An appraisal is an unbiased professional opinion of a home's value.

Most home appraisals are completed for the mortgage industry as it is a requirement whenever a mortgage is involved in buying, refinancing, or selling a home.

A licensed appraiser completes this estimation by comparing and calculating recent competing home sales from the market area of the home being appraised.

Appraisals are required by mortgage lenders to be sure that the money they are lending is a fair amount for the home. This is to protect the lender in case the borrower stops making payments on the home and enters foreclosure. At which point, the lender needs to sell the home to recuperate the loaned amount.

The value of the home will be calculated by examining the current local housing market and the comparable properties that have recently sold. It will also include the features of the home such as square footage, amenities, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The appraiser will also look at the overall condition and quality of the home. Depending on severity, maintenance and/or repair items will either be reflected in the homes overall condition rating or required to be fixed prior to the close of escrow.

The final product is an appraisal report with the homes information, comparable information, market calculations, and an appraised value. Appraisal reports are typically completed on an industry standard form.

1) Determine the Scope of Work

‍We must first determine what is being appraised, who is the client, and what is the appraisal being used for? Different types of appraisal services require different approaches. We always recommend that you contact us first so we can identify the correct appraisal for you and determine the most cost-effective solution.

‍2) Inspection of the Property

‍If the scope of work requires an on-site inspection, we will schedule a date for the inspection right away. The inspection usually takes around 30 minutes, however, can be longer for larger than typical homes. The inspection includes measuring the home, taking photos, and review of all upgrades and amenities.

‍3) Market Research & Analysis‍

After the inspection process, we analyze your property’s highest and best use, location, marketability, rarity, supply/demand, and all local economic forces. We then collect the most recent comparable sales and listings that are most like your property. Adjustments are then applied accordingly to each comparable to compensate for any differences to your home.

‍4) Finalize the Appraisal Report & Deliver to Client

‍This is the culmination of the appraisal process where we summarize all our findings and provide you with the finalized report with our opinion of value.

An appraiser looks at several factors when conducting an appraisal, the most important of which is the market value of a property. To determine this value, an appraiser typically considers the following factors:

1) Location

The location of the property is a major factor in determining its value, as properties in desirable areas tend to be more valuable.

2) Property size and features

The size of the property and its features, such as the number of rooms, square footage, and age, are all important factors in determining its value.

3) Physical condition

The physical condition of the property, including any major repairs that may be needed, will be assessed.

4) Market trends

An appraiser will consider current market trends, such as the local real estate market, demand for similar properties, and sales data for similar properties.

5) Economic conditions

The local and national economy, interest rates, and unemployment rates can all impact the value of a property.

6) Zoning and land use‍

Zoning laws and land use regulations will be considered, as they can impact the potential use and value of a property.

7) Comparable sales

The appraiser will research and compare recent sales of similar properties in the area to determine the market value of the property being appraised.

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‍Overall, the appraiser's job is to gather and analyze all of this information to determine an accurate estimate of the market value of the property.

1) "I need this appraisal to come in at a certain value."

This statement could be interpreted as an attempt to influence the appraiser's professional judgment, which is unethical and could be illegal.

2) "I made these renovations without permits."

It's important to disclose any renovations you've made to the property, but if you've made changes without the proper permits, it could raise red flags for the appraiser and affect the value of the property.

3) "Can you tell me the value of my home?"

‍When the appraisal is for a mortgage, appraisers are bound by professional and ethical standards that require them to maintain confidentiality and impartiality in their work. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which is the industry standard for appraisals in the United States, includes strict confidentiality requirements that prohibit appraisers from disclosing the value of the property to anyone other than the client or other authorized parties.

4) "I have a buyer lined up who's willingto pay X for the property."

Appraisers are not concerned with potential buyers or offers; their job is to determine the fair market value of the property based on objective data and analysis.

5) "I'll pay you extra if you can get the value up."

Offering to pay an appraiser extra to inflate the value of the property is illegal and unethical. It's important to let the appraiser do their job without any outside influences or pressures.

A home's value is determined by many factors, and understanding what does and does not impact value can help you make informed real estate decisions. From an appraiser’s perspective, here are the most common items that does and does not impact a home's value.

Factors That "DO" Impact A Home's Value:

1) Location

Location is the highest impact on a home's value because it is a fixed and unchangeable characteristic of the property. The location determines factors such as the neighborhood, school district, views, and proximity to amenities such as shopping, entertainment, and transportation. These factors can have a significant impact on a home's desirability and demand, which ultimately drives its value. In other words, a home in a desirable location will typically command a higher price than a similar home in a less desirable location, regardless of its size or amenities.

2) Building Size

Building size has a high impact on a home's value because it directly affects the amount of living space and functionality of the property. Larger homes generally command higher prices than smaller homes because they offer more living space and potential uses. However, it's important to keep in mind that over-improving a property by adding too much square footage or features that are not typical for the neighborhood can actually decrease its value. This is because potential buyers may be unwilling to pay a premium for features that are not common or necessary in the area, which can limit the home's resale potential.

3) Condition

Condition has a high impact on a home's value because it affects both the aesthetic appeal and the functionality of the property. A home that is in good condition, with updated systems and finishes, is more attractive to potential buyers and can command a higher price than a similar home in poor condition. Additionally, a home in good condition may require less immediate maintenance and repairs, which can make it more desirable to buyers and increase its resale potential. On the other hand, a home in poor condition may be less attractive to buyers and may require significant repairs and upgrades, which can decrease its value.

4) Amenities

Amenities like ADUs, pools, spas, and tennis courts can have a considerable impact on home value. An Accessory Dwelling Unit, also known as an ADU, can increase the home's value by providing additional living space and rental income. Pools and spas can be desirable but the impact on value depends on the quality and maintenance of the amenities. Tennis courts can be a luxury feature that is highly valued by some buyers, but again, the impact on value will depend on factors such as the size, quality, and maintenance of the court, as well as the local market demand for this feature. Ultimately, the impact on a home's value will depend on various factors such as the location, size, and condition of the property, as well as the preferences of potential buyers in the local market.

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Factors That "DO NOT" Impact A Home's Value:

‍1) How much you paid for the home  

‍How much you paid for your house does not impact a home’s value because the real estate market is constantly changing, and the value of a property is determined by supply and demand factors in the current market. The price you paid for the property when you purchased it is a historical fact and does not necessarily reflect its current value. The value of a property is based on factors such as location, condition, size, and local market conditions at the time of the valuation. Therefore, a property that was purchased for a certain price in the past may be worth more or less than the purchase price in the current market.

2) How much $$$ you spent on your home  

The actual dollar amount you spent on renovations, upgrades, or repairs may not necessarily translate into a higher value in your current real estate market. Generally, improving your home will have an impact as long as the improvments are considered higher than whats typical for your neighborhood and also not be an over-improvement for the area.  While improvements and upgrades can potentially enhance the value of a property, the return on investment is heavlily based on the current market and the preferences of potential buyers. Therefore, the amount spent on a property may not always be attributed to its current value.

3) The tax assessed value  

‍The tax assessed value does not necessarily impact the current value of a property because the assessed value is determined by local tax assessors for the purpose of calculating property taxes and may not reflect the true market value of theproperty. The assessed value is often based on a formula that considers factors such as the size and condition of the property, but it may not take into account factors such as location, local market conditions, and recent sales of comparable properties. Therefore, the assessed value may not accurately reflect the current market value of the property.

4) Personal taste and emotional attachments

Personal taste and emotional attachments do not impact the value of a home because value is based on objective factors such as location, condition, size,and local market conditions, rather than subjective preferences or emotional connections. While a homeowner may have sentimental attachments to a property, potential buyers may not share those same feelings, and the value of a property is ultimately determined by what buyers are willing to pay for it in the current market. Therefore, the value of a property is not influenced by personal taste or emotional attachments, but rather by objective factors that are more widely recognized and agreed upon.

In conclusion, a home's value is determined by a variety of factors with some having impact and others having no impact. It's important to understand what does and does not impact a home's value when making real estate decisions, as it can help you make informed and informed decisions.

A real estate appraisal inspection is an important part of the appraisal process, as it helps the appraiser gather information about the property and determine it's value. It is important to be prepared and to understand the role you play in the inspection. Here are some dos and don'ts during the inspection to keep in mind:

Dos:

1) Provide access to the property

The appraiser needs to inspect the interior and exterior of the property, so it's important to provide access to all areas of the home.

