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.
How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost — And What Do Appraisers Actually Look For?
When you’re preparing to get your home appraised, the first question most homeowners ask is:
“How much is this going to cost me?”
And the second is:
“What exactly does the appraiser look for?”
This guide breaks down both — so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost?
The cost of a home appraisal typically ranges from $350 to $600 in the Atlanta area, but it depends on a few factors:
Property size and complexity — Larger or custom homes take longer to evaluate.
Purpose of the appraisal — Divorce, estate, FSBO, or pre-listing appraisals may have different fee structures.
Turnaround time — Need it in 48 hours? You’ll likely pay a rush fee.
Location — Travel distance and market variability can affect pricing.
At REI Valuations, most of our appraisal assignments fall within the $400–$500 range depending on complexity.
For more details, check out our previous blog:
How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in Atlanta?
What Do Appraisers Look for During a Home Appraisal?
Appraisers aren’t guessing — they’re following a standardized process to determine fair market value. Here’s what they evaluate:
1.
The Home’s Condition
We inspect the structure, materials, and quality — from roof to foundation. Key things we look at:
Signs of deferred maintenance (peeling paint, cracked windows, leaks)
Quality of finishes (countertops, flooring, cabinetry)
Age and condition of HVAC, roof, and major systems
2.
Functional Layout
We don’t just count bedrooms — we look at how the space flows. A functional layout with a centralized living area, private bedrooms, and a standard floor plan typically supports higher value.
3.
Square Footage (GLA)
Gross Living Area (GLA) is a major factor in valuation. Finished basements may not count the same as above-grade living areas.
4.
Upgrades and Renovations
Renovated kitchens, bathrooms, or energy-efficient systems can increase marketability — but not always dollar-for-dollar.
5.
Comparable Sales (Comps)
We analyze recent, nearby sales of similar homes — adjusting for size, condition, and features — to determine a fair and unbiased opinion of value.
Want a deeper breakdown?
Here’s what to expect during your appraisal walkthrough.
Can You Influence the Appraisal?
You can’t change the market — but you can help the process go smoothly:
Have a clean, accessible property.
Provide a list of improvements made with dates and costs.
Be present to answer questions (but don’t hover).
Related Resources
Need a Professional Appraisal?
Whether you’re going through a divorce, settling an estate, planning a sale, or appealing taxes — we provide independent, impartial appraisals trusted by homeowners across Atlanta.
Local.
Accurate.
Unbiased.
Wondering what appraisers actually look for?