Homebuyer Appraisal Checklist: Value, Access and Inspection

A home appraisal addresses value within its scope. Buyers should arrange separate home inspections and confirm lender requirements before ordering private work.

Ask the lender how appraisal ordering works

A private buyer appraisal is not automatically usable for the mortgage. Ask the lender about ordering and permitted communications. If independent advice is desired, explain that purpose and users so the scope can be discussed separately.

Arrange access and disclose known facts

Coordinate with the seller or authorized contact. Supply the purchase agreement where relevant, property details, alteration records and known condition concerns. The visit is for information gathering; the final value usually requires research after the inspection.

Do not treat value as a fair-price guarantee

An appraised value does not ensure the best deal, reveal every defect or replace negotiations. HUD’s consumer guidance distinguishes appraisal from inspection. Use the appropriate inspector for detailed condition questions and advisers for contract decisions.

Confirm the residential assignment

Alpha’s routine residential service area is King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties. The property, intended use, effective date and users guide the scope. Commercial properties, personal possessions and business valuations are not included by a broad home-appraisal description.

Use the report within its stated limits

Read the property description, analysis, assumptions and effective date. A value opinion does not promise a sale, settlement, assessment reduction or lender acceptance. If the purpose changes, ask whether new work is needed rather than automatically reusing the original report.

What should accompany a quote request?

Send the property address, purpose, requested effective date, intended users, deadline and access contact. Describe the residence type, relevant records and requested deliverable. Mention acreage, accessory units, multiple parcels or unusual features so scope, fee and availability can be confirmed.

Official reference: Property or assignment reference.

Meet the appraiser · Mortgage and pre-listing guidance · Residential appraisal review · Request an appraisal quote

Call 425-753-1971 or email dustin.labrasseur@gmail.com.

Revised October 8, 2026.