When you're in the process of purchasing or refinancing a home, hiring an appraiser is essential to determine the property's fair market value. Typically, banks or lenders order appraisals from a list of approved vendors or an Appraisal Management Company (AMC). However, appraisals are also commonly ordered by cash buyers, realtors, investors, accountants, and attorneys. Whether you're buying, selling, or dealing with legal or financial matters related to a property, an appraisal can provide you with an accurate and reliable estimate of its value.

Our appraisal fees start at $500. The cost of our services can vary based on several factors including the type of appraisal requested, the specific forms and reporting standards required, the type of property, the size of the property, and the complexity of the assignment. Each appraisal is tailored specifically to your needs, and our fees reflect the customized nature of our services. To ensure you receive the most accurate pricing tailored to your specific needs, please contact us for a personalized quote.

If you need to reschedule or cancel an inspection, simply contact us by phone or email at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. In the event that we arrive at the property and cannot gain access, or if cancellation or rescheduling is not communicated prior to our arrival, a $75 trip fee will apply. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and stress-free inspection process for our clients, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you need to make any changes to your scheduled appointment.

Once we deliver the report, we offer a complimentary follow-up consultation with our clients. This consultation typically lasts between 45 to 60 minutes and is designed to answer any questions you may have regarding the report. Our goal is to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the appraisal and that all of your questions are addressed. There are no additional fees associated with this follow-up consultation.

We want to reassure you that all appraisal reports are kept strictly confidential. The report will only be shared with the client and any intended users specified in the report. We take great care in protecting our clients' privacy and maintaining the integrity of our appraisal services.

You're always welcome to accompany the appraiser during the inspection, although it's not mandatory. What's more crucial is to ensure that the appraiser has access to the property and is informed of any critical details about the property before the scheduled inspection. Providing relevant information such as a floor plan and a written list of upgrades can assist the appraiser in conducting preliminary research and ultimately aid in producing an accurate valuation. Therefore, we recommend prioritizing access to the property and providing necessary information in advance to optimize the appraisal process.

Following the appraisal inspection, the typical turnaround time for completing the report is between 3 to 7 days, depending on the complexity of the assignment and our current work queue. In cases where time is critical, a faster turnaround time may be arranged with an additional rush fee. Please inform us in advance if you require an expedited service so that we can accommodate your needs accordingly.

Information that would be helpful for the appraiser includes recent sales of similar properties, a floor plan of the property, any deed restrictions or documents related to current assessments from homeowners or condominium associations, a detailed list of upgrades with their completion dates, and any additional information about the property or neighborhood that might be relevant to the valuation. While the cost and receipts of major upgrades are always helpful, they are not necessary. If you have any questions about what information would be helpful, please feel free to contact us for guidance.

As appraisers, we're equipped to evaluate a property beyond the clutter or mess and concentrate on essential elements like the quality of finishes, including countertop materials, flooring, cabinetry style, fixtures, molding, and other architectural details. Nonetheless, it's crucial that you provide a secure working environment for the appraiser, free from trip hazards that could result in property damage or personal injury. We recommend taking appropriate measures to ensure a safe and hazard-free environment during the appraisal inspection.

To minimize liability and reduce the risk of injury to the appraiser, it's always recommended that you keep your pets away during the inspection. Although your pet may be friendly, animals can react differently to appraisers, who are conducting measurements and inspections in a way that is different from your typical visitors. Furthermore, many appraisers suffer from serious allergies and other health issues that can be triggered by pets, making it important to clean up any animal waste before the scheduled inspection. Taking these steps can help ensure a safe and smooth process for everyone involved.

An appraiser's primary focus is on determining the market value of a property by considering various factors, including its location, condition, size, and amenities. On the other hand, a home inspector's main role is to identify potential issues with the condition of the property, such as structural issues, plumbing, electrical problems, and other defects that may not be immediately visible.