How Much Does an Estate Appraisal Cost in the Atlanta Metro Area?
When a loved one passes, dealing with the legal and financial complexities of an estate can feel overwhelming. One key step in the probate process is obtaining a real estate appraisal to determine the fair market value of the property as of the date of death. If you’re navigating estate settlement in the Atlanta area, understanding what an estate appraisal entails—and how much it typically costs—can help you make informed decisions during a difficult time.
What Is an Estate Appraisal?
An estate appraisal, also called a date of death appraisal, is a formal valuation of a property conducted by a licensed real estate appraiser. This type of appraisal is often required by:
Probate courts
Estate attorneys
CPAs handling estate taxes
Executors or personal representatives
Heirs or beneficiaries
Unlike appraisals used for mortgage lending, estate appraisals are non-lender assignments with a different scope of work. They can be retrospective (valuing the property as of a past date) or current, depending on the situation.
How Much Do Estate Appraisals Cost in Atlanta?
Estate appraisal fees vary depending on several factors:
Property size and complexity
Location within the metro area
Whether the appraisal is current or retrospective
Turnaround time (rush orders may cost more)
In the Atlanta metropolitan area, typical pricing for a standard single-family estate appraisal falls between $400 and $600. More complex properties—such as those with acreage, unique features, or multiple buildings—may cost $700 or more.
If the property needs multiple effective dates (such as both date of death and current market value), this usually involves separate assignments and fees.
You can learn more about our appraisal pricing and services here.
Why Choose a Specialist in Non-Lender Estate Appraisals?
Not all appraisers are familiar with the unique requirements of probate, estate tax filings, or IRS documentation. At REI Valuations, we specialize in non-lender appraisal work, which means:
No bank red tape
Reports designed for legal and tax professionals
Clear, defensible valuation logic
Respectful handling of sensitive, time-critical cases
We’ve assisted families, attorneys, and estate executors throughout Atlanta—including in Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett Counties—with accurate and timely appraisals.
Need an Estate Appraisal in Atlanta?
If you’re settling an estate and need an appraisal for probate, IRS reporting, or to assist with selling inherited property, we can help.
Request an estate appraisal today
Or call us directly to speak with a licensed appraiser who understands the sensitivity and importance of this work.
We’ll guide you through the process and deliver a report you—and the court—can rely on.
How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in Metro Atlanta?
Your Most Asked Questions — Answered
When it comes to selling, refinancing, or settling an estate, many homeowners wonder:
“How much does an appraisal cost in Atlanta?”
Below, we answer the most common questions about appraisal fees in the Atlanta metro area so you know exactly what to expect — and why prices can vary.
(Tip: If you’re ready to get an exact quote, you can request an appraisal right now on our Home Appraisal Request page.)
FAQ: Atlanta Home Appraisal Costs & Fees
1. What’s the average cost of a home appraisal in Atlanta?
In the metro Atlanta area, a typical single-family residential appraisal generally ranges between $450 and $700, depending on property size, complexity, and intended use (divorce, probate, FSBO, tax appeal, etc.).
For larger properties or unique homes, the fee can exceed $800–$1,000.
(See our detailed breakdown in our earlier blog: How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in Atlanta?)
2. Why do appraisal fees vary so much?
A few key factors affect appraisal costs in Atlanta:
Property type & square footage
Location & access (urban vs. rural counties)
Complexity (custom design, acreage, luxury features)
Purpose of appraisal (non-lending vs. lending, divorce, estate, tax appeal, etc.)
Turnaround time (rush orders may cost extra)
3. Are divorce or estate appraisals more expensive?
They can be. Appraisals for legal purposes like divorce or probate often require:
Retrospective (historical) valuations
Detailed narratives
Court-ready reports
These can range from $500–$800+, depending on scope.
4. Do appraisers charge hourly or flat fees?
In Atlanta, most appraisers charge a flat fee per assignment, rather than hourly.
This helps you know the exact cost upfront.
5. Are rush or expedited appraisals available — and how much do they cost?
Yes — if you need a faster turnaround (e.g., 24–48 hours), many appraisers offer rush service.
Expect to pay an additional $100–$250 on top of the standard fee.
(If you’re on a tight deadline, contact us directly through our home appraisal request page.)
