Guide to appraisals

An appraisal is an assessment of fair market value by a certified professional. An appraisal in the culmination of an in-person inspection, market research, and a summary of the appraiser’s findings in a standardized report form.

In the case of securing a mortgage/loan, the lender will solicit the appraiser on the buyer’s behalf. In most other cases, the property owner, inheritor, or buyer may solicit the appraiser themselves.

– Listing for Sale
– Securing a Mortage
– Tax Dispute
– Estate Transfer or Settlement
– Divorce
– Property Investments
​etc, etc.

How We Work

The first step is in the appraisal process is reaching out to solicit an appraisal quote. Even if you are uncertain if an appraisal is right for you, our quotes are free and will provide you with a cost for labor which you are free to factor into your considerations upfront.

Once the appraiser and requester reach an agreed upon price and time window for the appraisal order, the appraiser’s office will contact the homeowner or seller to schedule a time for the appraisal. It is important to ensure that the property is in its best material condition during the appraisal, as the appraiser will assess both the interior and exterior of the home. This means major renovations and repairs should be completed prior to the scheduled appraisal time.

During the appraisal inspection, the appraiser will conduct a thorough inspection of the property. They will assess the size, layout, condition, quality, and amenities of the home. The appraiser will also consider factors such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any recent upgrades or renovations. The appraiser is not a property inspector so the level of observation will be similar to an inspection by a typical buyer. The appraiser may sample-test the utilities and major mechanical items, but a Home Inspector should be utilized for a comprehensive check of the home. Note that the attic and crawl space should be made accessible to the appraiser as some lenders require these areas to be inspected.

After inspecting the property, the appraiser will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA). This involves researching recent sales of similar properties in the neighborhood to determine the property’s value. The appraiser will consider factors such as location, size, condition, and recent market trends when selecting comparable properties.​
     Using the information gathered from the inspection and comparative market analysis, the appraiser will determine the value of the property. They will consider both the objective factors, such as square footage and location, as well as subjective factors like the property’s overall appeal. The final appraisal report will include the appraiser’s value opinion of the property along with supporting documentation.

Being a member of a larger national appraiser company, A+ Appraisals has access to resources, knowledge, and labor not provided to other independent appraisers. This allows us faster scheduling and revisions, and additional inlets for reaching the appraisal company when the appraiser is preoccupied, completing inspections out in the field.

We use the latest appraisal software and equipment to provide the highest quality product in the shortest turnaround time. All our appraisal reports can be completed in XML (MISMO), ENV (AI Ready), and any number of industry-standard files and formats.

Appraisers are notoriously hard to get a hold of, as they spend much of their workday away from their desks. They travel to and from inspection sights and usually will not take calls during inspections so that they cause the least disturbance on the property. That is why Triangle Park utilizes a support staff to allow our clients access to our company even when the appraiser is in the field.

Have Questions?

The appraiser will need full access to the property for interior inspections. The owner does not need to be present for the inspection, as long as the appraiser can still gain access to the interior.

Please restrain or kennel pets during the time of the inspection.

Appraisals requested by property owners/buyers may not be applicable for the purpose of securing loans/mortgages if not approved by the lender beforehand.

If this applies to you. Please contact your lender.

Quoted completion dates will extend an equal amount of work days in time between the day a quote was given and the offer accepted.

Your quoted rate is guaranteed for up to 14 days.

Contact Us

Reach out to us for a quote or questions