Appraisal Process

THE Appraisal Process

Discover how our appraisers assess your home, what factors influence the appraisal, and how you can prepare for a smooth and successful appraisal. 

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How Does the Appraisal Process Work?

Understanding the appraisal process is essential for anyone involved in real estate transactions. This detailed guide will walk you through each step of the appraisal process, from the initial consultation to the delivery of the final report and beyond. From start to finish, here's everything you need to know.

Initial Consultation AND Quote

The appraisal process begins with an initial consultation between our team and you. This step involves:

  • Discussing the Purpose of the Appraisal

    We'll talk about why you need the appraisal. You could be buying, selling, refinancing, dealing with a divorce, settling an estate, applying to remove PMI, or something else entirely.

  • Property Information Collection

    We gather key details about your property, such as its location, size, type, and any unique features. For instance, a historic district might have unique architectural details that could impact its value.

  • Providing a Quote

    Based on our initial information, we give you a clear quote outlining the costs involved. For example, larger or more complex properties might have higher fees due to the increased amount of time the review will take and the overall scope of work.

  • Setting Expectations

    We explain the appraisal process, timeline, and what you can expect at each stage. Knowing the steps ahead ensures there are no surprises down the road and helps you get the right price for your property.

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Reach out to Peach Property Appraisers to get an appraisal quote and a clear understanding of what your appraisal will involve.

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Have a question? We’re here to help. Send us a message and we’ll get in touch.

Preparation for the Appraisal

Once the initial consultation is complete and you give us the green light, we begin the second step of the appraisal process—preparation.

Reviewing Public Records

We examine property tax assessments, previous sales data, and any recorded deeds or liens.

Gathering Preliminary Data

We collect data on recent sales of similar properties in the area to provide context for the appraisal.

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Scheduling the Inspection

We set up a convenient time for the on-site property inspection.

Want to ensure everything is perfectly set up? We fine-tune every detail during the preparation phase, making the consumer appraisal process a breeze.

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On-Site Property Inspection

The heart of the appraisal process is the on-site inspection. During this visit, we, as your Columbus real estate appraiser, evaluate the property's condition and features to determine the right price. This step includes:

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Exterior Inspection

  • We assess the overall condition of the exterior, including the roof, siding, windows, and foundation.
  • Solar panels of HVAC systems will be checked in the rare case that they have been added to a home.
  • We measure the property's dimensions and lot size.
  • We take photographs of the exterior and surrounding area. Photos provide a visual record of the property's condition and any unique features.
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Interior Inspection

  • We evaluate the condition of the interior, including walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures. For example, updated kitchens and bathrooms can increase a home's value.
  • We document recent upgrades or renovations, such as new kitchens, bathrooms, or flooring.
  • We measure each room and take note of its layout and functionality. We’ll gather more photos at this stage too, sometimes for reference, but often to be included in the appraisal report.
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Additional Features

  • We examine additional features, such as garages, decks, pools, or landscaping.
  • We identify any issues that could affect the property's value, such as structural damage or pest infestations. Calling out these issues is crucial for an accurate appraisal.

For a detailed on-site property inspection, we offer comprehensive services to ensure every aspect of your property is evaluated, helping to determine the appropriate appraisal number for your home.

Comparable Homes and Market Analysis

Understanding the broader context is crucial for an accurate appraisal. Below are some of the factors we examine outside of your property:

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Neighborhood Characteristics

  • We evaluate the overall quality and appeal of the neighborhood. Proximity to good schools or parks can enhance property values.
  • We consider factors such as proximity to amenities, how walkable the area is, and crime rates.
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Market Trends

  • We analyze recent sales data for comparable properties in the area. For instance, if similar homes have been selling quickly and at high prices, this indicates a strong market.
  • We examine market trends, including average days on the market, price per square foot, and demand-supply dynamics.
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Economic Factors

  • We assess broader economic factors that could impact property values, such as employment rates and local development projects. A new business development in the area might increase property values.

To get an insightful neighborhood and market analysis, we ensure a comprehensive evaluation that reflects current market conditions.

