How Long Will An Appraiser Be At My House?

The visit and the report deadline are two different things

The time at your home is only one piece. After we leave, we still research the market, look at comparable sales and write the report.

For rough planning, allow about 30 minutes to an hour for many single-family visits. Small, simple properties can go faster, and large or complicated homes take longer. Think of that as general context, not an appointment length or a delivery promise. Ask us how much time to set aside for your home.

What can change the visit length

• Size and layout. More rooms, additions or outbuildings mean more to look at and measure.
• Property complexity. Unusual features or a complicated repair history can lead to extra questions.
• The agreed scope. The photos, measurements and observations we need depend on the assignment.
• Access. Locked areas, pets or rooms that are hard to enter can slow things down.

What happens on site

Depending on the scope, we may measure, take photographs, note features and condition, and ask what has changed at the property. Have your improvement list and any records handy, and be clear about recent work versus the condition on a past valuation date.

Make the visit easier to arrange

Let us know who will let us in and which areas need to be open. Turn on the lights, put pets away and mention any restrictions ahead of time. If a tenant or someone else lives in the home, set up access before the appointment.

Research and delivery come after the visit

A short visit doesn't mean the work is done. Comparable-sales research, checking details and writing the report take more time. Tell us about any filing or other deadline before you order, and we'll tell you what's realistic when you call.

For a Wilmington request, please include the address, property type, purpose, valuation date and deadline in your appraisal inquiry. It's fine if some of that is still a guess.