2) Be respectful and give space

The appraiser is an unbiased professional who is simply there to gather information. Be polite and respectful and allow them to do their job without interruption. The most common times appraisal items are missed is during conversations and/or interruptions by the homeowner.  

3) Offer assistance on key features of the home

If you have any knowledge of the property or the local real estate market, feel free to offer that information to the appraiser. They may find it helpful.‍

4) Keep the property tidy

A cluttered or dirty property can impact the appraiser's ability to accurately assess the property, so it's important to keep it tidy. Also, if you have pets, please to clean up their waste or let the appraiser know in advance the location of the waste areas. Remember, the appraiser will be entering your home after they finish the exterior inspection.‍

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Don't:

1) Try to influence the appraiser

The appraiser's job is to provide an impartial estimate of the property's value, based on facts and data. Homeowners should not attempt to influence the appraiser in any way, including offering gifts, asking for a certain value, or providing any information that is untrue or misleading. Attempting to influence the appraiser could compromise their independence and the accuracy of the appraisal. 

2) Be rude or uncooperative

Remember, the appraiser is there to gather information and help you make informed real estate decisions. Being rude or uncooperative will only make the process more difficult for everyone involved.

‍3) Follow the appraiser around the home

It's important to let the appraiser do their job without feeling rushed or distracted. Following them around the house may make them feel uncomfortable and may affect their assessment of the property.

‍4) Hide any deficiencies or damages

The appraiser will likely find any deficiencies or damages anyway, so it's better to be up front about them. Hiding them could impact the accuracy of the appraisal and ultimately harm your interests.

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In conclusion, the real estate appraisal inspection is an important part of the appraisal process and can impact the accuracy of the appraisal. It is important to be prepared, respectful, and cooperative during the inspection to ensure the best outcome for everyone involved.

Your home appraisal came in Low! What do you do now?

There are times when an appraiser finds the value of your home to be less than what you desired or expected. This can be critical if you are applying for a mortgage loan where the appraisal determines whether or not you qualify for the loan.  

For a purchase, this usually means the home appraisal is less than the contracted purchase price. For a refinance, this usually means the home appraisal is less than the needed equity for the loan modification or cash-out.  

When your appraisal falls short of the desired or expected value, it is important to understand the few options that you have:

Option #1: Take a couple minutes to breath and relax. Once relaxed, realize the possibility that the appraisal maybe correct. The appraisal process can be a very emotional experience as the valuation of your home or potential home is a sensitive matter especially when relied upon for mortgage loan approval. Many times loan applicants get too caught up on what they need rather than stepping back and looking at their property objectively. Appraisals should be based on factual data and if such data is indisputable, then maybe the appraisal is correct after all.

Option #2: After going through option 1 and you still feel your appraisal is incorrect, then you need to contact your mortgage lender and request an Appraisal Rebuttal which is the most common provided option. During the rebuttal process, you will fill out a form disclosing all the errors found in the appraisal which should be objective in nature and justify “material facts” that would reasonably impact the value of the property.  Most important, you need to add comparables that you feel are better comparables that the ones used in the appraisal. At which point, the rebuttal will be sent to the appraiser for a response.

Option #3: Request a another appraisal from your mortgage lender to get a 2^nd opinion. Although this is not a common option provided by lenders, it is possibly the best option when available. This gives an opportunity for a fresh look at your property only this time around you are better prepared to provide the new appraiser with items that the prior appraisal may have missed.  

Option #4: If options #1-3 were unsuccessful, then your last option  is to find a new mortgage lender and repeat the process hoping for a better outcome.

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When you come across any of these options, it is highly recommended that you contact us for our Appraisal Appeal and Dispute Services. We will thoroughly review your appraisal and give you our honest assessment of the appraisal. We can help guide you to your best option and provide you with all the necessary data, information, and comparables that will give you the best chance in the case of dispute.

Give us a call today if you have any doubts or confusion surrounding your original appraisal and we will help identify and resolve those issues.

