Private appraisal work: the jobs, the clients and the fees
Private appraisal work is any assignment ordered by someone other than a lender, such as an estate, a divorcing couple, a homeowner appealing a tax bill or a borrower trying to remove PMI. These clients pay you directly, often need you quickly, and find you by searching for the service and the county.
- Typical fees: tax appeal about $400 to $800, estate about $500 to $800, divorce about $500 to $1,500. Your market may differ.
- Each service deserves its own page on your website.
- Heirs use a date of death value to set their tax basis (IRS Publication 551).
- Borrowers can ask to cancel PMI at 80% of the original value (CFPB).
What is an estate or date of death appraisal?
When someone inherits a home, their tax basis is generally the fair market value on the date of death, according to IRS Publication 551. Executors, heirs and estate attorneys order a retrospective appraisal to document that value, often months after the date. These clients value clear writing and a firm delivery date.
Who orders divorce appraisals?
Family law attorneys, mediators and the spouses themselves. The home is often the largest marital asset, so both sides want a neutral, well supported value. Some cases need testimony, which pays more and takes more time.
How do tax appeal appraisals work?
An owner who thinks the county assessment is too high can appeal, and an appraisal is one of the strongest pieces of evidence. Appeal windows are short and set by each county, so these orders arrive in waves after assessment notices go out. A county specific page that names the appeal deadline catches that wave.
When does a borrower need a PMI removal appraisal?
Under federal rules a borrower can ask to cancel private mortgage insurance once the loan reaches 80% of the home's original value, and it ends automatically at 78%. If prices have risen, many lenders will consider a new appraisal showing the current value. Rising markets bring a steady stream of these requests.
What about pre listing and for sale by owner appraisals?
Sellers who want a defensible list price, and owners selling on their own, order appraisals before they list. They find you by searching, so a page that explains what they get and how fast is what turns a visit into a call.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private home appraisal cost?
Typical fees run about $400 to $800 for a tax appeal, $500 to $800 for an estate appraisal and $500 to $1,500 for a divorce appraisal. Complex properties, rush dates and testimony cost more, and your market may differ.
Can any licensed appraiser do private work?
Generally yes, within the scope of your license and your competency. You still follow USPAP and your state rules.
Should each private service have its own web page?
Yes. People search for the exact service and place, and a page that matches both is much more likely to rank and to convert.
Sources
- IRS Publication 551, Basis of Assets (inherited property)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, when can I remove private mortgage insurance
- Private fee ranges are typical figures from the appraiser.website pricing page. Your market and fees may differ.