How to Read an Appraisal Report: A Breakdown on What’s Included

Key takeaways: An appraisal report is a written opinion of a home’s market value, backed by evidence like comparable sales, photos, and notes on the home’s condition. Knowing how to read an appraisal report starts with understanding what each section covers, from the property details to the final value. An appraisal is not the same thing as a home inspection, so it’s smart to review both reports before closing. If you’ve ever opened an appraisal report and felt like you were reading a spreadsheet crossed with a legal document, you’re not alone. This report decides whether your loan moves forward, and most buyers and sellers only skim it for the final number. That number matters, but the pages behind it tell you how the appraiser got there. Whether you’re buying a home in Wichita, KS or selling your home in Laurel, MD, here’s how to read an appraisal report, what’s included in it, and how to put it to good use alongside your home inspection. What is an appraisal report, and who is it for? An appraisal report is the written record of a home’s estimated market value. It lays out the appraiser’s conclusion along with the research that supports it. Once it’s finished, it typically goes ...