{"id":98552,"date":"2025-03-04T11:58:10","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T19:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=98552"},"modified":"2025-06-30T10:12:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T17:12:20","slug":"home-appraisal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-appraisal\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Home Appraisal? Everything You Need to Know About the Home Appraisal Process"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many steps to the homebuying and selling processes &#8211; and one of the common steps is a home appraisal. A home appraisal determines the value of a home and is important for both buyers and sellers. But if you\u2019re new to the process, you may have lots of questions about it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this Redfin article, we\u2019ll outline what a home appraisal is, why it\u2019s important, and what you need to know before having a home appraisal. Whether you\u2019re buying a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/30756\/GA\/Atlanta\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home in Atlanta, GA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or selling your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/12257\/WI\/Madison\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">house in Madison, WI<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, these are the most common questions and answers about home appraisals &#8211; and the next steps you need to take when buying or selling your home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home appraisals are unbiased determinations of a home\u2019s fair market value.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The appraisal can take a few hours to complete, but up to 10 days to receive the report.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the home\u2019s value is lower than the purchase price, buyers may be able to back out of the transaction.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-86530\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-Talon-Dr-Priest-River-ID-1.jpeg\" alt=\"A wooden house\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-Talon-Dr-Priest-River-ID-1.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-Talon-Dr-Priest-River-ID-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-Talon-Dr-Priest-River-ID-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-Talon-Dr-Priest-River-ID-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-Talon-Dr-Priest-River-ID-1-200x150.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-Talon-Dr-Priest-River-ID-1-840x630.jpeg 840w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/11-Talon-Dr-Priest-River-ID-1-400x300.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a home appraisal?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A home appraisal is an unbiased professional opinion of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/assessed-value-vs-market-value\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">home\u2019s market value<\/a>. During the homebuying and selling process, a home appraisal is used to determine the home\u2019s fair market value. This ensures that the home\u2019s value is equal to or more than the mortgage loan amount. It is also used when refinancing a home. Lenders use home appraisals to make sure that they aren\u2019t lending you more money than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/what-is-my-home-worth\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what the home is worth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who requests a home appraisal?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the buyer and seller have each signed the contract, the buyer&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contacts the lender, who then books a certified home appraiser to evaluate the property. To ensure that the appraisal is objective, this appraiser must be a third party with no loyalty or ties of any kind to the lender, buyer, or seller. Their assignment is to state the facts about the home&#8217;s condition and value. Depending on how active the market is, the appraiser usually appraises the property within 48 hours of the lender&#8217;s request.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a home appraisal contingency?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A home appraisal contingency is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/top-home-buying-contingencies\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">type of contingency<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that you may include when submitting your offer. Your mortgage lender may also suggest you include this contingency to protect yourself. An appraisal contingency allows you to back out of the home purchase if the home\u2019s value is lower than the purchase price.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home appraisal contingencies are recommended but it may not always be the right choice &#8211; particularly if you\u2019re buying the home in all-cash or it\u2019s a seller\u2019s market. However, if you\u2019re buying your first home or don\u2019t want to overspend, having an appraisal contingency can protect you against paying more for a home than it\u2019s worth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home appraisal vs home inspection<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/home-inspection\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home inspections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a much more in-depth evaluation of the home\u2019s condition. With a home appraisal, the appraiser looks at the home itself to determine its overall value. They take into account unique features, any major defects, and comparable homes nearby. With a home inspection, the inspector will look for any problems such as outlets not working properly, exterior and interior damage, and HVAC systems, among other things. While appraisers determine the home\u2019s value, a home inspector will check for damage and safety issues within the home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does a home appraisal take?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most appraisers can complete their report in 7 \u2013 10 days. However, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-long-does-an-appraisal-take\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how long an appraisal takes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can vary depending on how active the housing market is in your area. Appraisers are well aware that all parties in the transaction rely on them to do the walkthrough, complete the report, and deliver it to the lender as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two common situations can delay a home appraiser. If the appraiser is fully booked, it may take 4-5 days to get your house scheduled for a walkthrough. If the appraiser can&#8217;t get access to the property, it can delay the home loan process. Due to the homeowner&#8217;s schedules, it may take a day or two to coordinate a time to have the house open to a home appraiser.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Otherwise, the appraiser can usually get in, complete the walkthrough in a couple of hours, and submit their completed report within a week.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>&gt;&gt;Check out: <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-prepare-for-a-home-appraisal\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">How to Prepare for a Home Appraisal (and What You Need to Know)<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-86352\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MN.jpg\" alt=\"aerial view of large home in minnesota\" width=\"1200\" height=\"899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MN.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MN-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MN-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MN-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MN-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MN-841x630.jpg 841w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MN-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do home appraisers look for?