The VA appraisal does flag a lot of the big stuff—peeling paint, broken windows, unsafe wiring—so it’s not like you’re flying totally blind.
True, but I’ve seen “big stuff” turn into “big bills” after closing. The VA appraisal is more like a quick checkup, not a full physical. Skipping an inspection might save a few hundred now, but if you end up with a leaky roof or a busted HVAC, that’s a whole different ballgame. Sometimes that peace of mind is worth the price of a few takeout dinners.
Not to nitpick, but the VA appraisal isn’t really there to protect you as a buyer. It’s more about making sure the property meets “minimum standards” for the loan. I’ve seen folks skip the inspection and regret it big time—like
. That $400 upfront can save you thousands down the road. Just my two cents...“leaky roof or a busted HVAC”
Title: VA Appraisal vs Inspection—Not Quite the Same Thing
I get where you’re coming from on the “don’t skip the inspection” advice. It’s solid, for sure—nobody wants to move in and discover their new home comes with a surprise indoor pool thanks to a leaky roof. That said, I’ve actually run into folks who felt the VA appraisal gave them enough peace of mind, especially if the house was newer or had recent renovations.
Here’s where I’d push back a little, though: the VA appraisal does check for some safety and habitability stuff (think: peeling paint, broken windows, missing handrails), but it’s not going to crawl into your attic and tell you about mold, or notice that the water heater’s on its last leg. It’s more like a “will the lender’s investment survive the next few years” kind of check, rather than a deep dive.
But—and here’s the twist—I’ve seen a handful of situations where the appraiser actually flagged something serious (like, "hey, there’s a giant crack in the foundation"). In those rare cases, the VA process actually did save the buyer from a money pit. Not saying you should count on that, but sometimes it happens.
On the flip side, I’ve also met buyers who were already stretching every last penny just to close, and the idea of tacking on an inspection fee was a no-go. In those cases, people sometimes roll the dice, especially if it’s a condo or a property with a recent reno. Not ideal, but I get it—sometimes you’re just trying to make the numbers work.
Long story short, I think it’s about risk tolerance. If you’re the kind of person who gets anxious over what might be hiding behind the walls, that $400 is money well spent. If you’re more of a “let’s see what happens” type, the VA appraisal might feel like enough—just know what you’re signing up for.
And hey, if you do skip the inspection, maybe budget a little extra for surprises... because, well, houses like to keep secrets.