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Data Collection and Verification on Your Home

Data collection and verification are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the appraisal process. Here’s how we make sure all data is spot-on:

  • Collecting Property Data

    • We gather detailed information about the subject property, including its age, size, layout, and condition.
    • We verify property details with public records and other reliable sources.

  • Comparable Sales Data

    • We verify recent sales of comparable properties (comps) in the area are identified. This helps establish a baseline for the property's value.
    • We collect data on each comparable sale, including sale price, date of sale, and property characteristics.

  • Verification of Information

    • We cross-reference data from multiple sources, including public records, to ensure accuracy.
    • We contact real estate agents, property owners, or other parties to verify specific details if necessary.
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Our trusted and certified appraisers use a meticulous and comprehensive approach to ensure your property is accurately appraised. For precise and reliable evaluations, contact us today to get an appraisal quote and experience the difference our expertise makes.

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As your local Columbus real estate appraiser, we employ these methods to provide a precise and reliable consumer appraisal. Reach out today to get an appraisal quote and ensure you receive the right price for your property.

Valuation Methods

We use several methods to determine a property's value. The choice of method depends on the type of property and the purpose of the appraisal. The primary valuation methods include:

  • Sales Comparison Approach

    • We compare the subject property to recently sold comparable properties. This method is often used for residential properties.
    • We adjust for differences in size, condition, location, and other factors to estimate the property's value. For example, if a comparable property has a finished basement and the subject property does not, an adjustment is made.

  • Cost Approach

    • We estimate the cost to replace the property with a similar one, accounting for depreciation. This method is often used for new construction.
    • We add the land value to the replacement cost to determine the overall value. This approach is useful for unique or custom-built properties.

  • Income Approach

    • This is used primarily for income-producing properties, such as rental properties or commercial buildings.
    • We estimate the property's value based on its potential to generate income, using factors such as rental income, operating expenses, and capitalization rates.

Compiling the Appraisal Report

Once the data is collected and analyzed, our certified appraisers compile our final report. 


The subject property details tend to be the primary focus. You'll see a detailed description of the property, including its size, layout, condition, and unique features. This provides a comprehensive overview of the property.


The comps will be listed out to show the analysis of similar recent sales and market trends, supporting the final valuation and if relevant, you'll also see an overview of the neighborhood and local market conditions.


Depending upon the valuation method (described above) chosen, you may see some of the calculations performed which provide transparency to ensure the appraisal is understandable and that you're seeing an accurate price.


The appraisal report should also include any adjustments made to comparable sales and the rationale behind them.


The final estimate shows the property's value, based on all the relevant data we gathered and the analysis conducted. This is the most critical part of the report, providing the property's appraised value. 


Part of our final process includes a review for any errors or inconsistencies. While we never intend for discrepancies, human errors are possible. Should you see anything that looks out of line, please speak up. We are happy to take another look, especially if it affects the final result.


For a detailed and transparent appraisal report, we do our best to make sure every report is thorough and easy to understand but we're happy to walk you through any specifics and how they play into the outcome. There are a set of standards and regulations we must follow as licensed appraisers, but nothing should be hidden. The process is expected to be objective and therefore we can discuss what various elements have to do with your appraisal value. Open communication with your appraiser leads to trust and a better understanding of the result.


Once the report is reviewed and finalized, it will be delivered to you. Whether it's a PDF or another document type, we'll provide your report in the required digital format or hard copy. We verify that the report meets the requirements of the intended users, such as lenders or courts.

After the Appraisal

Our support doesn’t end with the delivery of the report. We offer follow-up services to ensure your complete satisfaction with the appraisal process.


We value client feedback and are open to any input you'd like to share about the appraisal process after working with us. Feedback helps improve future appraisals. Plus we want to address any concerns or questions you may have in a timely manner.


We maintain records of your appraisals should you need it for future reference. Building long-term relationships is important and one big factor in the process is giving word of mouth referrals. If you hire Peach Property Appraisers and are happy with your project, we hope you'll share our name with your neighbors if they ever need a local appraiser well versed in the Columbus market. Move forward with confidence and ensure your house receives the attention it needs from a professional Columbus real estate appraiser. Get a quote now and experience our commitment to precision and quality.

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