THE VISIT AND THE WRITTEN REPORT

The appointment is not the finish line.

Once the appraiser leaves, there is still research and writing to do. Keep the property visit and the report delivery date separate when planning your next step.

01 / AT THE PROPERTY

Usually 30 to 60 minutes.

For most standard single-family homes, the visit takes about half an hour to an hour. The appraiser measures the home, photographs the interior and exterior, and notes its condition, improvements and damage.

Larger estates, historic properties and homes with unusual features or outbuildings may need a longer visit—around two to three hours.

02 / RESEARCH & WRITING

Typically 2 to 10 business days after the visit.

The appraiser researches public records, checks zoning and studies comparable sales: similar nearby homes that have recently sold. That work supports the value in the written report.

The overall one-to-three-week estimate also allows for scheduling. It does not mean the appraiser spends all that time inside your home.

WHAT MAY CHANGE THE ESTIMATE

Some homes need more time.

  • Demand and availability. A busy market can create a backlog and push the total beyond three weeks.
  • An unusual property. Historic renovations, distinctive construction or other uncommon features can make comparable sales harder to find.
  • Location. In rural areas, fewer available appraisers can mean a longer wait to schedule.
  • Access. The visit cannot happen until someone can arrange entry to the home.

Tell the office about access restrictions and unusual features when you first get in touch. Ask for an estimate based on the actual property and current availability.

REPORT DELIVERY

Who ordered the appraisal matters.

For a lender-ordered appraisal, the lender is the appraiser's client and receives the report first. The lender's review may add another one to five days before a copy reaches the buyer.

Arranging an appraisal for an estate or a family decision?

Ask who will receive the report and when. Explain its intended use and any instructions from your attorney or adviser, so the delivery arrangements are clear from the start.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Start with the date you need it.

If you need the report for an attorney, executor or lender, find out the date they need to receive it. Then have these details ready when you call or request a written quote:

  • The property address and type of home. Mention unusual features, outbuildings or access restrictions.
  • What the appraisal is for. Explain who needs to use the report and share any instructions from your attorney, lender or adviser.
  • The value date and the delivery deadline. An estate may need a value as of an earlier date. That is separate from the date you need the completed report.
  • Who can arrange access. If you are managing the property from out of town, say who can let the appraiser in.

Ask for the fee and estimated report delivery date in writing before you book. The general timing above does not confirm an available appointment for your property.

Already close to your deadline?

Call with the date you need the report. Ask whether an earlier delivery is possible for your property and what it would cost before relying on it.

Read about rush appraisal requests →

Planning an estate appraisal? →