Once the purchase agreement is signed, the next step in the home buying or selling process is usually the home appraisal. Lenders order this to ensure the property is worth the mortgage they’re preparing to issue—or, in the case of refinancing, to confirm the current owner’s equity. It’s important to note that a home appraisal is different from a home inspection, which should already be completed.

How the Appraisal Works
Typically, the lender schedules the appraisal with a licensed professional, who will contact the homeowner to arrange a convenient time. While some appraisers don’t mind the owner being present, most prefer to conduct the appraisal independently.

What Sellers Can Do to Prepare
To make the process smoother, sellers should have a few items ready:

• Recent tax information
• Property survey
• A list of items included in the sale
• Any information about home additions, including costs and construction dates

Before the Appraiser Arrives
Appraisers start their assessment before stepping inside the home. They research the local Orlando market and review comparable sales in your neighborhood, much like a listing agent does when pricing a home.

During the Appraisal
Once on-site, the appraiser evaluates both the interior and exterior of the property:

• Curb appeal and overall exterior condition
• Home upgrades or additions
• Condition of surrounding homes
• Number of rooms, square footage, building materials, and finishes
• Condition of flooring, windows, foundation, and home systems
• Basement, attic, and crawl spaces for water or insect damage

Costs and Timing
Most of the time, the appraisal fee is included in the loan agreement. If not, it is typically paid by the buyer at closing. While a home inspection may take several hours, the appraisal report is usually delivered to the lender within about seven business days. Appraisers commonly use the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report to document their findings.

The Bottom Line
When sellers and buyers are prepared, the appraisal usually confirms the home’s market value, helping the sale move forward smoothly. In Orlando’s dynamic housing market, understanding the appraisal process can reduce surprises and ensure a successful closing—bringing new homeowners one step closer to settling into their dream Florida home.

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Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

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