Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier seen from a residential deck

For sellers and listing agents

Pre listing
appraisals

An independent appraisal before you list shows what recent sales support and where a buyer's appraisal could fall short. Sellers and agents in five Puget Sound counties can request a quote at (425) 967-3498 or through our form.

Who it is for

Who orders a pre listing appraisal?

The homeowner or the listing agent orders it, with no lender involved. It answers one question before the sign goes up: what does the evidence say this home is worth today?

It earns its fee when pricing is hard: a view home, a big addition, an accessory dwelling unit, a family that disagrees on value, or a market that has moved since last spring's sales. Buyers who finance will face a lender appraisal, and a list price the sales can't support can stall a deal weeks after you accept an offer.

What you get

What will the report tell me?

An opinion of market value

Supported by verified closed sales, with each adjustment explained.

Square footage you can trust

County records are sometimes off, and a wrong figure in the listing can surface again at the buyer's appraisal.

The likely comparables

Which recent sales a lender's appraiser would probably pick, and how your home stacks up against each.

A call after delivery

Sellers and agents can call to talk through the reasoning. The report belongs to you, so sharing it with buyers is your choice.

Good to know

Is it the same as a CMA?

No. A comparative market analysis from a listing agent is a pricing tool, and the agent has a stake in the listing; an appraiser has none. Our team has prepared CMAs for brokers and builders since the early 1990s, so we know what each one is for.

A pre listing appraisal also does not replace the buyer's lender appraisal or promise a sale price. It puts you on the same evidence the buyer's appraiser will use, before you set the price.

For agents

Can agents learn how an appraisal is built?

Yes. Gerry Allard, who wrote Washington State real estate and appraisal continuing education curriculum, teaches a three hour CE class for agents on how an appraisal comes together and how agents can use that when they price and negotiate. Mortgage offices can host it as an event for the agents in their network. To set one up, use our contact form.

Questions

Pre listing appraisal questions

What does a pre listing appraisal cost?

The fee is quoted once we know the property and what you need from the report, with no obligation. Turn time runs 7 to 10 days depending on scope.

Should I fix things before the appraiser comes?

Not necessarily. Tell the appraiser what you plan to repair and it can be noted. If you are unsure which projects pay off, that is a good reason to order the appraisal first.

Can my agent be the client?

Yes. Either the agent or the homeowner can order it; tell us which when you request the quote.

Will the buyer's appraiser see your report?

Only if someone shares it, and that appraiser must still reach an independent value. The benefit to you is a list price that closed sales can support.

Service areas