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