When navigating the complex world of purchasing a home, two terms often cause significant confusion for buyers: the home inspection and the home appraisal. While both are mandatory for many real estate transactions, they serve two entirely different, yet equally critical, purposes.

Simply put, an appraisal is not an inspection. A home inspection is an exhaustive, multi-hour review of the property's condition to uncover hidden problems before you close. Conversely, the home appraisal determines the market value of the property for your lender

Watch this short video by Alan Braden to learn the definitive differences between the two, what each process entails, and why you should never confuse an appraiser with an inspector.