Moneyzine
Contents
/Personal Finance/Appraisal

Appraisal

Moneyzine Editor
Author: 
Moneyzine Editor
1 mins
September 25th, 2023
Advertiser Disclosure

Definition

The valuation performed by a professional in order to determine the worth of an asset is called an appraisal. Obtaining an appraisal is typically required when property that is difficult to value is transferred, taxed, or insured.

Explanation

Due to the unique nature and condition of assets such as real estate, jewelry, art, and automobiles, the skills of a professional are frequently needed to determine a reasonable market value for the asset. Real estate professionals are often trained to perform appraisals on homes. In most instances, a professional fee is charged to the property owner for a formal, or written, document.

Example

The following list demonstrates how appraisals may be used:

  • Insurance: determining the value of a home for a homeowner's insurance policy. Jewelry, art collections, coins, or other valuables may also require a formal appraisal to be insured.

  • Real Estate: determining the value of a home to qualify for a mortgage, in the settlement of an estate, to support a divorce proceeding, or to determine the equity in a home for a loan or line of credit.

  • Taxes: appraisals are often required to verify the value of donated property such as a car.

  • Sale of Property: nearly everything of special value: furniture, antiques, coins, jewelry, any type of collectible, can be subject to an appraisal prior to sale.

Related Terms

escrow account, closing costs

Related Content

  • What Can Help You Meet Your Budget While Shopping for Important Items?
    Budgeting while ensuring you don't compromise on quality can seem daunting. Whether filling your pantry, updating your wardrobe, or keeping up with the latest tech, smart shopping strategies are crucial for keeping your finances in check.
    April 2nd, 2024
  • How to Make a Million Dollars in 10 Years
    Truthfully, this title should actually be “How to Make a Million Dollars in 10 Years Without Going Into Debt", but that is just getting a little too winded for my liking. It’s true though!
    December 6th, 2024
  • How to Apply Maslow’s Hierarchy to Your Money This Year
    You might vaguely remember your psychology teacher talking about Maslow. He pointed at a picture of a triangle as you nodded off in the back of the school room.
    November 18th, 2024
  • How to Tackle Multiple Savings Goals
    When there’s only so much money to go around, there are often multiple savings goals competing for your money. Think of the young professional who’d like to get a more reliable car, buy a house, and save for retirement. Or consider the young family that’s saving for college, retirement, and a bigger house.
    March 22nd, 2024
  • The Countdown to Early Retirement: 10 Expenses to Eliminate
    Dreaming of waving goodbye to the daily grind five years ahead of schedule? The road to early retirement is paved with more than good intentions; it requires a meticulously crafted strategy with surprising twists. It's not solely about what you should be doing—like diligently saving a portion of your income or investing wisely—but also about what you need to stop doing.
    March 22nd, 2024

Contributors

Moneyzine Editor
The Moneyzine editorial team consists of writers and content specialists with diverse backgrounds.
Moneyzine 2024. All Rights Reserved.