1. 

What is a real estate appraisal and why do I need one?

A real estate appraisal is a professional, unbiased opinion of a property’s market value. You may need an appraisal for buying or selling a home, estate or probate matters, divorce, refinancing, tax purposes, or to settle legal disputes. An accurate appraisal helps ensure you’re making well-informed financial decisions.

2. 

How long does a home appraisal take?

The inspection portion of a residential appraisal usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. However, the full process — including research, analysis, and report writing — typically takes 2–3 business days to complete. Complex properties may take slightly longer.

3. 

How much does a home appraisal cost in Atlanta?

Appraisal fees vary based on the type of property, location, and complexity of the assignment. In the Atlanta area, standard residential appraisals typically range from $350 to $600. Specialized assignments (such as estate or divorce appraisals) may be priced higher depending on the scope of work.

4. 

Do I need an appraisal if I’m not buying or selling a home?

Yes — appraisals are often needed for reasons other than a sale. Many clients request appraisals for estate planning, probate, divorce, tax appeals, insurance purposes, or to assess equity before making financial decisions. A licensed appraiser ensures an accurate and defensible valuation.

5. 

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve Atlanta and the greater Metro Atlanta area, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, and surrounding counties. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help!

6. What types of appraisals do you offer?

We specialize in non-lending residential appraisals, including divorce, probate, estate settlement, pre-listing (FSBO), property tax appeal, and land valuation. Each report is tailored to meet the requirements of your situation — whether legal, tax-related, or personal.

7. Are your appraisals accepted in court or by attorneys?

Yes. Our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and commonly used in legal proceedings such as divorce settlements, probate court, and estate division. We are experienced in working with attorneys and can provide testimony or declarations if needed.

8. What’s the difference between a full appraisal and a restricted-use appraisal (Home Value Audit)?

A full appraisal provides a detailed report suitable for legal, tax, or formal purposes. A restricted-use appraisal, like our Home Value Audit, offers a summarized valuation for personal use, such as pricing a home before listing. It’s more affordable but cannot be used in court or official filings.

9. Do you provide land or lot appraisals?

Yes. We appraise vacant lots, infill land, and raw acreage. Land valuation takes into account zoning, utility access, topography, recent land sales, and development potential. These are popular for investors, builders, and estate planning.

10. Can you help me appeal my property taxes?

Definitely. Many homeowners overpay on property taxes because of incorrect county assessments. A professional appraisal can support your case and give you a defensible value based on current market conditions.

11. How should I prepare my home for an appraisal inspection?

Make sure all areas are accessible, including the attic, crawlspace, and garage. Tidy up, note any recent upgrades or repairs, and provide relevant documents (floor plans, permits, etc.). While condition matters, we focus mostly on market data and comparables.

12. Will renovations increase my home’s appraised value?

Not always. Some upgrades — like kitchen remodels or added square footage — may improve value, while others (e.g. luxury fixtures or pools) may not yield a full return. We consider how your property compares to recent nearby sales.

13. Can I use a real estate agent’s CMA instead of an appraisal?

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) by an agent is an informal estimate. A licensed appraisal is an independent, unbiased valuation accepted for legal, tax, and official purposes. It’s the gold standard when accuracy matters.

14. Do you work directly with homeowners or only with attorneys and professionals?

We proudly serve homeowners directly. Whether you’re navigating a divorce, settling an estate, planning to sell FSBO, or just want to understand your property’s value, we make the process simple and professional.

15. How do I schedule an appraisal?

You can request an appraisal online through our Appraisal Request Form, or call/text us directly. We’ll provide a free quote, walk you through the process, and get you on the schedule as soon as possible.