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Appraisal Blog
Learn about home appraisals, appraisal waivers, property inspection waivers, how to prepare and home appraisal tips, what an appraiser looks at, how long appraisals take and more. Appraisal blog written by AZ property appraiser, Steve Leavitt. 
June 19, 2025 Bigger Isn’t Always Better: Why Large Homes Can Appraise for Less Than You ExpectThink bigger always means more value? Not always. Discover why large homes in Phoenix & Scottsdale can appraise lower than expected - and what to do about it. 
May 15, 2025 Private Appraisals for Flips and Rentals: Are They Worth It?Thinking of flipping or renting? A private appraisal helps investors make smarter decisions with accurate property value insights. Here's why it’s worth it.
April 10, 2025 Navigating Land Appraisals: What You Need to KnowLooking to understand land values in Phoenix and the surrounding area? Dive into everything you need to know about land appraisals - what they are, how they're different from home appraisals, and why they're essential for your real estate decisions.
March 11, 2025 Before The Appraisal: FHA Home Inspection ChecklistSelling or refinancing with an FHA loan? Avoid delays by reviewing an FHA Home Inspection Checklist before your appraisal. Learn what to expect and how to prepare.
February 18, 2025 Who Should Attend The Home Appraisal?Can homeowners, buyers, or agents be present during an appraisal? Find out who should (and shouldn’t) be there to keep the process smooth and unbiased.
January 14, 2025 Why a Traditional Appraisal is Better Than an Appraisal WaiverAppraisal waiver or full appraisal? Know the risks! Skipping an appraisal might sound convenient, but it could cost you. Here's why a traditional appraisal is the smarter choice.
January 10, 2025 Appraisal Waiver – Good or Bad?An Appraisal Waiver, or Property Inspection Waiver (PIW), lets you skip the appraisal—but it’s not always a smart move. Know the risks before you waive it.
December 17, 2024 Home Appraisals and Confidentiality: What You Need to KnowIs your appraisal confidential? From divorce cases to estate matters, discover how appraisers protect your information with fairness, integrity, and privacy.
Nov 20, 2024 The Most Common Appraisal Repairs: What You Need To KnowDiscover the most common repairs that come up during home appraisals—and how to fix them before they delay your sale or refinance.
Oct 16, 2024 The Role of Real Estate Appraisals in Estate & DivorceReal estate appraisals help ensure fair property division in estate planning and divorce settlements with accurate, impartial valuations.
Sept 26, 2024 How AVMs Affect Home AppraisalsAVMs offer quick estimates but often miss critical home details like upgrades and condition. Learn how they compare to in-person appraisals.
Sept 10, 2024 What Is An Appraisal Review?If a home appraisal raises red flags, an appraisal review ensures accuracy and reliability in the valuation process. Here's when and why it's needed.
Sept 3, 2024 What Does A Home Appraiser Do? Understanding The Appraisal ProcessEver wondered what goes into a home appraisal? From research to comps to valuation, the process begins long before the appraiser steps inside your home.
Aug 27, 2024 Who Pays For The Home Appraisal?A home appraisal is key to securing a mortgage—but who foots the bill? Find out who typically pays for the appraisal and why it's a necessary step.
Aug 13, 2024 What Is An AMC? Why Should Homeowners Care?If you’re getting an appraisal through a lender, chances are they’re using an AMC. Learn what an Appraisal Management Company does—and why it matters to you.
July 8, 2024 After The Home Appraisal – 5 Things To DoThe appraisal is done, but your job isn't! Discover 5 important steps to take after the home appraisal to keep your sale or refinance on track.
June 18, 2024 5 Reasons To Get A Home Appraisal – Even If You're Not BuyingYou don’t need to be buying or selling to get a home appraisal. From tax disputes to estate planning, here are 5 smart reasons to know your home’s value.
April 16, 2024 What’s Included In The Square Footage Of A House?Not all space counts as square footage. Learn what’s included (and what’s not) when appraisers calculate livable area in a home appraisal.
March 25, 2024 Home Value After A FireDoes a fire decrease the value of a home? The answer depends on whether the home will be sold as-is or if the homeowner plans to restore it.
