KAFA Company: Property Appraisals Serving South Carolina

What KAFA Company Does

KAFA Company is a property appraisal firm based in South Carolina that conducts real estate valuations for residential and commercial properties. The company performs the inspections and analysis needed when a property changes hands, when a lender requires a current value before issuing a mortgage, or when a property owner needs documentation of value for tax, insurance, or legal purposes.

Appraisers at KAFA Company examine the property's condition, compare it to similar properties that have sold recently in the area, and produce a written report that states what the property is worth on the open market. This report becomes part of the loan file, the insurance claim, or the legal record depending on why the appraisal was ordered.

Key Takeaways

• KAFA Company performs residential and commercial property appraisals throughout South Carolina for mortgage lenders, property owners, and legal proceedings.
• An appraisal report documents a property's current market value based on the appraiser's inspection and comparison to similar recent sales in the area.
• You typically do not contact the appraiser directly—your lender, attorney, or insurance company orders the appraisal and receives the report.
• The appraisal process usually takes one to two weeks from the time the order is placed until the report is delivered.

When You Might Need an Appraisal from KAFA Company

If you are buying a home and using a mortgage, your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the property is worth at least the amount you are borrowing. The lender protects itself this way—if you stop paying and the lender has to sell the property, the sale should cover what you owe.

Property owners sometimes order appraisals for refinancing, estate planning, divorce settlements, or property tax appeals. Appraisals are also used when insurance companies need to verify the replacement value of a home or when a property is being donated and the donor needs documentation of its fair market value for tax purposes.

How the Appraisal Process Works

Once an appraisal is ordered, KAFA Company schedules an inspection. The appraiser visits the property, measures the building, notes its condition inside and out, and documents features like the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and any upgrades or damage. For residential properties, the appraiser also notes the lot size, neighborhood characteristics, and proximity to schools or commercial areas.

After the inspection, the appraiser researches recent sales of comparable properties—homes or buildings similar in size, age, condition, and location. Using this data, the appraiser adjusts the comparable sales prices up or down to account for differences, then arrives at an estimated market value. The written report includes photographs, the inspection notes, the comparable sales analysis, and the final value conclusion.

The report is typically delivered to whoever ordered the appraisal—usually the lender, attorney, or insurance company. If you ordered it yourself, you receive the report directly. The entire process from order to delivery usually takes one to two weeks, though timing can vary depending on how busy the appraisal company is and how quickly the property owner makes the home available for inspection.

What Affects Your Property's Appraised Value

An appraiser considers the property's physical condition first. A well-maintained home with recent updates to the roof, HVAC system, or kitchen will appraise higher than an identical home needing major repairs. Structural issues, water damage, or outdated systems lower the value.

Location matters significantly. A property in a neighborhood with good schools, low crime, and convenient access to jobs and shopping typically appraises higher than a similar property in a less desirable area. Recent sales prices of comparable properties in your neighborhood are the strongest indicator of what your property is worth.

Market conditions also play a role. In a strong seller's market where homes are selling quickly and prices are rising, appraisals tend to be higher. In a slower market, appraisals may be lower even if the property itself has not changed.

Understanding Your Appraisal Report

The appraisal report begins with property details—address, lot size, building square footage, year built, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms. It includes photographs of the front, back, and interior spaces, plus notes on the condition of major systems.

The middle section shows the comparable sales the appraiser used. Each comparable lists the sale price, sale date, and adjustments made to account for differences from your property. For example, if a comparable sold for $250,000 but has an extra half-bath your property lacks, the appraiser might adjust that comparable down by $5,000 to make it more comparable to yours.

The final page states the appraiser's conclusion of value—the estimated market value of your property. This number is what the lender, insurance company, or court will use to make decisions about the loan, coverage, or settlement.

What to Do If You Disagree With the Appraisal

If an appraisal comes in lower than you expected, you have options. You can ask the appraiser or the appraisal company for a reconsideration of value, providing documentation of recent improvements, comparable sales the appraiser may have missed, or errors in the property description. Some appraisers will review their work if you point out factual mistakes.

You can also order a second appraisal from a different company. If the second appraisal is significantly higher, you can present both reports to your lender and ask them to use the higher value. Keep in mind that lenders may order their own appraisal or may require that both appraisals be averaged.

If you are appealing a property tax assessment based on an appraisal, South Carolina's county assessor's office has a formal appeal process. Contact your local assessor for details on how to challenge the value they assigned to your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an appraisal cost?

Appraisal fees vary depending on the property type, location, and complexity. Residential appraisals typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. When a lender orders the appraisal, the cost is usually added to your loan closing costs. Contact KAFA Company directly for a quote on your specific property.

Can I be present during the appraisal inspection?

Yes. Many homeowners are present during the inspection to answer questions and point out recent improvements or upgrades. Being there can help the appraiser understand the property's condition and features. Coordinate with KAFA Company when scheduling to confirm whether the appraiser prefers you to be there.

How long does an appraisal take?

The inspection itself usually takes 30 minutes to an hour for a residential property. The full appraisal process—inspection, research, analysis, and report writing—typically takes one to two weeks from the time the order is placed until the report is delivered.

What if the appraisal is lower than the purchase price?

If you are buying and the appraisal is lower than your offer price, your lender will only finance up to the appraised value. You can renegotiate the purchase price with the seller, put down more money out of pocket, or walk away from the deal depending on your contract terms and financial situation.

Do I need an appraisal if I am paying cash?

No. Appraisals are typically required by lenders to protect their investment. If you are paying cash, you are not required to have an appraisal, though some buyers order one anyway to confirm they are paying a fair price or to document the property's value for insurance or tax purposes.