How to Order an Appraisal

May 7, 2026

Getting a professional appraisal can feel overwhelming if you’ve never ordered one before. Whether you are settling an estate, determining a loan amount, or preparing for a commercial sale, knowing what to expect makes the experience seamless.

Here is your step-by-step roadmap to the appraisal process at Pacific Appraisers.

Step 1: Quote & Turnaround Time

Every property is unique. The process begins when you reach out to us with the address and the purpose of the appraisal. Of course, a 30-unit apartment is more complex than a suburban single family residence, so we provide a tailored quote and turnaround time (the date you will receive the final report).

Step 2: The Engagement Letter & Fees

Once you’re ready to move forward, we send an Engagement Letter. This is a simple document that outlines the scope of work, the fee, delivery date, and the intended use of the report. We’ll begin working on the report as soon as you sign the letter and submit the appraisal fee to us using one of our accepted payment methods:

Zelle
Check
Wire Transfer

Step 3: Scheduling the Inspection

Our office will contact you (or your point of contact) to schedule the site visit. Depending on the service level you choose, this could be as simple as a drive-by or as detailed as a full interior walkthrough. During this time, we’ll also request additional documents if applicable, such as a: lease agreement, income & expense statement, purchase agreement, etc.

Step 4: The Report Delivery

After the inspection, the real work happens behind the scenes as we analyze market data and local comps. Once the report is finalized and undergoes our internal quality review, we deliver the certified appraisal directly to your email inbox as a PDF.

You are welcome to contact our office at any point if you have additional questions about the process.

Choose Your Service Level

Not every situation requires a full, “boots-on-the-ground” inspection. We offer three primary levels of service to meet your specific needs and budget:

Desktop Appraisal

Best for quick valuations where high-quality data is already available online. We analyze public records, MLS data, and satellite imagery to provide a value without a physical site visit.

Best for: Internal decision-making and “cookie-cutter” homes.

Exterior-Only (“Drive-By”) Appraisal

The appraiser performs a visual inspection of the property from the street. We assess the neighborhood, the exterior condition of the structure, and any visible improvements.

Best for: Home equity lines or situations where interior access isn’t possible.

Interior & Exterior Appraisal

The “Gold Standard” of valuations. We walk through the entire property, noting finishes, upgrades, floor plans, and overall maintenance.

Best for: Mortgages, estate settlements, and tax appeals.
Most accurate valuation

See our blog post here comparing Desktop vs. Full Appraisals.

Ready to get started?

In a unique market like the Bay Area, simple Zillow estimates aren’t enough. Our team of local appraisers are ready to provide the clarity and confidence you need to make your next big move. From residential homes to unique estates, we provide professional valuations you can take to the bank.

Free Quotes
Local Experts
Reliable Results

How to Order an Appraisal