How the Appraisal Agency of Greenville Works and What to Expect
What the Appraisal Agency of Greenville does
The Appraisal Agency of Greenville is a private appraisal firm that values real property in Greenville County and surrounding areas. They conduct appraisals for mortgage lenders, homeowners, estate settlements, tax assessments, and divorce proceedings. The agency employs certified appraisers who inspect properties, research comparable sales, and produce written appraisal reports that estimate a property's market value.
Unlike the Greenville County Assessor's Office, which determines property values for tax purposes, the Appraisal Agency of Greenville works directly with individuals and businesses who need an independent valuation for a specific transaction or legal matter. Their appraisers follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), a national standard that governs how appraisals are conducted and reported.
Key Takeaways
- The Appraisal Agency of Greenville conducts property valuations for mortgages, refinances, estate settlements, and legal disputes using certified appraisers.
- Appraisals typically take one to two weeks from the time you order until you receive the written report, depending on the property type and current workload.
- You will need to provide the property address, the reason for the appraisal, and contact information for the lender or attorney requesting it when you order.
- The cost of an appraisal varies by property type and location, so you should contact the agency directly for a quote before committing to an order.
When you need an appraisal from this agency
A mortgage lender typically orders an appraisal when you are buying a home or refinancing an existing loan. The lender uses the appraisal to confirm that the property is worth at least what you are borrowing against it. If you are refinancing and the appraisal comes in lower than expected, it can affect how much you are allowed to borrow.
You may also order an appraisal independently if you are settling an estate, dividing property in a divorce, challenging a property tax assessment, or selling a home and want to know its market value before listing. Some homeowners order appraisals to document improvements they have made or to support an insurance claim.
How to order an appraisal
Contact the Appraisal Agency of Greenville directly by phone or through their office to request an appraisal order. You will need to provide the property address, the type of appraisal you need (standard appraisal, desktop appraisal, or other), and the reason for the appraisal. If a lender is ordering it, you may need to authorize the lender to place the order on your behalf.
The agency will give you a quote for the appraisal fee, which depends on the property type, location, and complexity. Once you agree to the price and submit any required paperwork, the agency will schedule the appraisal inspection. The appraiser will visit the property, measure it, photograph it, note its condition, and research comparable properties that have sold recently in the area.
What happens during the appraisal inspection
The appraiser will spend 30 minutes to an hour at your property, depending on its size and condition. They will walk through the interior and exterior, take photographs, measure the building, note the condition of the roof, foundation, systems, and finishes, and ask you questions about recent improvements or repairs. You do not need to be present, but it can be helpful if you are there to answer questions about the property's history or any upgrades.
After the inspection, the appraiser will research comparable sales in your neighborhood—homes that sold recently and are similar to yours in size, age, and condition. They will adjust the comparable prices up or down based on differences between those homes and yours, then arrive at an estimated market value. This process typically takes one to two weeks.
Understanding the appraisal report
The written appraisal report includes the appraiser's estimate of the property's market value, a detailed description of the property, photographs, information about the neighborhood and market conditions, and an explanation of how the appraiser arrived at the value. The report will also note any significant defects or repairs needed, though the appraiser is not a home inspector and does not provide a detailed inspection report.
If you disagree with the appraisal value, you have options. You can ask the appraiser to reconsider if you believe they made a factual error—for example, if they underestimated the square footage or missed a recent renovation. Some lenders allow you to order a second appraisal if the first one comes in lower than expected, though you will pay for both.
Appraisal costs and timeline
Appraisal fees vary based on the property type and location. A standard residential appraisal in Greenville typically ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, but you should contact the agency for a specific quote. If a lender ordered the appraisal, they may have paid the fee upfront, or it may be rolled into your closing costs.
The timeline from order to completed report is usually one to two weeks, though it can be longer during busy seasons or if the property is complex. If you are working with a lender on a purchase or refinance, ask them about their deadline so you can order the appraisal with enough time to spare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order an appraisal if I am not buying or refinancing a home?
Yes. You can order an appraisal for estate settlements, divorce proceedings, property tax appeals, insurance claims, or any other reason you need an independent valuation. Contact the agency and explain the purpose; they will let you know if they can help and what information they need.
What if the appraisal comes in lower than I expected?
If a lender ordered it, the lower value may affect your loan amount or interest rate. You can ask the appraiser to reconsider if you believe there was a factual error. Some lenders allow a second appraisal, though you pay for it. If you ordered it independently, a lower value is still useful information for pricing, negotiation, or tax purposes.
Do I have to be home during the appraisal inspection?
No, but it is helpful if you are there to answer questions about the property's history, recent improvements, or systems. If you cannot be present, make sure the appraiser can access all areas of the property, including the attic, basement, and any outbuildings.
How long does an appraisal take from start to finish?
The inspection itself takes 30 minutes to an hour. The full appraisal process—inspection, research, and report writing—usually takes one to two weeks. During busy seasons, it may take longer. Ask the agency for an estimated completion date when you place your order.
Is an appraisal the same as a home inspection?
No. An appraisal estimates market value and notes major defects but is not a detailed inspection. A home inspection is a separate service that examines the property's systems, structure, and condition in depth. You may want both if you are buying a home.