Updated August 17, 2026. General appraisal information only; not legal, tax, lending, engineering or accounting advice.
Confirm the appraisal problem
Identify who is ordering the report, who may rely on it and what decision it supports. A homeowner, attorney, trustee or lender may have different needs. A report prepared for one client cannot automatically be repurposed by every party.
Confirm the property interest and whether the value date is current or historical. Changing the date later can change the comparable-sale period, property-condition evidence and entire scope of work.
Prepare the property record
Useful documents include deeds, surveys, tax maps, leases, renovation records, permits, prior listings and information about acreage, waterfront rights, accessory units or outbuildings.
Disclose additions, second kitchens, unfinished projects, damage and access limitations. The appraiser verifies facts independently where possible, but complete records reduce avoidable assumptions and delay.
Coordinate a complete inspection
When an interior and exterior inspection is required, make relevant rooms, mechanical areas, basements, garages, accessory buildings and site features reasonably accessible.
Tell the appraiser in advance about occupants, pets, environmental concerns or areas controlled by another party. A rushed or partial inspection may require a limitation that affects the usefulness of the report.
Understand the appraiser's role
The appraisal develops an independent opinion of value for the stated effective date and use. It does not decide exemptions, divide assets, resolve liens, establish title or advise whether a bankruptcy filing is appropriate.
Legal, tax and filing questions belong with qualified counsel and other advisors. Keep communications factual and avoid pressure to reach a preferred result.
Allow time for complex research
Retrospective dates, unusual ownership, sparse comparable data and complex improvements can require expanded research. Court or filing deadlines do not eliminate the need for verification and quality control.
Discuss potential testimony, deposition or consultation before engagement. Those services are distinct from preparing the appraisal report and may require a separate scope.
Planning checklist
- Identify client and intended users
- Confirm intended use
- Confirm property interest
- Confirm current or historical effective date
- Provide deed and survey
- List major improvements
- Arrange complete access
- Identify unusual land or units
- Discuss testimony needs
- Keep communications factual
Send the address, intended use, effective date and unusual property features so the assignment can be reviewed before scheduling.
Request an AppraisalFrequently asked questions
Can a tax assessment replace the appraisal?
A tax assessment serves taxation and may not answer the required value question, date or scope.
Can the appraisal use a past date?
A retrospective appraisal may be possible when adequate historical property and market evidence is available.
Does the appraiser decide what the court accepts?
No. The appraiser provides an independent opinion; legal treatment belongs to the appropriate decision-maker.
Should repairs be completed first?
Do not alter the property merely for the appraisal without advice. The report should reflect the applicable effective-date condition.