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.
Atlanta Home Appraisers for Divorce, Estate, IRS & Tax Appeal- Non-Lending Experts You Can Trust
At REI Valuations, we specialize in non-lending residential appraisals throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area. Whether you’re navigating a legal matter, planning to sell, or need to report to a government agency, our licensed home appraisers provide accurate, defensible valuations tailored to your unique situation.
Below is an overview of the appraisal services we offer:
Divorce Appraisals (Family Law)
If you’re going through a divorce, you may need a formal appraisal to determine the fair market value of the marital home. Our impartial appraisals help support equitable distribution of assets and are accepted in court. We work closely with attorneys and both parties to ensure the report is clear, timely, and defensible.
Settling an estate or dealing with probate? Our estate appraisals are commonly used to establish the date-of-death value or retrospective value of the property for inheritance and tax reporting. We help fiduciaries, executors, heirs, and attorneys handle estate matters with confidence and compliance.
Gifting a property or facing an audit? The IRS requires a qualified appraisal when reporting real estate gifts or preparing estate tax filings. We provide USPAP-compliant reports tailored to IRS Form 709 and Form 706 needs, ensuring accuracy and credibility in case of review.
Property Tax Appeal Appraisals
Think your tax assessment is too high? You may be overpaying in property taxes. We conduct independent, well-supported appraisals that can be used in tax appeal hearings to help you reduce your annual property tax burden.
Pre-Listing Appraisals (FSBO & Agent)
Before you list your home for sale, especially as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), a pre-listing appraisal gives you confidence in your asking price. It also provides an objective baseline for negotiating with buyers or agents. We help you price with precision.
We also complete appraisals for purposes such as bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, asset division, and financial planning. Our focus is strictly on private-party, non-lender work — no bank or AMC red tape, just responsive, personalized service.
Locally Based: We serve the Atlanta Metro Area and understand its neighborhood-level nuances.
Licensed & Insured: You get a credentialed appraiser, not an automated estimate.
Experienced in Legal Work: We’re fluent in USPAP, retrospective appraisals, and court-ready reports.
Direct-to-Consumer Focus: No middlemen, just real answers from real professionals.
Attorney & CPA Approved: We frequently collaborate with professionals across probate, tax, and family law.
If you need a reliable home appraisal for divorce, estate, tax appeal, or IRS purposes, we’re here to help.
Get a fast, confidential quote:
Visit www.rei-valuations.com/home-appraisal-request
Or call/text us directly: 4046923878
Serving Fulton, Dekalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and surrounding Atlanta counties.
How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in Atlanta?
Understanding local pricing, what influences it, and how to choose the right appraiser
If you’re preparing for a real estate transaction, dealing with a divorce, handling probate, or even protesting your property taxes, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“How much does a home appraisal cost in Atlanta?”
It’s a fair question—and the answer can vary depending on your situation.
Average Home Appraisal Costs in the Atlanta Metro Area
In the Atlanta metropolitan area, the typical cost for a standard single-family home appraisal ranges from $375 to $700, depending on:
Size and complexity of the property
Intended use (e.g., divorce, estate, tax appeal, pre-listing, etc.)
Location/accessibility (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, Gwinnett, etc.)
Turnaround time (rush orders cost more)
For example:
A small, typical home in East Point or Forest Park might fall near the lower end of the range.
A unique or larger property in Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, or Decatur may require a more in-depth analysis and cost more.
Specialized use cases like probate or divorce appraisals often include additional reporting or documentation requirements, which can affect pricing.
Why the Range?
Not all appraisals are created equal. Here’s what might influence your quote:
Property Type: Condos, single-family homes, or multi-family units can require different levels of analysis.
Intended Use: Appraisals for legal purposes (e.g., court testimony, IRS compliance) must meet stricter standards.
Report Format: Some clients request restricted-use reports (like our new [Home Value Audit service]) vs. full narrative appraisals.
Timeframe: If you need a 24- to 48-hour rush, there’s typically a surcharge.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
At REI Valuations, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all pricing. Instead, we offer free consultations to help you understand exactly what type of appraisal you need—and what it should cost—based on your property and your situation.
