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Comparing home insurance inspections & standard home inspections

by Dianne Drinkwater 08/26/2024

What’s the difference between a home insurance inspection and a standard home inspection? While homeowners might be familiar with the idea of home inspections in general, it’s crucial to know how an insurance inspection can differ.

Here is a basic guide comparing home insurance inspections and standard inspections:

Who requires it?

Home insurance inspections are required and carried out by the insurance company providing the homeowners insurance policy. Standard inspections, by contrast, are required by mortgage lenders during the homebuying process.

Lenders might not require homeowners insurance inspections, but you do need proof of insurance for final mortgage approval.

How is it used?

Insurance companies use inspections to determine the amount of risk associated with the client’s home. The inspectors examine the property to find potential liability issues associated with its condition or features. They can also use the inspection results to create an accurate valuation of the home to determine the correct amount of insurance coverage to recommend.

Standard inspections are more broadly used, but are most often used to influence and educate a homebuying decision. A standard inspection reports on the quality and condition of the home in many of the same ways. However, these inspections are more concerned with informing the potential buyer of any maintenance issues they otherwise wouldn’t discover until after moving in.

Who pays for it?

Home insurance inspections are typically free to the homeowner. The insurance provider pays the bill for the inspection itself, but the overall cost may be wrapped into the policy itself.

In the homebuying process, the buyer pays for the home inspection. In some cases, the seller might offer to pay for the inspection as part of a negotiation.

Both of these types of home inspection are something every homeowner is likely to deal with over the life of the property. The more you know about the differences, the more confident you’ll be in discussing the options with your provider.

About the Author
Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida. 

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson. 

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you? 

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you. 

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market? 

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater