Which tool is NOT typically used by a mortgage originator to assess a property?

The tool that is not typically used by a mortgage originator to assess a property is the home inspection. A mortgage originator's primary focus is on evaluating the financial aspects of a mortgage application, which includes verifying the borrower's ability to repay the loan and assessing the property's value through methods that align with lending guidelines.

While a home inspection is an important part of the home-buying process, it is usually conducted for the buyer's benefit to identify any potential issues or necessary repairs in the property before finalizing the purchase. The results of a home inspection may influence the buyer’s decision or lead to negotiations, but they do not directly affect the lender’s decision to finance the property.

In contrast, an appraisal provides the lender with an independent assessment of the property's value, which is critical for determining how much they are willing to lend. The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listing helps originators understand property details and market conditions, while tools like Google Maps can provide geographic information relevant to the property’s location. These tools directly relate to the mortgage process, focusing on valuation and market assessment, unlike a home inspection, which is more about property condition from the buyer's perspective.