AVMs are computer-generated estimates of a property's value, based on data and algorithms. They are widely used by real estate professionals and consumers alike, as they provide quick and easy access to property information. However, there is often confusion about their reliability.

First, it's important to understand that AVMs are not perfect and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information when buying or selling a property. They are only estimates, and the accuracy of the estimate depends on many factors, including the quality and completeness of the data used, the strength of the algorithm, and the location of the property.

That being said, AVMs can still be a useful tool when combined with other research and market analysis. Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com are all well-established and reputable companies that provide valuable information and insights into the real estate market. They regularly update their data and algorithms, and their AVMs are widely used by real estate professionals, lenders, and consumers.

In conclusion, AVMs can be a useful tool for quickly accessing property information and obtaining an estimate of a property's value. However, it is important to understand their limitations and to use them in conjunction with other research and market analysis to make informed real estate decisions.

Yes, it is possible to get an appraisal for a property you do not yet own. This is commonly known as a pre-purchase appraisal or a "subject-to" appraisal. In this scenario, the appraiser provides an estimate of the property's value based on the current market conditions and other relevant factors, but with the understanding that the property has not yet been transferred to your ownership.

A pre-purchase appraisal can be useful for several reasons. For example, it can help you determine whether the asking price for the property is fair, or whether there are any potential issues or problems with the property that could impact its value. Additionally, it can provide you with valuable information that you can use to negotiate the purchase price or terms of the sale.

Keep in mind that pre-purchase appraisals are often not as comprehensive as appraisals performed after the property has been transferred to your ownership. The appraiser may not be able to conduct a full inspection of the property, as it may not yet be accessible. However, the appraiser will do their best to provide you with a detailed and accurate estimate of the property's value based on the information that is available to them.

Yes, you can get an appraisal for any type of property, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties. Appraisers have the training and expertise to provide appraisals for a wide range of properties, regardless of their size, type, or location.

For example, a residential appraiser may provide an appraisal for a single-family home, a condo, or a multi-unit property. A commercial appraiser may provide an appraisal for an office building, a retail property, or a hotel. An agricultural appraiser may provide an appraisal for farmland or a ranch.

Regardless of the type of property, the appraiser's goal is to determine its market value by considering all relevant factors, including location, size, age, physical condition, market trends, and comparable sales data.

You are not required to be present during a home appraisal, but it can be beneficial to be there. Being present during the appraisal allows you to observe the process and ask the appraiser questions about the property, their findings, and the market data they are using to determine the value of the property.

Additionally, being present during the appraisal can give you the opportunity to point out any important features or upgrades to the property that the appraiser may not be aware of, which could help to increase the estimated value of the property.

However, if you are not able to be present during the appraisal, you can still ask the appraiser questions and receive a detailed report of their findings after the appraisal is completed.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to be present during the appraisal is up to you and will depend on your schedule and preferences. But, if possible, being present can provide valuable insights and give you abetter understanding of the appraisal process and the estimated value of the property.

The validity period of a real estate appraisal can vary depending on the purpose of the appraisal and the local regulations. In general, an appraisal is considered valid for a period of 60 to 120 days from the date of the appraisal report.

However, if the real estate market is volatile or there are significant changes in the property's condition or the surrounding area, the appraisal may be considered outdated even if it is still within the validity period. In such cases, a new appraisal may be required.

It's important to note that an appraisal is only valid for the specific property being appraised and for the specific purpose for which it was requested. For example, an appraisal done for a mortgage lender may not be valid for a property owner who wants to sell the property or for a tax assessment.

The value of a property is determined during an appraisal by considering several factors, including:

1) Location

The location of a property can greatly impact its value. Properties in desirable areas are typically valued higher than properties in less desirable areas.

2) Age and condition of the property

The age and overall condition of a property are important factors that affect its value. Older properties may need more maintenance and repairs, which can lower their value, while newer properties with modern amenities and features may be valued higher.

3) Size and features of the property

‍The size and features of a property, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage, can impact its value. Properties with larger living spaces and more amenities are typically valued higher than smaller properties with fewer features.

4) Recent sales of similar properties

‍The appraiser will research recent sales of similar properties in the same area to get a sense of the current market value. This information is used to make an apples-to-apples comparison and determine the value of the property being appraised.

