What Blue Sky Appraisals Does and How to Work With Them

Blue Sky Appraisals is a South Carolina-based property valuation company

Blue Sky Appraisals conducts real estate appraisals across South Carolina, providing the independent property valuations that lenders, buyers, and sellers need during real estate transactions. The company employs certified appraisers who inspect properties and produce formal appraisal reports—the documents that establish a property's market value for mortgage approval, refinancing, estate settlement, or dispute resolution.

If you are buying a home with a mortgage, your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the property is worth what you agreed to pay. If you are refinancing, selling, or settling an estate, you may also need an independent appraisal. Blue Sky Appraisals handles these assignments across residential and commercial properties throughout the state.

Key Takeaways

• Blue Sky Appraisals performs property valuations for mortgages, refinances, sales, and legal matters across South Carolina.
• An appraisal report from a certified appraiser is required by most lenders before they will approve a mortgage or refinance.
• The appraisal process typically takes one to two weeks from order to completed report, depending on property type and market conditions.
• You can contact Blue Sky Appraisals directly to request an appraisal or ask your lender or real estate agent to order one on your behalf.

When you need an appraisal and who orders it

In a mortgage purchase, the lender orders and pays for the appraisal—you do not choose the appraiser, though you can request that your lender use a specific company. The appraisal protects the lender by confirming the property value supports the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, the lender may reduce the loan amount, and you will need to cover the difference or renegotiate the sale.

In a refinance, your lender again orders the appraisal. For a sale where you are the seller, a real estate agent may recommend an appraisal to establish asking price, though this is optional. If you are settling an estate, disputing a property tax assessment, or need a valuation for insurance or legal purposes, you can contact Blue Sky Appraisals directly to order an appraisal yourself.

What happens during a Blue Sky Appraisals inspection

A certified appraiser from Blue Sky Appraisals will schedule a time to visit the property, usually within a few days of the order. The appraiser inspects the interior and exterior, noting the condition, size, layout, materials, and any upgrades or damage. They measure the building, photograph key areas, and document the lot size and location.

The appraiser also researches comparable sales in the area—recent sales of similar properties—to establish a market value. They consider factors like school district, proximity to amenities, traffic patterns, and local market trends. The entire inspection typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the property size and complexity.

How long an appraisal takes and what you receive

From the time Blue Sky Appraisals receives the order, the appraisal report usually arrives within seven to ten business days, though rush appraisals may be available for an additional fee. The timeline depends on the appraiser's schedule, property type, and whether the appraiser needs to research comparable sales in an unfamiliar market.

You will receive a formal appraisal report—a detailed document that includes the appraiser's inspection notes, photographs, comparable sales data, and the final appraised value. If you ordered the appraisal yourself, the report goes to you. If your lender ordered it, the lender receives the report first and will share it with you if the value affects your loan.

Contacting Blue Sky Appraisals directly

You can reach Blue Sky Appraisals by phone or through their website to request an appraisal, ask about fees, or inquire about rush service. Have the property address ready, and be prepared to describe the property type (single-family home, condo, commercial building) and the reason for the appraisal (purchase, refinance, estate, tax dispute).

If you are working with a lender or real estate agent, ask them to provide Blue Sky Appraisals' contact information or to place the order on your behalf. Many lenders have preferred appraisers or appraisal management companies they work with, so your lender may not be able to use Blue Sky Appraisals even if you request it—this depends on the lender's policies.

Understanding appraisal fees and what affects the cost

Appraisal fees vary based on property type, location, and complexity. A single-family home appraisal typically costs less than a commercial property or a large estate. Rush service, if available, carries an additional charge. When you contact Blue Sky Appraisals or your lender, ask for the fee upfront so there are no surprises.

If your lender ordered the appraisal, the cost is usually rolled into your closing costs or refinance fees. If you ordered it yourself, you pay the appraiser directly, either at the time of inspection or when you receive the report, depending on the company's policy.

What to do if the appraisal comes in lower than expected

If the appraised value is lower than the purchase price or your expected value, you have a few options. You can request that the appraiser review their work if you believe there is an error—for example, if they missed a recent renovation or misidentified comparable sales. Some appraisers will reconsider their findings if you provide new information.

In a purchase, a low appraisal may allow you to renegotiate the price with the seller, ask the seller to cover the difference, or walk away from the deal depending on your contract terms. In a refinance, a low appraisal may mean the lender will not refinance at the amount you requested. Understanding your options before the appraisal arrives helps you plan your next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be present during the appraisal inspection?

Yes, most appraisers welcome the owner or a representative to be present. You can point out recent improvements, explain the property's condition, or answer questions about the neighborhood. However, the appraiser works independently and will not change their valuation based on your input alone.

What if I disagree with the appraisal value?

You can request a reconsideration of value if you believe the appraiser made an error or missed important information. Provide documentation of comparable sales, recent renovations, or other factors that support a higher value. The appraiser will review your request, but they are not obligated to change their opinion.

How do I know if Blue Sky Appraisals is certified?

Certified appraisers in South Carolina are licensed by the state and must meet education and experience requirements. You can verify an appraiser's license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Ask Blue Sky Appraisals for the appraiser's license number when you contact them.

Can I use the same appraisal for both a purchase and a refinance?

No. Each lender requires a new appraisal ordered through their process. Appraisals are tied to a specific transaction and lender, and they expire after a set period, usually 90 to 120 days. You will need a separate appraisal for each transaction.

What if the property is hard to access or in a remote area?

Contact Blue Sky Appraisals directly to discuss your property's location. Some appraisers may charge a travel fee or require additional time to complete the inspection. Rural or difficult-to-access properties may take longer to schedule, so plan ahead if you are in a remote area.