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The home appraisal process can be complicated and involves a variety of factors that help determine a home\u2019s value. The appraiser will look at the property\u2019s overall condition and safety. They\u2019ll compare it to the state of similar properties that have sold recently in the same area. Data from comparable home sales in your area will help the appraiser factor in any improvements, upgrades, and amenities for the home you&#8217;re buying to determine fair market value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the things appraisers look at:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-calculate-the-square-footage-of-your-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Square footage<\/a> &#8211; of the home and lot<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of bedrooms and bathrooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Location of the home, neighborhood, and nearby amenities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home\u2019s layout<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lot size and zoning restrictions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age and condition of the home, including the structure, roof, and foundation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type of construction materials, such as energy-efficient materials<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional amenities like a pool, fireplace, or balcony<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Condition of appliances and recent remodels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damage or hazards, like flood risk, that may decrease value<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/us-housing-market\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">housing market<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like recent sales and comparable homes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What hurts a home appraisal?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several factors that can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-hurts-a-home-appraisal\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hurt your home appraisal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, some of the most common are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cluttered and unkept house<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfinished basement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdated home systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdated kitchen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor curb appeal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-86315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MA.jpg\" alt=\"aerial of a home on a lot\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MA.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MA-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MA-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MA-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MA-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MA-840x630.jpg 840w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-MA-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of house appraisals\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several types of appraisals, but they\u2019re not all equal in value. In fact, some appraisals are not accepted by lenders. Here is an overview of some types of appraisals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Shortened to URAR, this is the most common type of appraisal &#8211; and one lender\u2019s request. A certified appraiser evaluates the property based on various criteria to determine the home\u2019s value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Drive-by appraisal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Also called \u201crestricted-use\u201d and \u201cshort-form report,\u201d this appraisal offers less information about the property. The appraiser typically looks at the outside of the home and relies on information from the owner to determine the home&#8217;s interior condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Desktop appraisal: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are online appraisal sites that offer their services to owners. This can be a good option if you\u2019re just curious about the home\u2019s value, but it\u2019s not usually accepted by lenders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Hybrid appraisal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A hybrid appraisal is similar to a drive-by appraisal, but includes additional information like photographs, measurements, and home inspection information to determine the home\u2019s value.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s in the home appraisal report?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most home appraisers use a URAR. The appraisers will typically describe the home\u2019s interior and exterior, the neighborhood, and list the prices of comparable homes nearby. Other things that must be included in the report are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Street map identifying the home and comparable properties<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sketch of the exterior building<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explanation describing how the square footage calculations\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photographs of the street, front, and back of the home<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Information like public lands records, public tax records, and sales data\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of this information is used to explain the appraiser&#8217;s analysis and conclusion about the home\u2019s fair market value.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-86310\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-IA.jpg\" alt=\"aerial view of neighborhood in small town\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-IA.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-IA-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-IA-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-IA-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-IA-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-IA-840x630.jpg 840w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Small-Towns-IA-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home appraisal tips for homebuyers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A home appraisal is important to buyers because it provides proof that the property has been priced fairly. If the home <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-an-appraisal-gap\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">appraisal comes in lower<\/a> than their offer, you\u2019ll have to renegotiate with the sellers for a reduction in the sale price or pay in cash since the lender won\u2019t cover the full amount. Worst case, you may need to walk away from the home sale. There are some additional tips to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Don\u2019t offer too much over asking:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In some cases, like a seller\u2019s market, you may need to offer more to compete with other buyers. However, it&#8217;s important not to offer too much more than the asking price, especially when applying for a mortgage. If the appraisal is too low, you may need to pay more upfront, renegotiate, or walk away from the sale.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Have an appraisal contingency: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing to include an appraisal contingency allows you to back out of the home sale if the appraisal is too low.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Appeal the appraisal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Errors can happen, so if you think there\u2019s a mistake in the appraisal, consider appealing it. Read through the appraisal report and check to see if there are any missing property details and whether the comparable properties are appropriate. If you see errors, speak with your lender to file the appeal process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home appraisal tips for sellers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The home appraisal process is equally important to sellers, because it tells you how much your home is worth and if you priced your home competitively. If you priced your home too low, you may lose some of your home\u2019s equity. On the other hand,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/can-you-sell-house-for-more-than-appraisal\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> if you priced your home too high<\/a>, you may be faced with a buyer who is willing to walk away from the sale. There are several things you can do to prevent a low appraisal:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Provide an offer list and comparables:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If your home had more than one offer, give the list of offers to the appraiser. This can show that you\u2019ve priced the home accurately. Similarly, providing a list of comparable homes indicates what other homes are worth in the area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Be present at the appraisal: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are allowed to be present at the appraisal, which gives you the opportunity to point out any home updates you\u2019ve made over the years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Have a clean home: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small improvements, such as decluttering, replacing dim light bulbs, and covering up any chipped paint, can give the impression that your home is well cared for. While these changes don\u2019t influence your home\u2019s value, they can give the appraiser a good impression.