If you plan on buying a home, there are many stages to go through before the keys are yours. If you are unfamiliar with the steps involved, they can seem disconcerting.

We look at the difference between a home inspection vs an appraisal, clearing up some common misunderstandings about these two important stages in the buying process.

We look at what you can expect from a home inspection to help you understand how it could affect your home purchase. The appraisal could even stop the buying process in its tracks, forcing you to renegotiate with the seller. While these steps in the real estate transaction could bring bad news, they also offer benefits.

When you are buying a home, you will have to pay for the inspection and appraisal, but do you really need to have them? Even if they aren’t required, should you avoid the cost of hiring these professionals? We also look at the benefits of inspections and appraisals, and why it might cost you more if you don’t have them.