How Much is a Home Appraisal in California in 2024? (2024)

A home appraisal typically costs around $700 – $1,000 in the Golden State in 2024. That’s a lot. You may even be tempted to skip this step altogether. But did you know, a whopping 74% of loan denials stem from issues revealed during the appraisal process?

If that didn’t stop you in your tracks, this definitely will: 1 in 10 applicants are denied a mortgage because of a low appraised value.

Skipping out on the appraisal may save you around $700 – $1,000, but it will cost you your dream of owning a home. Don’t risk it!

How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in California?

The average home appraisal cost in the Golden State is $650. The price of an appraisal can vary based on property types:

• Single-Family Homes: $700- $1,000
• Individual Condominiums: $700 – $950
• Manufactured Homes: $750 – $1,000
• Multi-Family Homes: $900 – $1,150

What Are the Types of Home Appraisal?

Here are some kinds of appraisal services you can get in California:

• Traditional Appraisal ($350 to $600): The appraiser physically visits your home to assess it. They evaluate the condition of your house and review real estate comps to prepare an appraisal report.
• Desktop Appraisal ($75 to $200): It is not an in-person assessment. The appraiser uses tax records and information listed on the MLS to evaluate the property. However, most of the mortgage lenders don’t accept this evaluation.
• Drive-By Appraisal ($100 to $150): Here, the appraiser drives by and evaluates the property. The appraisal report is prepared based on the exterior of the house. Thus, mortgage lenders do not accept this appraisal either.
• Hybrid Appraisal ($250 to $375): In this process, two house appraisers are involved, one does the assessment and the other analyzes the data. Most lenders don’t accept this appraisal because of the third-party contractor. Lenders may accept the evaluation if they hire a third-party contractor.

Factors That Affect California Home Appraisal Costs

Here are a few factors that can hurt a home appraisal:

Can You Get a Home Appraisal Done for Free in CA?

No! A free home appraisal, in reality, is a myth.

Licensed appraisers are professionals who invest in training, follow regulations, and deliver detailed reports for the appraisal. This valuable service comes with a price tag, usually ranging from $350 to $650.

While appraisals aren’t free, there are alternative options you can consider to reduce your costs, which include:

• Online Estimators:You can get a free evaluation on how much is your house worth estimator based on algorithms and public data.
• Comparative Market Analysis:A real estate agent can compare your desired property to similar recent sales with amore informed estimate.

Remember, these options provideapproximate values. And CMAis still not a substitute for a professional appraisal.

Who Pays for the Home Appraisal in California?

A buyer pays the home appraisal fee and it is included in the buyer’s closing costs in California. On the other hand, the seller pays for it when they get an appraisal done before listing the property. In a refinance situation, the homeowner pays the appraisal cost.

»Refinance Appraisal Checklist:Here are 7 tips to get a high appraisal for a refinance.

Why Do You Need a Home Appraisal in California?

Here are some reasons why you should get a home appraised beforebuying a house:

• Loan Approval: To secure a mortgage, you will require a home appraisal in the Golden State. The appraisal report provides an unbiased estimate of the property’s value. This report helps lenders approve the mortgage.
• Insurance Coverage:Many home insurance policies follow the 80% rule. According to the rule, the homeowner should insure the property for at least 80%of its replacement cost. Appraisals help homeowners comply with this rule and avoid penalties for underinsurance.
• Buyer Protection: A home appraisal is an objective assessment of the property. In a competitive market, an appraisal ensures that buyers don’t overpay for a property.
• Property Tax Appeal: In cases where you believe your property taxes are high, a home appraisal can be proof for a property tax appeal.

What Should You Look for in a Home Appraiser in California?

Here are a few things you should look for when hiring a California home appraiser:

• Check Certification:Make sure they are licensed or certified.
• Look for Reviews:Look at online reviews to ensure they are unbiased and won’t favor any party.
• Check Local BBB:Check the localBetter Business Bureaupage to determine how trustworthy the appraiser is.

» Looking for a Home Appraiser? Check outCalifornia home appraisers near you.

Can You Skip the Home Appraisal Process?

You can skip a home appraisal for a home that sells from $250,000 to $400,000. The NCUA,FDIC, andOCChave raised the no-appraisal limit which was previously set at $250,000. This potentially impacts72%of mortgage transactions.

However, mainstream mortgage lenders still require an appraisal. This includes homes under $400,000. Hence, automatic exemptions cannot be guaranteed. However, if you don’t get an appraisal, you may have to bear the consequences such as:

• Financial Obstacles:You can’t get a loan if the value doesn’t match the price.
• Overpayment / Underselling:Both buyers and sellers can be at risk without an appraisal.
• Negotiation Challenges:It can be difficult to get a fair price without an objective value.
• Delays and Deal Failures:Appraisal mismatch later can derail the entire process.

»How to Prepare Your Home for an Appraisal:Here’s how you can highlight your home’s strengths for a positive appraisal.

Bottom Line

The cost of a home appraisal in California can go up to $1,000. The Golden State’s house appraisal cost varies based on location, loan, property type, and condition. Besides this, you can’t skip a house appraisal especially when getting a mortgage.

Also, the appraisal can get rejected in case the property doesn’t match the appraised value. However, you can apply for a new loan to buy your house. Houzeo offers a variety of tools and resources for home buyers. You can seamlessly browse through thousands of properties and find your dream home with Houzeo.

Looking for a New Home? Houzeo Can Help!

With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types ofCalifornia homes for saleon Houzeo.

» Need More Clarity?Read these exclusiveHouzeo reviewsand learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.

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