24-Hour Pre-Listing Appraisals: Price It Before You List
An independent value before you set the list price.
An agent's suggested list price is a marketing opinion. An appraisal is an independent opinion of market value from someone with nothing riding on the sale. Trustees, executors and owners selling without an agent use a pre-listing appraisal to anchor the price and to answer the buyer's appraiser later.
The listing date is already on the calendar
The photographer is booked, the agent is ready and the market moves weekly. A 24-hour appraisal lets you settle the price before the listing goes live instead of cutting it after the home sits.
Why sellers order one
- A list price backed by recent comparable sales.
- A neutral check on competing agents' pricing opinions.
- Trust and estate sales, where the fiduciary should be able to show the price was reasonable.
- Sales data in hand before the buyer's lender appraisal comes back.
What to send
- Photos of the home as it will be marketed, or as it is now plus the planned repairs
- A list of upgrades with approximate dates
- Any agent pricing reports you've received (optional)
Send photos with your order through the upload page, or attach them to a reply to your confirmation email.
Is a desktop appraisal right for this?
Pricing doesn't require an inspection; it requires good comparables and an honest read of the market, which is exactly what a desktop appraisal delivers.
Prepared for every purpose on this site. Brian Ward has prepared desktop appraisals for every purpose listed on this site. Some situations still call for an inspection-based appraisal, so check with your attorney or tax advisor before you order to be sure a desktop report fits your matter.
Questions
Will the buyer's lender accept my appraisal?
No. The buyer's lender orders its own appraisal. Yours helps you set a supportable price and gives you sales data to discuss if that appraisal comes in low.
Can you value the home as if planned repairs were done?
Often, yes. Describe the repairs when you order and you'll get an answer before you're invoiced.
Often ordered alongside
Pre-Purchase Value Check
An independent price check while your contingency period is still open.
24-hour details →
Trust & Estate Administration
Certified values for trustees and executors: accountings, distributions and trust sales.
24-hour details →
Family Transfers & Co-Owner Buyouts
A fair, documented price when a home changes hands inside the family.
24-hour details →Need this appraisal by this time tomorrow?
Start the order now. Payment and photos start the 24-hour clock, any day of the week.