5) Economic and market conditions

‍The current state of the real estate market and economic conditions can also impact the value of a property. For example, a strong economy and low interest rates can drive up property values, while a weak economy and high interest rates can lower property values.

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The appraiser considers all of these factors and uses their professional judgement to determine the value of the property. The appraiser may also take photographs and make notes about the property to support their findings. The final result of the appraisal is a written report that includes the appraiser's estimate of the property's value.

The on-site appraisal inspection can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes while the actual turnaround for the report can take around 2 to 5 business days after the inspection. The length of time for both on-site inspection and report turnaround for a real estate appraisal can vary depending on several factors, which include:

1) Size and complexity of the property

The larger and more complex the property, the longer it may take to complete the appraisal. Properties with many rooms, levels, and features may take longer to appraise than smaller properties with fewer features. This greatly determines the time it takes to physically inspect a property. Smaller homes can take about 30 minutes to inspect while larger homes can take a couple hours.    

2) Availability of comparable sales

The availability of comparable sales, or recent sales of similar properties in the area, can impact the length of time it takes to complete an appraisal. If there are few or no recent sales to compare the property to, the appraisal may take longer.

3) Workload of the appraiser

The workload of the appraiser can also impact the length of time it takes to complete an appraisal. If the appraiser is busy with other projects, it may take longer to schedule the appraisal and get the report completed.

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In general, a full real estate appraisal turn around can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the factors listed above. A desktop appraisal, which does not involve a physical inspection of the property, may take less time, while a full appraisal that requires a physical inspection of the property can take more time.

On average, real estate appraisals in the Los Angeles County area for single family properties can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 dollars while properties with higher unit count and/or complexities can range from $600 to several thousand dollars depending on the factors listed below:

1) Location ‍

The cost of an appraisal may vary based on the location of the property. Properties located on hillside or beach front areas will cost more due to geographic limitations, views, and limited comparables with similar impact. Also properties in rural areas will cost more than homes in urban aras due to longer driving distance and lack of comparable data.

2) Size and complexity of the property

The size and complexity of the property being appraised can also impact on the cost. Properties with large living spaces, multiple levels, and many features may cost more to appraise than smaller properties with fewer features. Also properties that are unique for the market area such as being a historical home or a one-of-a-kind architectural build will generally command higher costs.

3) Type of appraisal and property

There are different types of appraisals, such as full appraisals, desktop appraisals, and drive-by appraisals. Desktop being the cheapest and full appraisal being the most expensive. Also there are different type of properties to consider. Single family residence and condominiums will generally be priced the same while small residential income properties (2-4 Units) and apartments (5+ Units) will cost more.

4) Appraiser's experience and credentials

‍The experience and credentials of the appraiser can also impact the cost. Appraisers with more experience and higher credentials may charge more for their services.  

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It's best to get quotes from several appraisers and compare their fees to find the best value for your money. Keep in mind that a more expensive appraisal is not necessarily a better appraisal, and a lower-priced appraisal is not necessarily a lower-quality appraisal. It's very important to choose an appraiser who has the experience, credentials, and expertise to provide an accurate and reliable appraisal of your property.

The frequency at which you should get a real estate appraisal will depend on several factors, including the type of property you own, the purpose of the appraisal, and market conditions. Here are a few reasons why you may want to get an appraisal:

‍1) Home sale

If you are selling your home, an appraisal may be required by the buyer's lender to determine the value of the property for loan purposes.

2) Refinancing

If you are refinancing your mortgage, an appraisal may be required by the lender to determine the current market value of the property.

3) Estate planning

If you are developing an estate plan, an appraisal may be necessary to determine the value of your assets, including your real estate holdings.

4) Tax purposes

‍If you are challenging your property tax assessment, an appraisal may be necessary to determine the fair market value of the property.

5) Investment

If you are considering purchasing a property for investment purposes, an appraisal may be necessary to determine the potential rental income and long-term value of the property.

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Typically, it is recommended to get an appraisal every three to five years or whenever there is a significant change in the market conditions or the property's value. Additionally, it may be a good idea to get an appraisal if you are considering making significant changes or improvements to your property, as this can impact its value.

