Do Appraisers Go Inside the Home? What You Need to Know About Interior Inspections, Measurements & Expert Valuations in Atlanta.
Do appraisers actually come inside the home?
The short answer: Yes, they usually do.
But let’s break it down.
Why Appraisers Typically Go Inside the Home
In most appraisal assignments—whether for divorce, estate settlement, property tax appeal, or pre-listing—a full interior and exterior inspection is required to provide an accurate, credible valuation.
Appraisers evaluate:
Interior condition, finishes & upgrades
Room count & functional layout
Signs of deferred maintenance
Updates (kitchens, baths, flooring, systems)
Square footage (gross living area)
While drive-by or desktop appraisals exist, those are usually limited-use and not suitable for legal, IRS, or high-stakes valuation purposes.
Do Appraisers Measure the Home Too?
Yes—certified appraisers provide professional home measurement services, especially for clients who need:
Accurate square footage for listing
Verification against county records
Pre-sale documentation for FSBO or agents
Evidence for property tax disputes
Our Home Measurement Services use ANSI-compliant standards and laser tools to ensure reliable results, often bundled with or separate from full appraisal reports.
When You Need an Expert Witness Appraiser
We’re often called upon as expert witness appraisers in divorce cases, estate disputes, or litigation involving property value. These assignments require:
Defensible, court-ready reports
USPAP-compliant methodology
Familiarity with Georgia court systems
Ability to testify confidently and credibly
Whether you’re working with an attorney or preparing for trial, we deliver impartial, expert valuations designed to hold up under scrutiny.
Need a date-of-death appraisal for estate settlement or IRS Form 706?
Our certified appraisers specialize in Atlanta estate appraisals, providing:
Appraisal Cost: What to Expect
Pricing varies depending on the assignment type, property size, and urgency.
Typical costs:
We always offer transparent, flat-fee pricing—no surprises, no hidden costs.
If you’re searching for a “home appraiser near me,” or wondering if appraisers enter the property—know that a quality appraisal starts with a full interior inspection and precise measurements.
Whether you need a trusted valuation for court, taxes, listing prep, or peace of mind—REI Valuations & Advisory is here to help.
Serving Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, and the greater Atlanta area.
Request an Appraisal or Home Measurement Now
October 31, 2025
Certified & Licensed Real Estate Appraisers in Atlanta: Serving the Metro Area with Professional Valuation Services.
When searching for a certified real estate appraiser near you in the Atlanta metropolitan area, it’s important to find a professional who is not only licensed but also understands the complexity and nuance of each unique assignment type. At REI Valuations & Advisory, we specialize in delivering accurate, impartial, and court-ready valuation services throughout Atlanta and the surrounding counties.
Why Working with a Certified or Licensed Appraiser Matters
Whether you’re a homeowner, attorney, executor, or investor, hiring a licensed real estate appraiser in Georgia ensures that your property valuation is:
Accepted by courts, tax authorities, and government agencies
Based on local market expertise and deep knowledge of Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods and submarkets
Our team is state-certified, and we stay up to date with the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board’s latest licensing standards and compliance requirements.
Real Estate Appraisal Services We Offer in Metro Atlanta
We don’t just provide appraisals — we solve problems. Our real estate valuation services are custom-tailored to your situation. Common assignment types include:
Accurate, impartial valuations built for equitable distribution in contested or uncontested divorce cases.
Date-of-death appraisals for estate settlement, inheritance, or IRS tax purposes. We work closely with estate attorneys and personal representatives.
Set the right asking price before listing your home — whether you’re working with an agent or selling by owner (FSBO).
Property Tax Appeal Appraisals
Challenge a high property tax assessment with an independent valuation that meets county appeal standards.
Get a defensible property value for bankruptcy filings — we provide reports used by trustees, courts, and attorneys.
Home Measurement / ANSI-Compliant Sketches
Ensure accurate square footage with our professional measurement services, following the ANSI Z765-2021 standard.
Land Appraisals & Investor Reports
We also offer vacant land appraisals and ARV market analysis reports for flippers, landlords, and builders.
We proudly serve the entire Atlanta metro area, including:
Why Clients Choose REI Valuations & Advisory
Need a Certified Appraiser in Atlanta?
