What to Expect During a Home Appraisal: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to buying, selling, refinancing, or settling an estate, a professional home appraisal plays a critical role. It’s not just about getting a number—it’s about ensuring your property’s value is assessed fairly, accurately, and objectively. At DJ Howard & Associates, we guide clients throughout Highland, IL and surrounding areas through the appraisal process every day. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish:

Step 1: Scheduling and Preparation

Once an appraisal is ordered—either by a lender, attorney, or homeowner—we’ll coordinate a convenient time for the on-site inspection. If you're the homeowner, this is the perfect time to clean up, finish any small repairs, and gather a list of recent upgrades (like a new roof, HVAC system, or remodeled kitchen). A tidy, well-maintained home can make a strong first impression.

Step 2: The On-Site Visit

During the property visit, our licensed appraiser will walk through your home to assess its condition, layout, square footage, and any updates or improvements you've made. We’ll also examine features such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, garage or basement, and overall functionality. Exterior condition, landscaping, and neighborhood influences are also taken into account.

Don’t worry—this visit is typically completed within 30–60 minutes depending on the size of the home.

Step 3: Market Analysis and Comparables

After the visit, our work continues behind the scenes. We research recent sales of similar properties—called “comps”—within your area. Factors such as location, age, square footage, and condition all influence how your home compares to others on the market. Our goal is to deliver a fair, market-supported valuation using real-time local data.

Step 4: Final Report Delivery

Within just a few days, we deliver a detailed appraisal report outlining our findings, the comparable properties used, and the final estimated market value of your home. This report is often used by lenders, attorneys, or real estate agents to support critical decisions.

Tips to Maximize Your Appraisal Value

• Tidy up inside and out – Clean homes photograph and present better.
• List your upgrades – New appliances, systems, or renovations can add value.
• Curb appeal matters – First impressions start at the curb.
• Fix the little things – Leaky faucets, cracked windows, or chipped paint can lower perceived value.
• Be available – Make scheduling the visit easy and ensure the appraiser has full access to the property.
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Work with Local Experts Who Understand the Market

At DJ Howard & Associates, we’ve been serving Highland, IL and the surrounding counties for over 25 years. Our licensed and certified team provides fast, reliable, and fair valuations for homeowners, lenders, attorneys, and real estate professionals.



📞 Ready to schedule your appraisal? Call us today at 618-654-1200 or visit www.djhowardrea.com