What to Expect During an Appraisal Inspection
If you only see one part of an appraisal, it’s the visit to the property — and that’s the part that tends to make people wonder what the appraiser is looking for. In reality, the site visit is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s a short, focused step where I collect accurate information so the analysis that happens afterward is grounded in what the home actually is.
Most appraisal visits are straightforward. When I arrive, I’m there to observe the property and collect data — things like overall condition, how the home has been cared for, the quality of materials and finishes, and whether there appears to be any deferred maintenance. I don’t know what the value of the home will be when I show up, and I’m not trying to form a value conclusion on site. The goal of the visit is simply to gather accurate information so the later market analysis is based on a clear understanding of the property.
As part of the process, I measure the entire house. I follow consistent measurement standards because size is one of the most important factors in an appraisal. Value is influenced by many features — condition, quality, layout, bedroom and bathroom count, garage configuration, and sometimes style — but size is foundational, so every property is measured consistently.
After measuring, I’ll walk through the interior. I try to be slow and systematic so I don’t miss important details. I typically take at least one photo of each room I observe. Depending on the property, I may also photograph mechanical systems (like the furnace or water heater), examples of higher-quality or custom finishes, and any visible deferred maintenance. These photos help document what was observed during the visit.
For most homes, the on-site portion takes less than an hour. We usually suggest carving out about an hour to be safe. Simpler homes may take closer to 30 minutes, while more complex properties — acreage, multiple outbuildings, or unique features — can take longer.
It’s also important to understand that an appraisal inspection is not a home inspection. Many appraisers, myself included, describe this part of the process as observations. I’m not testing every system, verifying code compliance, or creating a repair checklist. A home inspection is a different service performed by a licensed home inspector for a different purpose.
If you’d like to be helpful during the visit, the best approach is to let the appraiser walk through methodically so nothing important is missed. When I’m done, I’m happy to answer questions. That’s also a great time to share information that might not be obvious — improvements you’ve made that aren’t readily visible, or issues you’re aware of that I may not have noticed. Both can be helpful and contribute to a more accurate understanding of the property.