February 23, 2024 Speaker for Real Estate Sales Meetings? Bring in a Local Expert AppraiserLooking for a speaker? Steve Leavitt shares real estate trends, how to select comparables, and appraisal insights with real estate professionals.
January 15, 2024 10 Home Appraisal Myths You Should IgnoreSeveral myths surround the home appraisal process—and it’s easy to see why. This blog sets the record straight with facts you can trust.
October 19, 2023 Do Appraisers Know The Selling Price?Yes, appraisers usually know the home’s selling price—it’s on the forms. But that doesn’t mean they appraise to match it. Learn how it works.
September 26, 2023 Do Smart Home Features Increase Your Home Value?Smart-home tech is trending—but does it actually raise your home's value? We break down how features like cameras and thermostats impact appraisals.
August 21, 2023 Does A Pool Add Value To A Home?Pools are a popular upgrade in Arizona—but do they boost appraisal value? Find out what appraisers look for and what return you might expect.
July 27, 2023 Role of Technology In Home AppraisalsTechnology enhances accuracy and streamlines the appraisal process. Learn how data tools and digital systems improve today’s home valuations.
June 26, 2023 Does A Messy Home Affect An Appraisal?A little clutter won’t tank your value—but extreme mess can impact access or visibility, which may affect your appraisal. Here’s when to worry.
May 25, 2023 Do Appraisers Know The Loan Amount?Appraisers usually know the home’s sales price—but not the loan amount. Here’s why that separation helps maintain an unbiased valuation.
April 13, 2023 What Are Comparables?Comparables—or comps—are similar nearby homes recently sold. Learn how appraisers choose them to determine a fair market value for your property.
March 21, 2023 Common Errors To Look For In Your Property AppraisalThink your home was undervalued? You may be right. Learn how to spot common appraisal errors and what to do if you find them.
February 17, 2023 Do Water Leaks & Mold Remediation Affect The Value Of A Home?Water leaks and mold can impact your home’s value. Learn what appraisers look for and how remediation affects valuation.
January 30, 2023 Appraised Value, Market Value & Assessed Value: What’s The Difference?Appraised, market, and assessed value serve different purposes. Here's how to tell them apart and why each matters in real estate decisions.
November 17, 2022 Converting A Garage: How Much Value Does It Add?Converting a garage to living space? It might boost your home’s value—if done right. See what appraisers consider before and after the project.
October 28, 2022 Selling in 2022? Price It RightIf you're planning to sell, pricing your home correctly is key. See why real estate pros and appraisers agree: don’t overprice in this market.
September 13, 2022 How To Prepare Your Home For An AppraisalAn appraiser is coming—now what? Here are a few smart ways to prep your home ahead of time and help ensure a smooth, accurate appraisal.
August 6, 2022 Alternative Appraisals – Why You Should Avoid ThemAlternative appraisals sound convenient—but they often miss the mark. Learn why full appraisals offer more accurate, reliable property valuations.
June 29, 2022 Phoenix Housing MarketHow is the Phoenix housing market halfway into 2022? Is the predicted downturn actually happening? Let’s take a look.
June 27, 2022 Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?With the cost of solar going down, many AZ homeowners are considering solar panels—but do they actually increase home value?
May 18, 2022 Appraisal Challenges with Current Housing MarketWith home sales hitting a 15-year high, appraisers face new challenges. Phoenix appraiser Steve Leavitt shares what’s changed.
April 21, 2022 What Is A Reverse Mortgage?Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood. Here’s what they are, how they work, and if this option might be right for you.
February 23, 2022 Cost-Effective Ways of Upgrading Your Home OfficeUpgrading your home office doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Learn how to create a focused, productive workspace without overspending.
January 20, 2022 Why An Appraiser’s Home Measurements MatterAccurate square footage is essential in listings—it impacts buyer expectations and can affect value. Here’s why it matters.
December 20, 2021 What Realtors Forget To Tell Buyers About Their AppraisalRealtors don’t always explain what happens post-closing. Learn what to expect from the appraisal process even after you move in.
October 20, 2021 Can I Order My Own Appraisal?Can you speed things up by ordering your own appraisal? Not always—but in some cases, you can. Here’s when and how.
