What Happens to the House in a Divorce?
Divorce is already an emotional and complex process—deciding what happens to the house makes it even harder. For many couples, the family home is the largest shared asset, which means determining its true market value is essential when dividing property.
That’s where a divorce appraisal comes in.
What Is a Divorce Appraisal?
A divorce appraisal is a professional, unbiased valuation of your home’s fair market value—typically required during the process of dividing marital assets. Whether you’re working through mediation or going to court, this appraisal helps ensure that both parties have accurate, reliable information when negotiating the property settlement.
Unlike real estate agent opinions, a Licensed appraiser provides a legally defensible valuation backed by detailed market data and a standardized report format.
Why Do You Need a Divorce Appraisal?
Courts, attorneys, and mediators often rely on appraisals to:
Establish a fair buyout price if one spouse wants to keep the home
Guide the sale price if the home will be sold and proceeds split
Prevent disputes over exaggerated or underestimated values
Ensure an impartial opinion from a neutral third-party
In Georgia, and especially in the Atlanta area, property values can vary widely even between neighborhoods. That’s why local expertise matters—an appraiser who understands your market can provide a more accurate, relevant opinion of value.
Who Orders the Appraisal?
There are typically three ways this works:
One party hires an appraiser (often in amicable splits)
Each party hires their own appraiser if there’s disagreement
The court appoints a neutral appraiser if needed
In many cases, attorneys recommend that both parties agree on one appraiser to avoid inflated costs and conflicting reports.
What to Expect During the Appraisal Process
Scheduling & Inspection: A walkthrough of the home, noting condition, features, upgrades, and layout.
Comparable Sales Analysis: The appraiser evaluates recent sales of similar homes nearby.
Final Report Delivery: You’ll receive a written report (typically 30–40 pages) with a full market analysis and the appraiser’s final value opinion.
The entire process typically takes 2–5 business days once the inspection is completed.
How Much Does a Divorce Appraisal Cost?
Divorce appraisals vary based on location, property size, and complexity, but for most standard residential homes in the Atlanta metro area, you can expect a flat fee in the range of $375–$550. This is a small price to pay for peace of mind and legal clarity.
Why Choose a Licensed, Local Appraiser?
Not all appraisers are created equal. For divorce cases, you want someone who:
Has no bias toward either party
Is Licensed and experienced with non-lender legal appraisal work
Provides thorough, court-ready reports
Understands your local market inside and out
I’ve worked with attorneys, mediators, and directly with homeowners throughout Atlanta and surrounding counties to deliver timely, defensible divorce appraisals when they’re needed most.
Ready to Get a Divorce Appraisal?
If you’re navigating a divorce and need to know what your home is really worth, I can help.
Get an accurate, unbiased valuation
Fast turnaround time
Flat, transparent pricing
Request Your Divorce Appraisal Today
Or call/text me directly at (404) 692-3878 to discuss your situation confidentially.
Where Appraisers and Real Estate Investors Cross Paths: A Perfect Partnership!
This past week, we had the opportunity to complete an appraisal for a Atlanta real estate investor on a townhome they recently acquired. It was a reminder of how essential the relationship between appraisers and investors really is—and how both parties can benefit from working together.
While many people think of appraisers primarily in the context of home purchases or refinances, real estate investors often rely on appraisal services just as much—if not more.
Why Investors Need Appraisers
For investors, every dollar counts. Whether they’re buying a property to flip, rent out, or hold long-term, they need a clear understanding of the property’s current value and its potential after renovations. That’s where an experienced appraiser comes in.
A thorough appraisal can help an investor:
Confirm a smart purchase price
Evaluate rehab budgets vs. projected value
Support financing or hard money lending
Establish a solid ARV (After Repair Value)
In our recent appraisal of a townhome, the investor wanted an unbiased valuation to compare with their own market research before finalizing their construction budget. They understood that a strong foundation starts with reliable numbers.
Why It’s a Two-Way Street
For us as appraisers, working with investors keeps us on our toes. Investors often deal in distressed, renovated, or unique properties that require a deep understanding of local markets, trends, and the nuances that can influence value. It’s rewarding to contribute to an investor’s success by helping them make informed decisions—and it helps us sharpen our skills in complex valuation scenarios.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a real estate investor—whether seasoned or just getting started—partnering with a knowledgeable appraiser is one of the smartest moves you can make. Accurate valuations can make or break a deal, and having the right data upfront saves time, money, and headaches down the road.
Need an appraisal for your next investment property?
We specialize in non-lending residential appraisals for investors, homeowners, and professionals who need fast, accurate, and unbiased valuations.
Call us today or request a quote online to get started !