisal is like assuming your credit score is perfect because you pay your bills on time—there’s always more under the hood. I get why folks want to save cash, but $400 is peanuts compared to what you’ll spend fixing a busted sewer line or outdated wiring. I’ve seen people regret not digging deeper. Just my two cents, but I wouldn’t risk it.
skipping the inspection just because the VA did an appraisal is like assuming your credit score is perfect because you pay your bills on time—there’s always more under the hood.
Couldn’t agree more. I once thought I was saving money by skipping an inspection—ended up discovering a leaky roof after the first rain. That $400 would’ve been a bargain compared to what I paid for repairs. Sometimes peace of mind is worth every penny.
Sometimes peace of mind is worth every penny.
That’s the key right there. The VA appraisal isn’t a substitute for a home inspection, and I’ve seen buyers get burned thinking otherwise. The VA appraiser checks for “minimum property requirements”—stuff like safe wiring, no major roof leaks, working heat, etc.—but they’re not digging into every nook and cranny. They’re not going to crawl through the attic or check for hidden plumbing issues.
A proper inspection is optional, but honestly, skipping it is a gamble. I’ve had clients who thought they were saving a few hundred bucks, only to find out later about foundation cracks or mold behind the walls. That’s not the kind of surprise you want after closing.
If you’re using a VA loan, just remember: the appraisal is for the lender, not for your peace of mind. Spend the extra on an inspection—it’s a small price to pay for knowing what you’re actually buying.
Honestly, I couldn’t agree more with this:
I’m in the middle of my first home purchase with a VA loan, and I was surprised how many people think the VA appraiser is like a super inspector or something. My realtor explained it’s really just to make sure the house isn’t falling apart and meets the VA’s basic standards. They didn’t even check the crawlspace or look at the water heater beyond making sure it worked.the appraisal is for the lender, not for your peace of mind.
I almost skipped the inspection to save money, but after hearing horror stories from friends (one found out about a busted sewer line a month after moving in—yikes), I decided it wasn’t worth the risk. The inspection actually found a few things I never would’ve noticed, like some sketchy wiring in the garage. It cost a few hundred bucks, but honestly, that’s nothing compared to what repairs could cost down the road.
I get that it feels like just another expense, but for me, it was totally worth it for the peace of mind.