In conclusion, the frequency with which you get a real estate appraisal will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. It is always a good idea to consult with a real estate professional or an appraiser to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

While homes do not always appraise at the purchase price, it is common for the appraisal value to match the purchase price. This is because the purchase price is often based on the current market value of the home, which is the price that a buyer is willing to pay for the property and a seller is willing to accept.

When an appraiser evaluates a property, they consider factors such as the condition and features of the home, as well as comparable sales in the area. If the home was priced correctly by the seller and the buyer is willing to pay that price, it's likely that the appraised value will match the purchase price.

Additionally, lenders will typically only lend up to the appraised value of the property, which provides an incentive for buyers to ensure that the purchase price is in line with the appraised value. If the purchase price is significantly higher than the appraised value, it may be difficult for the buyer to secure financing.

However, there are instances where a home may not appraise at the purchase price, such as if the home is in poor condition, there are few comparable sales in the area, or if the real estate market is experiencing a downturn. In these cases, the buyer and seller may need to renegotiate the purchase price or the buyer may need to come up with additional funds to cover the difference between the purchase price and the appraised value.

The typical party who pays for a home appraisal is the individual or entity who is obtaining the appraisal. In the case of a home purchase, this is typically the buyer. However, the payment for the appraisal may be shared between the buyer and the seller in some cases, or it may be paid entirely by the seller or the buyer, depending on the terms of the sale agreement.

In a mortgage refinance scenario, the borrower is usually responsible for paying for the appraisal. In some cases, the lender may require that the appraisal be conducted by one of their approved appraisers, and the cost of the appraisal may be included in the closing costs.

Regardless of who pays for the appraisal, it is important to understand that the appraisal is an impartial assessment of the property's value, and the appraiser's goal is to provide an unbiased estimate of the property's value based on the most recent market data and other relevant factors. The payment for the appraisal does not influence the appraiser's findings or the estimate of the property's value.

In a mortgage-related home appraisal, appraisers typically do not disclose the estimated value of a property directly to the borrower even if the borrower was the one who paid for the appraisal. This is due to a few reasons:

1) Independence and impartiality

Appraisers are expected to maintain independence and impartiality in their appraisals, and disclosing the estimated value directly to the borrowers could be seen as compromising their objectivity.

2) Confidentiality

Appraisers are also bound by confidentiality agreements and are expected to maintain the confidentiality of their findings. Disclosing the estimated value directly to the borrowers could compromise the confidentiality of the appraisal.

3) Regulations

In most cases, regulations prohibit appraisers from disclosing the estimated value directly to the borrowers. In the United States, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) sets standards for the appraisal profession and requires appraisers to maintain impartiality, objectivity, and confidentiality that prohibit appraisers from disclosing the value of the property to anyone other than the "client" or other authorized parties.

In a mortage-related appraisal, the lender is most often defined as the "client" and intended user of the report, therefore, the appraiser must only disclose details of the report to the Lender unless otherwise authorized. In most cases, the borrower is provided information about the appraisal or a copy of the appraisal report from the lender but never directly from the appraiser.

In conclusion, appraisers typically do not disclose the estimated value of a property directly to the borrowers in a mortgage-related home appraisal to maintain their independence and impartiality, preserve confidentiality, and comply with professional and regulatory standards.

1) To sell a property

An appraisal helps to determine the market value of a property, which is important information for both the seller and potential buyers. The appraisal can be used to help negotiate the price of the property and ensure that it is being sold for a fair market value.

2) To refinance a property

If you're looking to refinance your property, an appraisal is typically required to determine the current market value of the property and to ensure that you're borrowing an appropriate amount of money based on the value of the property.

3) To determine the value of an estate

‍An appraisal may be necessary when distributing the assets of an estate, especially if the estate includes real estate property.

4) To determine the value of a property for IRS related issues

Determining the fair market value of a home for tax purposes, such as estate tax, gift tax, charitable contributions, and taxpayer-initiated challenges.

5) To settle disputes

If there is a dispute over the value of a property, an appraisal can be used to provide an independent, objective assessment of the property's value.

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Overall, a real estate appraisal is a valuable tool that helps you make informed decisions about your property and provides you with an accurate estimate of its value.