Who orders this
- Homeowners who want an independent market value
- Buyers and sellers checking a price before they commit
- Mortgage brokers and lenders who need a report on file
- Lawyers and notaries handling transfers, separations or estates
What a residential property appraisal includes
A residential appraisal is an independent opinion of what a property would likely sell for on a given date. The appraiser visits the home, measures it, notes its condition, updates and layout, then compares it with recent sales of similar homes nearby. The result is a signed report that explains the value, the comparables used and the adjustments made, so a lender, lawyer or family member can follow the reasoning.
- Detached houses, semi-detached homes and townhouses
- Condominium apartments and townhomes
- Duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes
- Cottages and recreational properties, subject to appraiser coverage
Appraisal or assessment: why the numbers differ
Your municipal or provincial property assessment is built for taxation and is set on a mass basis as of a fixed date. A real estate appraisal looks at one property, today or on the date you need, using current comparable sales. That is why lenders, courts and estate professionals ask for an appraisal rather than your tax bill, and why the two figures rarely match.
An online estimate is a third number again. Automated tools can be a useful starting point, but they cannot see a renovated kitchen, a tired roof or an unusual lot. When a decision depends on the value, a certified property appraiser who has walked through the home is the safer reference.
How ordering works with AppraisalDesk
Enter the address, choose the purpose of the appraisal and tell us who the report is for. You see the price, tax included, before you confirm. We assign a qualified local appraiser who knows Abbotsford, then you get a text and email when the inspection is booked, when it is done and when the report is ready. Your Client Hub keeps every order, message and report in one place.
Good to know in British Columbia
In British Columbia, BC Assessment values property for tax as of July 1 of the year before. Lenders and lawyers need an appraisal of current market value instead.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a home appraisal cost in Abbotsford?
It depends on the property type, size, location and the purpose of the report. Standard homes generally cost less than large, rural or unusual properties. On AppraisalDesk you see the full price for your property, including tax and any rush fee, before you place the order, so there is no surprise invoice later.
What does a home appraiser look at during the inspection?
Appraisers note the size, layout, age, condition, quality of finishes, recent renovations, the lot and the neighbourhood. They take photos and measurements, then compare the home with recent nearby sales. Having a list of upgrades and their dates ready helps the appraiser understand your home.
How long does a house appraisal take?
The inspection itself usually takes under an hour for a typical home. The written report follows once the appraiser has researched comparables, which commonly takes a few business days depending on the file and the season. Your tracking page shows each step as it happens.
Can I order a property appraisal for personal reasons, not a mortgage?
Yes. Homeowners order appraisals to set a selling price, settle a separation, plan an estate, support a tax filing or simply know where they stand. Tell us the purpose when you order so the report is prepared for the right use and the right intended user.
Is an appraisal the same as a home inspection?
No. A home inspection looks for defects in systems like the roof, plumbing and electrical. An appraisal estimates market value. The appraiser notes visible condition because it affects value, but does not test systems or provide a defect report.