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>&gt;&gt; Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/pre-listing-appraisal\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Should You Get a Pre-Listing Appraisal Before Selling Your Home?\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home appraisal tips for refinancers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When refinancing your home, you want to have the highest appraisal you can get. A higher appraisal value means there\u2019s more home equity available, which may give you more favorable loan terms or cash out. If your home appraisal is lower than expected it can make it difficult to refinance your home. However, if you\u2019re refinancing with an FHA loan, you may be able to refinance without an appraisal. Here are some tips to consider when getting an appraisal:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Declutter and clean: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cluttered space can deter from your home\u2019s features, so cleaning up your space can help the appraisal process. The appraiser can better see the home and see you\u2019re not hiding any damage or issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ask for opinions: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a homeowner, you may not always see things that may be wrong in your home. Ask for outside opinions from family or friends who can identify any issues they see in your house. They may notice minor improvements you can make to help increase your home\u2019s value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Identify all upgrades and improvements: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are plenty of home improvements you may have made since buying your home that an appraiser may not know about. Did you get solar panels? Do you upgrade your windows to a more energy-efficient type? Did you finish the basement? Give the appraiser a list of all upgrades you\u2019ve made to the home over the years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that these need to be new improvements or upgrades not maintenance. For example, replacing your air conditioning unit isn\u2019t considered an upgrade. But if your home didn&#8217;t have air conditioning and you added it to the home, then it\u2019s an upgrade.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-85199\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/AZ-real-estate-agent.jpg\" alt=\"Real estate agent meeting a couple for a house showing in Arizona\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/AZ-real-estate-agent.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/AZ-real-estate-agent-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/AZ-real-estate-agent-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/AZ-real-estate-agent-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/AZ-real-estate-agent-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/AZ-real-estate-agent-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/AZ-real-estate-agent-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs about the home appraisal process<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I need a home appraisal?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re buying a home with a mortgage, refinancing your current mortgage, or receiving a gift of equity when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-a-house-from-a-family-member\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">buying a house from a family member<\/a>, your lender will request an appraisal. If you\u2019re buying the home with all cash, a home appraisal isn\u2019t necessary, but you can still consider getting one to ensure you\u2019re not overpaying.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does it take to close after a home appraisal?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The home appraisal process can take anywhere from 7 \u2013 10 days to receive a completed report. As a result, it can take about 1 \u2013 3 weeks, if not up to a month, to close after the appraisal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much is a home appraisal and who pays for it?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-appraisal-cost\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cost of a home appraisal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> depends on the size and location of the home. The average cost for a home appraisal is $200 \u2013 $600 but can range as high as $2,000 if the property is larger or in a rural area. While the mortgage lender typically requests the house appraisal, the home appraisal fee is added to the home loan&#8217;s closing costs, unless the homebuyer pays upfront. This fee is non-refundable. If the sale of the home falls through for any reason, the buyer loses that money.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What factors impact the home appraisal cost?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are four main factors that impact the cost of a home appraisal &#8211; property type, home value, location, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/types-of-mortgage-loans\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">type of mortgage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With property type, a two-bedroom home is going to cost less to appraise than a four-bedroom home with a pool, finished basement, and attic. Similarly, a home with a higher value will typically take longer to appraise than a smaller, less expensive home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The home\u2019s location can impact appraisal costs. For example, if the home is far from the appraiser\u2019s office, the cost may be more. Your mortgage can also influence the appraisal price, as FHA loans often require additional inspections, driving the cost up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I prepare for a home appraisal?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many things you can do to get your home ready for a home appraisal, including decluttering, cleaning, and making small repairs and upgrades. If your home is well-maintained and appears in overall good condition, the better chances you\u2019ll have of a favorable appraisal. See more on how to prepare for a home appraisal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you contest a low appraisal?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/how-to-contest-a-low-home-appraisal\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contest a low appraisal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You\u2019ll need to provide a written rebuttal to your lender with detailed information you think the appraiser didn\u2019t fully consider in valuing the home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do appraisals affect my mortgage?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bayequityhomeloans.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage lender<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> wants proof that the amount of the loan they\u2019re approving and lending to the homebuyer does not exceed the fair market value of the home. If the home appraisal is lower than the purchase price, your lender may not approve the loan. If you\u2019re refinancing your mortgage, the appraisal determines your LTV, which influences your new interest rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I see what my home is worth even if I&#8217;m not selling?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, there are several ways you can find your home\u2019s value without using a home appraiser. One of the best and fastest ways is to look at recently sold homes in your area that are comparable in size and features, called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-find-real-estate-comps-in-my-area\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate comps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A home appraisal determines the value of a home. Learn everything about the home appraisal process whether you\u2019re buying, selling, or refinancing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":537,"featured_media":86530,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276],"tags":[34529,34617,34669],"coauthors":[33440],"class_list":["post-98552","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-buying-faq","tag-home-buying-process","tag-selling-prep"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is a Home Appraisal? 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