By Eagle Home Appraisal Birmingham
Published · Updated
People often wonder what an appraiser is actually looking at. An appraisal forms an opinion of value from the property’s details and the market around it. What gets looked at depends on the agreed scope, and it is not the same as a home inspection, which goes much deeper into the systems.
Physical condition of the home
- Exterior: Quality and condition of the roof, foundation, siding, windows, and landscaping.
- Interior: State of walls, floors, ceilings, and finishes such as hardwood floors or granite countertops.
- Structural Features: Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, layout, and overall design functionality.
- Amenities: Presence and condition of features like garages, decks, pools, fireplaces, basements, and attics (finished or unfinished).
- Systems: Age and quality of plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems.
- Appliances: Type and condition of major appliances, especially if they are built-in or considered part of the property.
- Signs of Damage: Evidence of water leaks, cracks, mold, pest infestations, or other issues that could affect value.
Improvements and upgrades
- Recent renovations or updates to kitchens, bathrooms, windows, or mechanical systems.
- Energy-efficient features such as HVAC upgrades or energy star appliances.
Lot and site characteristics
- Size, shape, and topography of the lot.
- Vehicular access, driveway type, and presence of easements.
- Zoning classification and any special hazards (e.g., flood zones).
- Proximity to amenities like schools, hospitals, shops, and public transportation.
Neighborhood and location
- Overall condition and character of the neighborhood.
- Recent sales prices of comparable homes (“comps”) in the area.
- Market trends and local real estate conditions.
- School district and accessibility to major roads.
Visible condition and site details
- Presence of safety features such as handrails on stairs.
- Visible attic or crawlspace condition when accessible and relevant to the agreed scope.
- Apparent site drainage and any known related issues.
Summary table: what appraisers check
| Area | Information considered |
|---|---|
| Physical condition | Visible interior/exterior condition and available system records |
| Features | Garage, pool, fireplace, basement, attic and relevant improvements |
| Lot and site | Size, shape, access and available land-use information |
| Market context | Comparable sales, trends and relevant location characteristics |
| Improvements | Renovations, system updates and available permits |
| Condition questions | Known issues, visible concerns and any specialist records |
Additional notes
- Your best preparation is the plain facts: what the house has, what shape it is in, and how the appraiser can reach the areas that matter. Fresh flowers and staging do not move the number.
- The scope may include documenting the property and researching comparable properties. Ask what the proposed assignment covers.
- The final value reflects both the condition of the property and what is happening in the local market.
In Birmingham
In Birmingham the list often includes the slope of the lot and how water drains off it, the FEMA flood zone, and whether the house is in a historic district. For a house that was rebuilt after the April 27, 2011 tornado, the year it was rebuilt is recorded and compared with houses of similar age and finish. If you are not sure what applies to your house, calling (205) 732-7383 is an easy way to ask.
Explore the related appraisal service
Back to appraisal resources
