A real estate appraisal is an unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s market value. A licensed appraiser evaluates the home’s condition, features, location, and recent comparable sales to determine its value. Appraisals are commonly used for mortgage lending, estate planning, legal matters, tax appeals, divorce proceedings, and private real estate decisions, and more.

The appraisal process typically begins with scheduling a property inspection, followed by market research and analysis. The exact turnaround time varies depending on the complexity of the assignment, property type, and current workload.

Appraisals may be ordered by mortgage lenders, banks, attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, government agencies, homeowners, buyers, sellers, investors, or other parties who require an independent opinion of value.

There is no universal expiration date for an appraisal. Market conditions can change over time, and lenders or other clients may have their own requirements regarding how recent an appraisal must be.

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If you are the client who ordered the appraisal, you may request a copy of your completed report. If the appraisal was ordered by a lender, federal regulations generally require the lender to provide you with a copy upon request or before closing, depending on the transaction.

Scheduling an appraisal is easy. Complete our online Order an Appraisal form or contact our office by phone or email. We’ll discuss your appraisal needs, answer any questions, and coordinate a convenient inspection time.

The cost of an appraisal varies depending on several factors, including the type of appraisal requested, the property’s size and complexity, the scope of work, location, and the intended use of the report. Because every assignment is unique, we provide customized quotes based on your specific needs.

Lenders require appraisals to verify that the property’s market value supports the loan amount being requested. This helps protect both the lender and the borrower by ensuring the property serves as adequate collateral for the mortgage.

During the inspection, the appraiser observes the property’s size, layout, condition, quality of construction, improvements, amenities, and overall characteristics. Exterior features, interior condition, site characteristics, and neighborhood influences are also considered.

Yes. Renovations and improvements may increase a property’s market value, particularly when they add functional living space, improve condition, or modernize important features. However, not every improvement increases value by the amount it cost to complete.

A lower-than-expected appraisal may affect financing or negotiations. Depending on the situation, buyers, sellers, or lenders may choose to renegotiate the purchase price, increase the down payment, request a reconsideration of value, or pursue other available options.

Yes. Government-backed loan programs such as FHA and USDA have specific property requirements that differ from many conventional loans. In addition to estimating market value, the appraiser must also evaluate whether the property meets the applicable program’s minimum property standards.

An exterior-only appraisal is completed by inspecting the outside of the property while relying on public records, multiple listing data, and other available information to complete the valuation. This type of assignment is only used when permitted by the client or lender.

A desktop appraisal is completed without an on-site inspection. Instead, the appraiser analyzes available property data, public records, market information, and other reliable sources to develop a credible opinion of value when appropriate for the intended use.

A date-of-death appraisal determines the fair market value of a property as of the owner’s date of death. These appraisals are commonly used for estate administration, probate proceedings, tax reporting, and inheritance planning.

Attorneys often rely on appraisals for estate matters, divorce proceedings, litigation support, property disputes, eminent domain cases, and other legal matters where an independent opinion of value is needed.

Yes. Appraisals prepared by licensed professionals are frequently used as evidence in legal proceedings involving real estate valuation.

Yes. A professional appraisal provides an objective opinion of market value, helping both parties make informed decisions regarding equitable distribution of real estate assets.

A retrospective appraisal estimates the market value of a property as of a specific date in the past. These assignments are commonly needed for estates, litigation, tax matters, and other legal purposes.

Generally, we’ll need the property address and the purpose of the appraisal. Depending on the assignment, additional documentation such as surveys, floor plans, legal descriptions, or renovation details may also be helpful.

Yes. We provide appraisal services for manufactured homes when appropriate for the intended use and assignment requirements.

Yes. Waterfront properties often require additional market analysis because factors such as shoreline location, water access, views, and dock rights can significantly influence value.

Yes. We regularly appraise residential properties situated on large parcels of land, including rural homes and estate properties.

Every property is unique to some degree. For properties with uncommon features or limited comparable sales, additional market research and specialized valuation techniques are used to develop a credible opinion of value.

Yes. Depending on the assignment, we can analyze properties consisting of multiple parcels and determine their value individually or as a combined property, as appropriate.

Yes. We provide valuation services for residential lots, vacant land, and buildable parcels.

Yes. We perform appraisals for completed new construction as well as proposed construction and subject-to-completion assignments.

After Repair Value (ARV) is an estimate of a property’s market value after planned renovations or repairs have been completed. ARV is commonly used for renovation financing and investment properties.

Yes. Subject-to-completion appraisals estimate the property’s market value based on completed construction plans, specifications, and proposed improvements.

A subject-to-completion appraisal estimates the value of a property assuming all proposed construction or renovations are completed according to the submitted plans and specifications.

Yes. Historic properties often require specialized market analysis due to their age, architectural significance, and unique characteristics.

Luxury homes are valued using market data from comparable high-end properties while considering factors such as location, quality of construction, custom features, amenities, site characteristics, and overall market demand.

When comparable sales are limited, appraisers expand market research, analyze additional data sources, and apply recognized appraisal methodologies to develop a well-supported opinion of value.

Yes. Properties with accessory dwelling units (ADUs), guest houses, barns, workshops, detached garages, and other significant improvements can be appraised as part of the overall property valuation when applicable.