What Is a Home Appraisal? How It Works, What to Expect, and Why It Matters !
If you’re asking “What is a home appraisal?” — you’re not alone.
It’s one of the most searched real estate questions online, especially among homeowners, buyers, and sellers who want to understand how property values are determined.
This blog explains exactly what a home appraisal is, how it works, and what to expect when an appraiser visits your house — including whether or not they go inside. Whether you’re preparing to sell, settle an estate, navigate a divorce, or appeal your property taxes, this guide gives you the insight you need.
A home appraisal is a professional, unbiased estimate of a property’s fair market value, conducted by a state-licensed or certified appraiser.
It’s based on:
The property’s condition, size, and layout
Location and neighborhood characteristics
Comparable recent sales (also called “comps”)
Market trends in your area
Most commonly, appraisals are used in mortgage transactions — but they’re also critical in:
If you’re searching for “what is an appraisal of a house?” or “what does a home appraiser do?” — the short answer is: they protect you from overpaying, underpricing, or misjudging a home’s true worth.
Yes — in a full residential appraisal, the appraiser typically enters the home and completes a detailed interior and exterior inspection.
Here’s what they’ll look at:
Square footage (based on ANSI measurement standards)
Room count and layout
Condition of kitchen, bathrooms, roof, HVAC, and flooring
Renovations or deferred maintenance
Quality of materials (granite countertops, custom trim, etc.)
Site features (garage, basement, patio, etc.)
Functional obsolescence (awkward layouts, odd conversions)
The inspection helps answer the question, “Do appraisers look inside the house?” — and the answer is yes, unless a desktop or drive-by appraisal is being done for limited purposes.
How Does a Home Appraisal Work?
Understanding how a home appraisal works can reduce stress and prepare you for what’s ahead.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
The Appraiser Is Hired
A client (lender, attorney, homeowner, or investor) engages an appraiser to complete a report with a defined scope and intended use.The Property Is Inspected
The appraiser visits the home, takes notes and photos, and gathers key property characteristics.Comps Are Selected
Using local MLS data, public records, and appraisal tools, the appraiser identifies recent comparable home sales (similar size, location, and condition).Adjustments Are Made
The appraiser adjusts for differences between the subject and comps — such as size, garage count, age, condition, or features — to estimate a credible market value.The Report Is Delivered
A detailed PDF appraisal report is generated, containing property data, market analysis, comp adjustments, maps, photos, and the appraiser’s final opinion of value.
What’s the Difference Between Real Estate Consulting and a Home Appraisal?
This is a great question — and it comes up a lot when people search for “real estate consulting”.
A real estate consultant may offer market insights or general advice, but not a legally defensible valuation.
A home appraisal, on the other hand, is a USPAP-compliant, unbiased report that can be used in court, tax disputes, divorce settlements, and more.
If you’re facing a legal, financial, or tax-related event, you need a licensed appraiser, not a consultant.
When Do You Need a Home Appraisal?
There are many situations where getting a home appraisal is not just helpful — it’s essential. If you’re going through a divorce, you’ll need an appraisal to ensure the real estate is fairly divided between both parties. If you’re dealing with a probate case or settling an estate, an appraisal is often required to determine the home’s fair market value as of the date of death. This helps with IRS reporting and ensures heirs receive an accurate accounting of the estate.
If you’re selling your home without a realtor — known as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) — an appraisal can help you price the home correctly from the start. For property tax appeals, an appraisal provides credible evidence if you believe the county has over-assessed your property. Investors often request appraisals to validate values on rental properties, confirm after-repair values (ARVs), or analyze a property’s cash flow potential. Lastly, cash buyers often order appraisals as a second opinion to ensure they’re not overpaying on off-market deals.
In all of these cases, a professional appraisal brings peace of mind, legal credibility, and a stronger foundation for smart real estate decisions.
Final Thoughts: Why Appraisals Matter
A home appraisal isn’t just a number — it’s a decision-making tool.
When you hire a licensed appraiser, you’re getting a professional who is legally and ethically bound to deliver a credible, impartial opinion of value, free from outside influence.
Whether you’re working with a divorce attorney, executor, realtor, or just exploring your options — an appraisal gives you the clarity and leverage you need to move forward with confidence.
Ready to Find Out What Your Home Is Worth?
We specialize in non-lender home appraisals across the Atlanta metro area, including:
Request your home appraisal here: REI-Valuations.com/home-appraisal-request
Serving homeowners, attorneys, investors, and families across Atlanta with professionalism, speed, and accuracy.
Understanding the Home Appraisal Process: What It Is, How It Works, and What to Expect.
Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or just curious about your home’s value, chances are you’ve heard the term “appraisal” thrown around. But what exactly is a home appraisal? How does it work? And when should you consider getting one?
At REI Valuations, we get these kinds of questions all the time — so here’s a full breakdown of what the appraisal process looks like, why it matters, and what appraisers are really looking for.
What is a Home Appraisal?
A home appraisal is an independent, professional opinion of your property’s market value. It’s completed by a licensed appraiser who evaluates the property’s condition, features, location, and market data to determine what it’s worth in today’s market.
Appraisals are commonly used in:
How Do I Get My House Appraised?
The process is simple:
Request an appraisal — You can reach out directly to a licensed appraiser (like us) or ask your attorney, agent, or accountant for a referral.
Schedule the inspection — We’ll set a time to walk the property, take photos, and note important features.
Receive the report — Within a few days, you’ll receive a detailed report with the appraised value and supporting data.
Should I Get a Home Appraisal Before Selling?
Yes — in many cases, getting a pre-listing appraisal can help you:
Price your home accurately
Avoid underpricing or overpricing
Back up your value in negotiations
It’s especially helpful in FSBO sales, slow markets, or when you’re listing a unique property that might not have clear comps.
What Do Appraisers Look For in a House?
This is one of the most common questions we get.
Appraisers evaluate both the property itself and the market conditions around it. Some of the main factors include:
Location: Neighborhood quality, school districts, proximity to highways or nuisances
Square footage & layout: Total living area and functional flow
Condition: Overall maintenance, recent upgrades, and needed repairs
Comparable sales (comps): Recent sales of similar homes in your area
Features: Garage, basement, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, outdoor space
Upgrades: Renovated kitchens, bathrooms, new roof, HVAC, flooring, etc.
Curb appeal: Yes, the outside still counts — clean landscaping and exterior condition matter
We’re not trying to judge your décor or furniture — we’re looking at objective features that impact market value.
How Does a House Appraisal Work?
Here’s what to expect during the process:
Property Inspection
Interior + exterior walkthrough
Notes, measurements, and photos
Market Research
Pull comps from recent home sales
Adjust for size, features, and condition
Valuation
Final value is based on sales comparison approach
(or cost approach if it’s new construction)
Delivery
You receive a certified PDF report within 2–5 business days
What’s the Difference Between an Appraisal and a Zestimate?
Zestimates and online home value tools are based on algorithms — not inspections.
They don’t know your upgrades, condition, layout quirks, or local market nuances.
An appraisal is a licensed, defensible opinion of value — often used in legal and financial decisions.
Do You Offer Appraisals for New Construction, Condos, or Land?
Yes — we handle:
New construction valuations (for builders or buyers)
Condo appraisals (especially helpful in tight Atlanta markets)
Land appraisals (residential lots and infill development)
How Much Is My House Worth?
That’s exactly what a home appraisal answers — based on the current market and your property’s specifics.
If you’re in Atlanta or the surrounding areas and want a clear, unbiased opinion of value, we’re here to help.
Need an Appraisal in Atlanta? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re planning a sale, working through a legal matter, or just want clarity on your home’s worth, we make the appraisal process easy, fast, and professional.
Serving Atlanta & surrounding counties
Call/text: 4046923878
When You Need a Real Appraisal — Not an Algorithm !
As a Licensed residential appraiser in Atlanta, I provide accurate, unbiased appraisals for situations where Zillow or Redfin just aren’t enough:
Divorce Appraisals
Courts and attorneys need a defensible, impartial appraisal — not an online estimate.
Probate & Estate Valuations
Executors and heirs rely on real appraisals to report fair market value, divide property, and comply with IRS rules.
FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Pricing
Selling your home yourself? A professional appraisal helps you price it right and avoid leaving money on the table.
Investment or Cash Sales
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, knowing the true value of a home protects your bottom line.
Why Choose a Local Appraiser in Atlanta?
Unlike national websites, I bring hyper-local knowledge to every assignment. I know the difference between Kirkwood and East Lake, why property values shift near the BeltLine, and how school districts impact pricing in DeKalb and Fulton County.
As your Atlanta home appraiser, I physically inspect your home, compare real-time local comps, and deliver a detailed appraisal report that stands up to scrutiny — whether in court, in negotiations, or with the IRS.
Don’t Gamble With Your Home’s Value
Zillow and Redfin are useful tools — but they’re not a substitute for an expert. If you’re making a decision that involves equity, legality, or negotiations, you need a licensed appraiser who understands your market.
Ready to get started?
Call R.E.I Valuations at (404) 692-3878
Or request an appraisal here
Serving Atlanta, GA and surrounding areas including DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties