What to Expect During a Home Appraisal in Florida

📈 What to Expect During a Home Appraisal (And How to Prepare)

If you're buying or selling a home in Central Florida, chances are a home appraisal will play a critical role in the transaction. But what exactly is it, who orders it, and how can you best prepare?

This guide breaks it down step-by-step so you can feel confident heading into appraisal day.

📅 What Is a Home Appraisal?

A home appraisal is an independent assessment of a property’s fair market value conducted by a licensed appraiser. It’s typically required by lenders before they approve a buyer's mortgage.

Appraisals help protect the buyer and the bank by ensuring the home is worth what they’re paying—and what the bank is lending.

🎓 Who Orders and Pays for the Appraisal?

• The buyer’s lender orders the appraisal

• The buyer usually pays for the appraisal as part of their loan fees (typically $400-$600)

🤝 How the Appraiser Evaluates the Home

Appraisers consider many factors to determine value:

• Comparable Sales (Comps): Recent nearby home sales with similar size, style, and condition

• Location: School zone, neighborhood, traffic, and proximity to amenities

• Size & Layout: Square footage, number of beds/baths, usable space

• Condition: Roof age, HVAC, windows, flooring, kitchen/bath updates

• Curb Appeal & Exterior: Landscaping, paint, driveway, and exterior structure

✅ How Sellers Can Prepare for the Appraisal

Want to help your home appraise for top dollar? Here are quick-win strategies:

• Declutter & Clean: Just like a showing—make it shine

• Curb Appeal Counts: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and touch up paint

• Make Repairs: Fix small issues like leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or missing outlet covers

• List the Upgrades: Create a sheet noting updates like roof, HVAC, remodels, or energy-efficient improvements

• Allow Easy Access: Unlock all doors, gates, and outbuildings so the appraiser can move freely

⚡ What Happens After the Appraisal?

• If the home appraises at or above contract price, everything moves forward

• If the appraisal comes in low, it can trigger one of three outcomes:

  1. The buyer brings the difference in cash

  2. The seller reduces the price

  3. Both parties renegotiate or cancel the deal

💼 Final Thought:

A smooth appraisal is one of the final steps before closing. While it may seem out of your control, preparation and presentation matter.

At The Peterson Group, we help our sellers prepare strategically to highlight the home’s value and make the appraiser’s job easy.