I get why people value inspections, but honestly, I’m more on the fence about spending that extra $400 when you’re already paying so much in closing costs and moving expenses. For VA loans, the appraisal is required and does catch some big stuff—like roof issues, safety hazards, etc.—so you’re not totally flying blind. I know it’s not as detailed as a full inspection, but if the house is pretty new or well-maintained, sometimes that’s enough for peace of mind.
I’ve bought before without a full inspection (just relied on the VA appraisal and a quick look myself), and it worked out fine. Maybe I got lucky, but I also did my homework and asked the seller a ton of questions. Sure, there’s always risk, but sometimes those inspection reports just end up being a long list of tiny things that don’t matter much... and then you’re out another few hundred bucks.
If money’s tight, I’d say weigh the risks versus what you can actually afford. Not everyone needs every bell and whistle, especially if the VA appraisal comes back clean. Just my take.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from—those inspection fees can feel like just another hit to the wallet. But here’s the thing: the VA appraisal is more about making sure the house meets minimum property standards and is worth the loan amount. It’s not really digging into stuff like HVAC age, plumbing quirks, or hidden leaks. I’ve seen buyers skip inspections and regret it later when something big pops up after closing.
Out of curiosity, did you ever run into any surprises after moving in? Or did you just get lucky with a solid property? Sometimes I wonder if it’s really worth rolling the dice, especially on older homes...
VA APPRAISAL VS. INSPECTION—WHY I ALWAYS RECOMMEND BOTH
I totally get the frustration about inspection fees stacking up. It’s one of those things that feels like a “nice to have” until you see what can go wrong when you skip it. The VA appraisal really is just the tip of the iceberg—it’s mainly for the lender’s peace of mind, not yours as the buyer. I’ve seen folks get tripped up by this more than once.
There was this one couple I worked with who bought a cute 1950s bungalow. The VA appraisal flagged a couple minor things—peeling paint, loose handrail—but nothing that seemed scary. They decided to skip the full inspection to save a few hundred bucks. Fast forward three months, and suddenly their water bill skyrockets. Turns out, there was a slow leak under the house that nobody caught because, well, the appraiser isn’t crawling around under there with a flashlight. Ended up costing them way more than the inspection ever would have.
I’ve also seen the opposite, though. Some buyers luck out and snag a place that’s been lovingly maintained for decades. But honestly, those stories are kind of rare, especially with older homes. Even on newer builds, stuff slips through the cracks—like HVAC units that are on their last legs or electrical panels that haven’t been updated since the ‘80s.
The other thing a lot of folks don’t realize is that VA “minimum property requirements” are just that: minimums. They’re making sure the place isn’t literally falling down or full of health hazards, but they’re not going to tell you if the roof’s got five good years left or if the hot water heater is about to give up.
I know inspections feel like one more hoop to jump through, but in my experience, they’re usually worth every penny. Maybe not 100% of the time, but close enough that I always recommend them, even if it means tightening the belt elsewhere. At least then you know what you’re getting into—and you can try to negotiate repairs before you’re stuck footing the bill yourself.
VA APPRAISAL ISN’T ENOUGH—INSPECTION SAVES YOU GRIEF
The VA appraisal really is just the tip of the iceberg—it’s mainly for the lender’s peace of mind, not yours as the buyer.
Couldn’t agree more with this. The appraisal is about making sure the lender isn’t taking on a disaster, but it doesn’t dig deep. I’ve seen buyers skip inspections to save money and end up with surprise repairs that blow their budget. Spending a few hundred upfront can literally save you thousands down the road. It’s not just about peace of mind—it’s about protecting your wallet, too. Even if you have to cut back somewhere else, I’d never recommend skipping it.
NOT EVERYONE NEEDS AN INSPECTION—BUT IT’S RISKY TO SKIP
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had a handful of buyers skip inspections and not regret it. It really depends on the property and how much risk you’re willing to take. For example, new builds or homes that come with builder warranties—sometimes those buyers feel comfortable enough just relying on the VA appraisal and warranty coverage. Not saying I’d personally skip an inspection, but I have seen it work out.
That being said, I do think people overestimate what the VA appraisal covers. It’s really just to make sure the property meets minimum standards for safety and habitability—stuff like heat, water, roof condition—but it’s not going to catch everything. If you’re buying something older or with “character,” skipping an inspection is almost always a gamble.
Curious if anyone here has actually had a VA appraisal catch something big that an inspection wouldn’t have? In my experience, they usually miss the nitty-gritty stuff like old wiring or hidden leaks...