🧮 What Really Happens During a Home Appraisal?

Once your home is under contract, one of the most important steps is the appraisal — especially if the buyer is using a mortgage. The appraisal determines the home’s fair market value and ensures the lender isn’t loaning more than the property is worth.

A licensed appraiser visits your home and compares it to recent local sales. They consider square footage, condition, upgrades, and market trends. The appraisal is usually scheduled by the buyer’s lender and occurs within the first 1–2 weeks after contract acceptance.

Your Realtor will help prepare for the appraisal by creating a list of upgrades, comps, and relevant data. They may also meet the appraiser to point out key improvements or neighborhood advantages.

Pro Tip: Clean, staged homes show better — even to appraisers. While cosmetic features don’t directly affect value, perception can influence interpretation.

If the appraisal comes in low, your Realtor will guide the next steps — which may include price negotiation, rebuttal with new comps, or contract adjustments.

Understanding how appraisals work prepares sellers for a smoother closing process. A proactive agent helps protect your deal.