6. Are there hidden fees I should watch for?
A reputable Atlanta appraiser should always quote an all-inclusive fee up front.
Watch for add-ons like:
Complex property fees
Multiple approaches to value
Extra court testimony fees (if needed)
7. What about investment properties, duplexes, or multi-family?
Appraising a duplex, triplex, or small apartment building usually costs more — typically $650–$1,000+, depending on units and complexity.
Final tip: Choose quality, not just cost
While cost matters, hiring the cheapest appraiser can cost more later if:
The report isn’t accepted by courts or underwriters
Errors delay closing or trigger disputes
Our reports are USPAP-compliant, unbiased, and tailored for non-lending uses like divorce, probate, tax appeal, FSBO, and more.
Want a free quote?
Get a custom fee quote today:
Or read our full guide:
How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in Atlanta?
Why trust us?
As a local Metro Atlanta appraisal firm, we’ve helped homeowners, attorneys, and agents across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties get reliable, court-ready reports.
How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in Metro Atlanta? (And Why It Varies)
If you’ve searched “appraisal cost near me,” “home appraisal price in Atlanta,” or anything similar, you’re definitely not alone.
Cost is often the very first question homeowners, attorneys, and real estate professionals ask us when they need an independent appraisal — whether for divorce, probate, FSBO (For Sale by Owner), or tax appeal purposes.
And it’s a fair question! But the real answer is: it depends — and here’s why.
What actually determines the cost of an appraisal?
Most people think appraisal cost is like picking an item off a shelf — but in reality, several factors directly impact your fee:
1. Type of assignment / intended use
Are you selling your home FSBO? Dividing assets in a divorce? Settling an estate for probate? Each situation can require different levels of detail, depth, and supporting documentation.
For example, appraisals used in legal settings (divorce, probate, bankruptcy) must often withstand cross‑examination or legal review, which means the report must be more thorough.
2. Property complexity & location
A typical single‑family home in a standard subdivision might take far less time to analyze than a historic home, a large custom build, or rural acreage.
Unique features, luxury finishes, or special zoning can also increase complexity.
3. Turnaround time / urgency
Needing the report “yesterday”? Rush or expedited orders cost more because they require the appraiser to clear their current workload and prioritize your assignment.
4. Risk and liability
Appraisals for litigation support, divorce disputes, or tax appeals often carry higher professional risk, which can reasonably increase the fee.
5. Scope and format of report
Some assignments may only require a restricted‑use or summary report; others call for a full narrative report with extensive supporting data, charts, and exhibits.
Typical appraisal cost range in Atlanta
So what does all this mean in dollars?
For a standard single‑family home in the Atlanta metro area (covering counties like Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Douglas), independent, non‑lending appraisals typically fall somewhere between:
$350 and $650
This is only a general range — and your actual fee could be lower or higher depending on your unique situation.
Important note: Independent fee appraisers like us are different from the “lender appraisers” most people hear about when getting a mortgage refinance or purchase loan.
Non‑lending appraisals are ordered directly by homeowners, attorneys, or real estate professionals — and are tailored to the specific need at hand.
Price is important — but accuracy and credibility matter more
Choosing the lowest‑fee appraiser can sometimes backfire:
The report might be challenged by the court or opposing attorney.
It may lack sufficient data to support your case in a tax appeal or estate valuation.
Or it might simply miss local market nuances that affect value.
As local Atlanta appraisers, we’ve seen it happen: clients come to us needing a second appraisal after the first low‑fee report didn’t stand up to scrutiny.
Remember: the real cost of an appraisal isn’t just the invoice — it’s the risk of getting the value wrong.
Why we don’t post a single, flat fee
Because every property and assignment is different, quoting one number for everyone would be misleading.
Instead, we:
Ask a few quick questions about the property and intended use.
Give you a transparent, written quote based on facts.
Explain why your fee might be on the lower or higher end.
That way, you know exactly what you’re paying for — and why.
Need a personalized quote? Let’s talk
If you’d like to know what an appraisal would cost for your home or case:
Call us directly, You can contact R.E.I Valuations at 404-692-3878 for expert appraisal services in Atlanta, GA, including property tax appeals, estate, divorce, investment, and pre-listing appraisals. , or
Submit a quick request on our website.
We’re local, independent, and here to help you make confident, well‑documented decisions — without surprises.