If you’re buying, selling, refinancing, settling an estate, or appealing your property taxes, you may be required to obtain a home appraisal. For many homeowners, the appraisal process can feel unfamiliar and sometimes even stressful.
Understanding what happens during a home appraisal can help you feel more prepared and confident.
At Girasole Appraisal Company, we provide professional appraisal services throughout Lewiston and Western New York. Here’s what you can expect during the appraisal process.
What Is a Home Appraisal?
A home appraisal is a professional opinion of a property’s fair market value completed by a licensed appraiser.
The purpose of the appraisal is to provide an unbiased assessment of value based on:
- Property characteristics
- Condition
- Location
- Comparable sales
- Current market conditions
Lenders, attorneys, courts, homeowners, and buyers often rely on appraisals when making important financial decisions.
Step 1: Scheduling the Appraisal
The process begins by scheduling a property inspection.
The appraiser may ask for:
- Property address
- Property type
- Purpose of the appraisal
- Access information
Depending on the assignment, additional documents may also be requested.
Step 2: Property Inspection
During the inspection, the appraiser visits the property to gather information.
This typically includes evaluating:
- Square footage
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Property layout
- Overall condition
- Upgrades and renovations
- Exterior features
- Lot size
The appraiser may also take photographs and measurements as part of the inspection process.
A typical residential inspection often takes between 30 minutes and several hours depending on the property.
Step 3: Research and Market Analysis
After the inspection, the appraiser conducts additional research.
This includes reviewing:
- Recent comparable sales
- Local market trends
- Public records
- Property characteristics
- Neighborhood data
For properties in Lewiston and Western New York, local market knowledge plays an important role in selecting accurate comparable sales.
Step 4: Determining Value
Once all data has been collected and analyzed, the appraiser develops an opinion of value.
The final valuation is based on:
- Comparable sales
- Property condition
- Market trends
- Location
- Features and improvements
The goal is to determine the property’s fair market value as of a specific date.
Step 5: Completing the Appraisal Report
The final step is preparing the appraisal report.
The report typically includes:
- Property description
- Market analysis
- Comparable sales
- Supporting documentation
- Final value conclusion
This report may be provided to homeowners, lenders, attorneys, courts, or other authorized parties depending on the assignment.
What Can Homeowners Do Before an Appraisal?
While homeowners cannot control the market, there are a few things they can do to prepare:
- Ensure the property is accessible
- Complete minor repairs if needed
- Create a list of recent improvements
- Provide relevant property information
- Maintain the home in its normal condition
A clean and organized property can help the inspection process go smoothly.
Why Local Appraisal Experience Matters
Every market is different.
An appraiser familiar with Lewiston and Western New York understands local trends, neighborhood influences, and comparable sales that can impact value.
At Girasole Appraisal Company, we combine decades of appraisal experience with extensive local market knowledge to provide accurate and reliable valuations.
Need a Home Appraisal in Western New York?
Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, handling an estate, or appealing your property taxes, Girasole Appraisal Company can help.
We proudly provide residential and commercial appraisal services throughout Lewiston, Buffalo, Niagara County, and the surrounding Western New York region.