Purdy Appraisal - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Appraisal Questions
What is a real estate appraisal?
A real estate appraisal is a professional, unbiased opinion of a property’s market value. It is based on market data, comparable sales, and analysis of the property’s characteristics.
Why do I need an appraisal?
Appraisals are used in a variety of situations, including:
Buying or selling a home
Refinancing a mortgage
Divorce or legal proceedings
Estate or probate purposes
Financial planning
How is an appraisal different from a home inspection?
An appraisal determines a property’s market value.
A home inspection evaluates the condition of the property.
While both involve a site visit, they serve different purposes.
Appraisal Process & Reports
How long does an appraisal take?
Most appraisal reports are completed within 2–10 business days after the inspection, depending on the complexity of the assignment.
Why does an appraisal report take several days to complete?
An appraisal involves much more than the time spent at the property.
While the inspection is an important step, it is only a small part of the overall process. After the site visit, the appraiser must:
Research and verify comparable sales and listings
Analyze current market trends and conditions
Apply market-supported adjustments for differences between properties
Reconcile the data into a single, well-supported opinion of value
Each step requires careful analysis to ensure the final value is credible and defensible.
What does an appraiser look at during the site visit?
During the visit, the appraiser observes:
Property size and layout
Condition and quality of construction
Features and upgrades
Location and surrounding area
Photos and measurements are typically taken as part of the process.
Scheduling & Fees
How much does an appraisal cost?
Appraisal fees vary depending on the property, location, and complexity of the assignment.
Please contact us directly for a quote specific to your property.
Why do appraisal fees vary between appraisers?
Appraisal fees can vary depending on the scope of work, the complexity of the assignment, and the level of analysis performed.
Some appraisers may offer lower fees by limiting the time spent researching and analyzing the market. Others—particularly for assignments such as divorce, estate, or pre-listing appraisals—may spend more time verifying data, analyzing comparable sales, and ensuring the report is well-supported.
Factors that can affect the fee include:
Property complexity and location
The amount of research and analysis required
The intended use of the appraisal (such as litigation or financial decision-making)
Turn time and scheduling requirements
A higher fee reflects the time and analysis required to produce a credible, well-supported report.
How do I schedule an appraisal?
You can schedule an appraisal by contacting us directly through our website or by phone.
We will gather basic property details and provide a quote and available appointment times.
Divorce Appraisals
Do you handle divorce appraisals?
Yes. We regularly perform appraisals for divorce proceedings.
These assignments require careful documentation and well-supported conclusions, as the report may be used in legal proceedings.
Estate & Probate Appraisals
Do you provide estate or probate appraisals?
Yes. Estate appraisals are used to determine the market value of a property for tax or legal purposes.
These reports are often completed with a retrospective effective date.
Mortgage & Lending
Can I use your appraisal for a mortgage or refinance?
In most cases, lenders require the appraisal to be ordered through their own process or appraisal management company (AMC).
However, private appraisals can still be useful for understanding market value before applying for financing.
How do I schedule an appraisal?
📞 Call us, 📧 Email us, or submit a request online to schedule an appraisal.
Do you offer rush appraisals?
Rush appraisals may be available depending on the property, assignment type, and current schedule.
If you need a faster turnaround, please mention that when requesting a quote. Rush assignments may require an additional fee and are accepted only when the report can still be completed with the level of research and analysis required for credible results.
Need More Information?
If your question isn’t listed, feel free to contact Purdy Appraisal, LLC for expert guidance on residential real estate appraisals in Texas.
📍 Serving Fort Bend, Harris, Waller, Brazoria, Matagorda, and Montgomery Counties.
📞 Call Today | 📧 Email Us | Request an Appraisal Online
