Understanding what happens from order to delivery
Most residential appraisals in the Bay Area are completed within 7-10 business days from the inspection date. However, complex properties, luxury estates, or unique situations may require additional time.
The process involves careful research, inspection, analysis, and reporting to ensure an accurate and defensible opinion of value.
Your lender, attorney, or you directly place an order for an appraisal. We'll receive the assignment details including property address, purpose of the appraisal, and any special requirements.
We begin researching the property using public records, MLS data, and our proprietary database. This includes reviewing property history, sales records, tax assessments, and identifying comparable properties.
We coordinate with you or your representative to schedule a convenient time for the property inspection. For most residential properties, this takes 30-60 minutes.
Our appraiser conducts a thorough inspection of the property, photographing the interior and exterior, measuring square footage, noting condition and quality, and observing neighborhood characteristics.
We analyze recently sold properties similar to yours in location, size, condition, and features. Adjustments are made for differences to determine market value.
All findings are compiled into a comprehensive appraisal report following USPAP standards. This includes property description, market analysis, valuation methodology, and final opinion of value.
The completed report undergoes internal quality control review to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with all applicable standards and requirements.
The final appraisal report is delivered to the client (typically your lender). You'll receive a copy for your records. Most reports are delivered within 7-10 business days of inspection.
The primary method for residential properties. We compare your property to similar homes that have recently sold, making adjustments for differences in size, condition, location, and features.
Most common for single-family homes and condos
Estimates the cost to rebuild the property from scratch, minus depreciation, plus land value. Useful for newer homes or unique properties with few comparables.
Often used as a supporting method
For investment properties, we may analyze rental income potential and capitalization rates to determine value based on income generation.
Used primarily for multi-unit or investment properties
Your appraisal report will typically include:
Detailed information about your property's characteristics
Overview of local market conditions and trends
Similar properties used for comparison
Explanation of value differences between properties
Interior, exterior, and street scene images
The appraiser's concluded market value
Luxury estates, unique properties, or homes with special features may require additional research and analysis
Limited comparable sales or rapidly changing markets may require more extensive research
Scheduling challenges or difficulty accessing the property can delay the inspection
While we accommodate urgent requests when possible, rush orders may incur additional fees
Yes, you're welcome to be present. It can be helpful to point out recent upgrades or answer questions.
No, the appraiser needs time to analyze data and prepare the report before determining value.
You can provide additional information or comparable sales for reconsideration, though the appraiser will only adjust if warranted by market data.
Most lenders accept appraisals that are 90-120 days old, though some may require updates in rapidly changing markets.
Work with experienced Bay Area appraisers who deliver accurate reports on time