09/08/2026
Once a home is under contract, an appraisal becomes an important part of the mortgage process.
The appraisal provides an independent opinion of the property's value and helps the lender evaluate the home being used as collateral for the loan. The appraiser considers factors such as the property's characteristics, condition, location, and comparable recent sales.
An appraisal is different from a home inspection. The appraisal focuses primarily on value and applicable property requirements, while an inspection is generally intended to help the buyer understand the home's condition.
Knowing where the appraisal fits into the process can help buyers better understand what is happening between an accepted offer and closing day.