Appraisers send a fee quote when a client calls before ordering, when an attorney or estate needs a valuation, or when the property is unusual. Lenders and AMCs often assign fees by schedule, but private clients compare quotes on price, turnaround, and experience with the property type. A clear quote with scope and timeline helps you win the job and reduces disputes later.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Fee depends on size, number of units, land, and outbuildings, so confirm what is being appraised before quoting.
Appraisal standards require these to be defined, and they affect the report form, scope of work, and who may rely on it.
Market value today, retrospective value at a date of death, or as-complete value for new construction are different assignments with different work and pricing.
State the inspection type (interior, exterior only, desktop) and the form or narrative level so the client knows what they are getting.
Turnaround is a major factor in client choice, and it sets expectations for when your fee is due.
Delays often come from locked properties, missing plans, or lease information, and you can state that these may change the timeline or fee.
Lists the base fee and the conditions for add-ons, such as changed scope, extra units, or additional comparable research.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family residential appraisal (URAR) | flat fee | $450-750 |
| Multi-family (2-4 unit) appraisal | flat fee | $600-1,000 |
| Condo or townhome appraisal | flat fee | $400-650 |
| Rural or acreage residential appraisal | flat fee | $650-1,200 |
| Commercial or income property appraisal | flat fee | $2,000-6,000 |
| Appraisal review or desk review | flat fee | $250-500 |
| Estate, divorce, or date-of-death valuation | flat fee | $500-1,000 |
| Expert witness, consulting, and testimony | per hour | $200-400 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Rural, unique, high-value, and older homes take more time for comparable research and adjustments. Build in a higher base fee or a complexity add-on rather than losing money on difficult files.
For commercial, litigation, or unusual properties, give a fixed fee for a defined scope or a not-to-exceed amount. If scope may expand, state the hourly rate for extra work.
Ask for 50 percent or the full fee for residential private-pay work and a retainer for larger commercial or litigation assignments. It confirms commitment and covers your time if the job is cancelled.
Combine the fee, scope, intended use, and cancellation terms in one document the client signs. It protects you if the client later tries to change the purpose or complains about the result.
Yes, but base it on the information given and state that the fee may change if the property turns out to be larger or more complex than described. Many appraisers ask for the address, size, and property type, then check public records before quoting.
No. Never agree to a predetermined value or tie your fee to the value or the outcome of a loan. That is prohibited under appraisal standards and many state rules. Quote the fee for the work only.
Thirty days is common for private clients, though local market conditions and your workload may call for a shorter window. State an expiration date on the quote.
You can decline or offer a reduced scope, such as an exterior-only or desktop assignment where acceptable, but avoid cutting the fee so low that you cannot do the work properly. Quality and compliance matter more than winning a price-driven job.
Use the Real Estate Appraiser invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Real Estate Appraiser invoice template