If you’re looking for a licensed or certified real estate appraiser near Atlanta, we’re here to help. From family law and estate cases to tax appeals and investment analysis — we deliver valuation clarity when it matters most.
Call us now or request a quote online:
www.rei-valuations.com/home-appraisal-request
October 28 2025 8:00pm
Professional Home Measurement Services in Atlanta and Surrounding Counties.
Get Accurate, Professional Home Measurement Services Near You
Whether you’re a homeowner preparing to sell, a real estate agent listing a property, or an investor double-checking property specs — knowing your home’s true square footage is essential. At REI Valuations & Advisory, we provide certified home measurement services in Atlanta, Georgia, and throughout the surrounding metro counties, helping you avoid costly errors and valuation disputes.
What Are Home Measurement Services?
Home measurement services involve a licensed professional physically measuring the exterior and/or interior of a property using industry-standard methods, such as ANSI guidelines or appraiser-based methodology. The result is a precise sketch and verified square footage that can be used for:
Our measurement reports include:
Exterior perimeter measurements (detached homes)
Interior dimensions (townhomes, condos)
Floorplan sketches
Gross Living Area (GLA) breakdowns
Non-GLA areas (garage, porches, basements)
Clear labeling and square footage by level
Why Accurate Home Measurements Matter
Too often, MLS listings rely on outdated or inaccurate tax records. Overstated square footage can lead to legal liability, while understated GLA can leave money on the table when selling.
As licensed appraisers, we don’t just measure — we apply professional judgment based on market norms and compliance standards. You’ll walk away with a defensible, third-party measurement that can be used confidently in any transaction.
Home Measurement Services in Atlanta Metro — Areas We Serve
We proudly serve homeowners, agents, and attorneys throughout the greater Atlanta region. If you’re searching for home measurement services near me, we’re your go-to source in:
Fulton County (Atlanta, South Fulton, Sandy Springs, College Park)
Gwinnett County (Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Snellville)
How to Schedule a Home Measurement
We offer flexible appointments and quick turnaround for urgent listing deadlines. Our process is simple:
Initial Call – We learn your needs, property type, and timeline.
On-Site Visit – We conduct the measurement in person using laser tools and best practices.
Report Delivery – Within 24–48 hours, you’ll receive a PDF sketch and full GLA breakdown.
Whether you’re listing a home FSBO, preparing for a tax appeal, or want a neutral third-party square footage report, we can help.
Request a Home Measurement Today
If you need home measurement services in Atlanta, Georgia, or in Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb, Henry, or Paulding County, reach out today.
We’re fast, accurate, and independent — because your square footage shouldn’t be a guessing game.
Call now 4046923878 or
October 8th 2025
2025 Guide to Home & Land Appraisals in Metro Atlanta: What You Need to Know
If you’re a homeowner, attorney, investor, or executor in the Atlanta metro area, understanding how home and land appraisals work in 2025 can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re going through a divorce, settling an estate, appealing property taxes, or simply planning a sale, a professional appraisal is your key to clarity and confidence. Here’s everything you need to know about how appraisals work, how much they cost, why the price varies, and what to expect from the process.
A home appraisal is an independent, third-party opinion of value, based on detailed analysis of the property, comparable sales, and local market trends. In the greater Atlanta area, this includes counties like Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Douglas, and beyond. A typical appraisal includes a property inspection, market research, adjustments for features and condition, and a written report that states the appraiser’s final opinion of value.
The process typically looks like this: (1) the client initiates the request and receives a letter of engagement, (2) the appraiser conducts background research, (3) an on-site inspection is performed (including photos, measurements, and notes), (4) comparable sales are analyzed and adjusted, (5) the report is written and delivered, and (6) follow-up questions, if any, are addressed.
Why appraisal costs vary in Atlanta
Appraisal fees in metro Atlanta can vary significantly based on several factors. While most standard residential appraisals range from $400 to $750, more complex assignments may fall outside that range.
Here are some of the key factors that drive cost variation in Atlanta home appraisals:
Property size and complexity: Larger homes with more square footage, multiple floors, or outbuildings take more time to measure, inspect, and adjust for. Complex layouts or unique features (like basements, additions, or accessory dwelling units) also add to the workload.
Location and accessibility: If the property is in a remote or rural area, or in a gated community with limited access, travel time and coordination can increase the overall cost. Properties with difficult terrain or no paved access may also require extra effort.
