A plain-English guide

What is a home appraisal?

An appraisal gives you an independent, professional opinion of a property’s market value—so you can make an important real estate decision with confidence.

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  • David Rees, Real Estate Appraiser
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Well-maintained residential home with landscaped front yard
Residential specialists 1–4 family homes, condos & co-ops

The appraiser’s role

A reliable value, grounded in facts

Buying, selling, refinancing, or settling an estate can involve a lot of people and a lot of moving pieces. The appraiser’s job is focused: determine a credible opinion of value based on the property, the local market, and recent comparable sales.

David Rees of Rees Appraisal Services Corp. provides an impartial analysis—not an advocate’s number—so lenders, homeowners, buyers, and legal professionals can make informed decisions.

How it works

From inspection to final report

A good appraisal is more than a quick walk-through. It combines firsthand property observations with careful market research.

  1. 01

    Property inspection

    We observe the home’s condition, layout, living area, features, improvements, and any visible factors that may affect value.

  2. 02

    Market research

    We analyze recent sales, neighborhood trends, and comparable properties that compete with the subject in the local market.

  3. 03

    Professional analysis

    Relevant differences are adjusted and the appropriate valuation approaches are reconciled into a supported conclusion.

  4. 04

    Clear final report

    You receive a documented opinion of value with the research and reasoning needed to understand how it was reached.

Valuation methods

Three ways value may be considered

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Sales comparison

Recent comparable sales are adjusted for meaningful differences such as condition, size, location, and amenities. This is typically the primary approach for residential property.

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Cost approach

The value of the land is combined with the estimated cost to replace the improvements, less depreciation. It can be useful for newer or unique homes.

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Income approach

For income-producing property, expected rental income and local rent data may be considered as part of the overall value analysis.

Appraiser reviewing property information and market data

The final step

Reconciliation brings the evidence together

The final opinion of value is not simply an average of several numbers. The appraiser weighs the reliability and relevance of each approach, then reconciles the evidence into one well-supported conclusion.

An appraised value may differ from a contract price. Bidding pressure, seller urgency, concessions, or unusual circumstances can influence what someone agrees to pay. An appraisal remains an independent view of what the market evidence supports.

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