September 29, 2021 Can You Get A Second Opinion On A Home Appraisal?Think your appraisal came in too low? You may have options. Here’s when getting a second opinion makes sense—and what to do next.
August 23, 2021 5 Questions To Ask Your AppraiserYou can’t influence the outcome, but you can ask questions. Here are 5 smart ones to ask your appraiser during the process.
July 27, 2021 5 Things That Hurt A Home AppraisalWhat can bring your home’s value down during an appraisal? From safety hazards to poor condition, here’s what to avoid.
June 21, 2021 10 Things An Appraiser Evaluates In A HomeWhat do appraisers really look at? Here are the top 10 factors that can impact your home’s appraised value.
May 6, 2021 Get More From Your Outdoor Space With One Of These Backyard StructuresDecks, gazebos, sunrooms, or pergolas? Here’s how each option adds comfort, shade, and value to your backyard—plus their pros and cons.
September 23, 2020 Do Appraisers See All The Offers Made?Wondering if appraisers see multiple offers? Here’s what actually gets shared—and what doesn’t—depending on your Realtor.
August 27, 2020 How Long Does An Appraisal Take?From the on-site visit to the paperwork behind the scenes, here’s how long a home appraisal actually takes—and what affects the timeline.
July 28, 2020 How Does A Home Appraisal Work?Buying or refinancing? Learn how home appraisals work and what to expect when an appraiser visits your property.
June 25, 2020 Can An AZ Sunroom Be Included As Livable Sq Feet?Thinking about buying a home with a sunroom? Here's what appraisers look for when determining if it counts toward total livable square footage.
May 1, 2020 What Are Appraisal Extensions & Appraisal Updates?Did your appraisal expire before closing? Here’s how appraisal extensions and updates work—and when they’re needed.
April 2, 2020 Easy DIY Home Improvements That Pack a WallopWant to improve your home without breaking the bank? These DIY projects are affordable, easy, and deliver big impact.
Feb 25, 2020 What Is A Bifurcated Appraisal?Learn why bifurcated appraisals are controversial, how they work, and what they could mean for your home’s value.
Jan 13, 2020 Appraisal Repairs – Required or Not?Some appraisals come back with required repairs. Learn which issues can delay your sale—and how to prepare for them.
October 16, 2019 Anyone Can Request An AppraisalAppraisals aren’t just for banks. Homeowners, investors, and even curious buyers can request one—here’s when it makes sense.
May 21, 2019 Lowering Appraisal Requirements: Waivers & MoreAppraisal requirements are changing. Learn what waivers, desktop appraisals, and policy shifts could mean for your next loan.
May 10, 2019 Does The Home Appraisal Value Change Frequently?Appraisal values aren’t updated weekly like stock prices. Here's how often values change and what triggers those shifts.
May 5, 2019 Skipping The Home Appraisal Can Cost ThousandsWhen a homebuyer skipped the appraisal and relied on an AVM, the outcome was a disaster. Learn why expert insight is worth it.
March 18, 2019 Comparables Less Than 3 Months OldCan you request that an appraisal only use recent sales? We explain how appraisers choose comps and what you can expect.
February 18, 2019 Home Appraisal Quality RatingsWondering what those quality ratings on your appraisal mean? Here's how appraisers assess materials, finishes, and workmanship.
January 18, 2019 Are Computer Valuations (AVMs) Smarter Than Appraisers?AVMs are fast—but are they accurate? Discover the risks of relying on automated tools over trained appraisal professionals.
May 18, 2018 Why Paying More For A Home Appraisal Makes SenseCheaper isn’t always better. When it comes to home appraisals, experience and accuracy matter—here’s why it’s worth the cost.
March 28, 2018 What if The Square Footage on Your Home Is Wrong?Conflicting square footage numbers on your listing or tax record? Learn how this happens and what to do if it’s off.
February 23, 2018 How Are New Construction Homes Appraised?How do you appraise a house that hasn’t been built yet? Here’s what appraisers look at for new construction properties.
February 20, 2018 How Does An Appraiser Value $100K in Upgrades?Did your kitchen remodel add $100K in value? Not always. Learn how appraisers assess renovations and what they’re really worth.