Type of report and level of detail: A full narrative appraisal for legal or litigation purposes requires more explanation, support, and documentation than a restricted-use report or basic summary form. The more detailed and comprehensive the report, the higher the fee.
Legal or expert witness involvement: If the appraiser may be asked to testify in court, sit for a deposition, or defend the appraisal under cross-examination, the assignment typically includes expert witness fees, preparation time, and added liability considerations.
Additional services: Services like property measurement sketches, floor plans, consultations, multiple value scenarios, or site revisits may incur additional fees depending on the assignment.
Divorce is one of the most common reasons people request an appraisal in metro Atlanta. When real estate is part of marital assets, a clear, impartial valuation helps attorneys and spouses make informed decisions—whether it’s for buyouts, asset division, or court proceedings.
Divorce appraisals are often retrospective, meaning they value the property as of the date of separation or filing—not today. This requires historical data, old sales, and market trend analysis, which increases the complexity and cost. In many cases, both parties may agree to use one neutral appraiser, or each side may retain their own.
If litigation is involved, the appraiser may need to testify as an expert witness. This includes preparing exhibits, attending depositions, or explaining the valuation methodology under oath. Not all appraisers offer this level of service, so it’s important to work with one experienced in family law and court-ready reporting.
Unlike residential homes, land requires a different appraisal approach. There are no bedrooms or bathrooms—just raw acreage, zoning codes, utility access, topography, and development potential. Whether you’re buying a vacant lot, subdividing land, or investing in future development, land valuation hinges on factors like:
Estate, probate, and IRS-related appraisals
If you’re handling the estate of a loved one, you may be required to obtain a “date of death” appraisal for estate tax, probate court, or financial planning. These retrospective valuations are based on the market value as of the decedent’s date of passing, not the current market.
IRS Form 706 and Form 709 often require credible appraisal documentation to support real property valuations used in estate tax or gift tax calculations. These appraisals must follow USPAP standards and include specific disclosures and certifications.
Probate attorneys often rely on our appraisals to settle real estate values for asset distribution, trust funding, or court filings. We also provide services to estate planners who want to establish stepped-up basis or document gift transfers among family members.
Expert witness and litigation support
In cases where valuation is contested—such as divorce, partnership disputes, tax appeals, or condemnation—the appraiser may need to serve as an expert witness. This involves more than just writing a report. It includes preparing for deposition, answering discovery, producing supplemental exhibits, and testifying in court if needed.
Expert witness assignments carry a higher fee structure due to the added risk, time, and liability. When real estate values are under legal dispute, credibility and professionalism matter more than ever. We support both attorneys and private parties in navigating these high-stakes scenarios with clear, defensible valuations.
Home measurement and floor plan services
In addition to full appraisals, we offer standalone home measurement and floor plan services for agents, homeowners, and investors who need accurate square footage or marketing materials. Whether you’re verifying a home’s GLA (Gross Living Area), preparing for MLS listing, or disputing a tax assessment, having a professional measurement sketch ensures you’re not underreporting or overstating a property’s size.
All measurements are conducted using ANSI-compliant methods, and sketches are delivered in both digital and PDF format. This service is especially useful when tax records are outdated or inconsistent with actual property dimensions.
What to expect when ordering an appraisal
Here’s what clients can typically expect when working with us in 2025:
Transparent pricing based on urgency, complexity, location, and assignment type
A formal letter of engagement outlining scope, cost, and timeline
On-site inspection with photos and measurements
Delivery of a USPAP-compliant report via email or secure portal
Optional add-ons like floor plans, surveys, or expert testimony prep
Responsive support if clarification or revisions are needed
Most reports are completed within 5–7 business days, but urgent cases or litigation timelines can be expedited when necessary.
Get clarity with confidence
If you’re facing a major life event—divorce, estate settlement, tax filing, litigation, or selling your home—don’t guess on value. A professional appraisal offers certainty, peace of mind, and a credible foundation for decision-making.
We proudly serve the entire Atlanta metro area, including Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Douglas, and surrounding counties. Whether you need a single-family appraisal, land valuation, expert witness report, or property measurement, we’re here to help.
Reach out today for a free consultation or to request a quote.
Phone: 4046923878
October 2025