Whether you’re in Brookhaven, College Park, Marietta, or Lawrenceville, we’re happy to review your needs and provide a transparent quote.
Independent. Impartial. Local.
As certified residential appraisers, we serve the entire Atlanta metro area with independent, unbiased appraisals for:
We bring deep local knowledge, proprietary valuation methods, and fast turnaround times—without cutting corners.
Ready to Know What Your Home Is Really Worth?
Whether you’re in Roswell, South Fulton, Stone Mountain, or Peachtree City, we’re here to help.
Request your home appraisal today or call/text us directly for a custom quote.
Let’s bring clarity to your next big decision.
Divorce Appraisals: Why a Professional Home Appraisal Is Essential During Divorce.
What Is a Divorce Appraisal and Why Is It Important?
If you’re going through a divorce and real estate is involved, obtaining a divorce appraisal is one of the most important steps in ensuring a fair property settlement. A divorce appraisal is a licensed home valuation that determines the fair market value of the property at the time of the divorce.
Whether you or your spouse plan to sell the home, refinance, or buy the other out, a professional real estate appraisal ensures that all parties have a clear, unbiased understanding of the home’s value.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Online Estimates
Many homeowners turn to online tools like Zillow or Redfin for quick home values. While helpful for ballpark figures, these platforms don’t account for:
Unique property features
Local market conditions
Recent updates or deferred maintenance
Neighborhood-specific trends
A licensed divorce appraisal follows USPAP guidelines and is defensible in court or mediation — making it the only trustworthy valuation method in a divorce situation.
Who Typically Orders a Divorce Appraisal?
In most divorce cases:
The appraisal can be jointly ordered by both parties for neutrality
Or each party may hire their own appraiser and compare values
Whether ordered jointly or independently, an accurate home valuation can minimize disputes, reduce legal costs, and speed up settlement.
What Happens During the Divorce Appraisal Process?
A licensed appraiser visits the property for an inspection.
The appraiser researches local market data and comparable sales.
A full report is prepared showing the fair market value of the property.
The appraisal is delivered to both parties or their attorneys for review.
Why Choose R.E.I Valuations for Divorce Appraisals?
At R.E.I Valuations, we specialize in divorce home appraisals in the Atlanta Metro area. We offer:
Fast turnaround times
USPAP-compliant reports
Full confidentiality
Expertise in high-stakes, emotionally sensitive situations
We serve attorneys, mediators, and homeowners across the Atlanta Metro area.
Need a Divorce Appraisal Near You? Contact Us Today.
Don’t leave your property division to chance. A divorce appraisal ensures you receive a fair and accurate valuation — backed by a professional, licensed real estate appraiser.
Contact us now to schedule your divorce appraisal in Atlanta, Ga today.
If you’re ready to get started, you can request your divorce appraisal here !
Why you should review your property Tax Assessment Every Year !
Every year, homeowners in Atlanta receive a property tax assessment notice from their local county or municipality—but many don’t give it a second look. These notices detail your property’s assessed value, which directly affects how much you’ll pay in taxes. The problem? These values are sometimes inaccurate, especially if your property was overvalued or not updated to reflect recent market changes. That means you could be paying more than your fair share in property taxes.
The good news is, you have the right to appeal your property tax assessment. If you believe the value listed is too high, you can submit an appeal—often with the help of a professional appraisal or market data—to argue for a more accurate valuation. This can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year, especially if your appeal is successful. Many jurisdictions only allow a short window of time to file, so it’s important to act quickly once notices are mailed out.
As a homeowner in the Atlanta metro area, staying informed is key. Mark your calendar around the time your local assessment notices typically go out—usually in the spring or early summer—and review the numbers closely. If something doesn’t add up, consider reaching out to a local appraiser or tax consultant to review your options. An appeal might seem intimidating, but it’s a smart financial move that could help keep your housing costs in check.
Need help reviewing your assessment or preparing an appraisal for your appeal? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you determine if you’re being overtaxed—and what to do about it.
If you’re ready to get started, you can request your tax appeal appraisal here!