February 15, 2018 Does a Shade Tree Increase a Home’s Value?In Arizona, shade is gold. But does planting a tree actually raise your home’s value? We dig into what the data says.
January 25, 2018 Low Home Appraisal? Should You Challenge It?Think your home is worth more than the appraisal said? Learn when and how to challenge a low appraisal — and what to expect.
January 19, 2018 Home Value of An AdditionWhen you look at all the ways to add space to your house, no other method adds more space than a house addition. But what happens to your home value if the addition didn’t have permits?
December 12, 2017 The Difference Between a Home Appraisal And a Home InspectionMany people think home appraisals and home inspections are essentially the same thing – but there are key differences. An appraiser looks at the value of the home, while an inspector looks for defects.
November 29, 2017 Items an Appraiser Always PhotographsWhen you have an appraisal done, the appraiser won’t just look around—they’ll take pictures of specific features to support their report. Here’s why those photos matter.
November 1, 2017 Yes or No? Property Inspection WaiverSome lenders now offer a Property Inspection Waiver (PIW), meaning no appraisal required. But is skipping the appraisal a smart move? Here's what to know.
October 30, 2017 What If There Are No Direct Comps in the Same Zip?No comparable sales in your area? Appraisers can still find a way to determine value. Here’s what happens when there are no direct comps nearby.
October 12, 2017 How Are 'Price Per Square Foot' Adjustments Made?Why isn't your price per square foot the same as your neighbor’s? Appraisers explain how and why these adjustments are made.
September 29, 2017 How to Become a Real Estate AppraiserCurious about becoming a real estate appraiser? With fewer appraisers each year, now might be the time. Here’s how to get started in the field.
August 28, 2017 Do I Need to Replace a Cracked Window?If you’re applying for an FHA loan, small things like a cracked window might matter. Here’s what appraisers look for and when repairs are required.
August 21, 2017 Do I REALLY Need To Do Repairs Before An Appraisal?Wondering if you need to fix things before your appraisal? Some repairs can impact your home’s value. Learn which fixes matter most to appraisers.
August 9, 2017 What Is The Difference Between a Condo and a Townhouse?Ask The Appraiser: Technically speaking, what is the difference between a condo and a townhouse?
July 1, 2017 Why You Need Your Own Divorce AppraisalIn divorce settlements, the home is often the biggest asset. But if you can’t agree on what it's worth, getting your own appraisal can make all the difference.
May 3, 2017 Do Appraisers Consider FSBO Properties in Comparable Listings?Do FSBOs count in an appraisal? Sometimes. Find out when appraisers use For Sale By Owner sales in comparable listings.
March 24, 2017 What Appraisers Can't Tell HomeownersEver wonder why appraisers can’t talk about value with homeowners? Here’s what they can—and can’t—say, and why the rules matter.
Jan 19, 2017 Mobile Home AppraisalsAppraisals can be done on mobile and modular homes... but do you know what classifies them into these categories in the first place?
Dec 6, 2016 Ethics in AppraisalsHow do we know an appraiser is giving an unbiased opinion of value? It all comes down to USPAP standards.
Nov 18, 2016 Why An Independent Appraisal is Crucial for FSBOSelling your home FSBO? An independent appraisal helps you price it right and avoid costly mistakes from guessing market value.
Oct 20, 2016 FHA Certified AppraiserNeed an FHA appraisal? We’re FHA-certified and qualified to complete reports that follow all FHA guidelines and policies.
August 28, 2016 Home Inspection TipsWhen it comes to the home inspection, it's important to be present, understand the condition of the home, and choose the right inspector—plus more.
July 19, 2016 7 Reasons to Skip a Free Home ValuationFree online home value tools are tempting—but they often miss key details. Find out what they don’t tell you before relying on them.
May 18, 2016 Three Approaches to ValueThere are three ways to determine property value. Learn how appraisers use these methods to produce accurate and fair valuations.
April 21, 2016 Why Get A Home Appraisal?A home appraisal isn’t just for buying—there are several reasons you might need one. Learn when and why to bring in a licensed appraiser.
March 18, 2016 What Is A Home Appraisal?A home appraisal determines the current market value of a property. Here are 3 things you should know about the process.
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