Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1992
Credit card accepted
Customers say: Quality work
"The appraisal process was smooth."
Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2018
Credit card accepted
Offers commercial services
"I was looking to defend myself in a divorce. This appraisal helps me to pay less."
Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2006
Customers say: Quick response
"The owner explains everything in details how the appraisal works, doesnâ t mind how much time we talk on the phone and in person. The report is very well written and presented to me on time as promised. The report serves my intended purpose."
Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2018
Free estimates
Small jobs welcome
"Thorough appraisals received in a timely manner. Appraisals done in my home."
+10
Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2010
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"Marty is excellent to work with. Very fair and excellent pricing for his services. You can't go wrong with Marty. He always makes you feel like family."
Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
In business since 1989
Credit card accepted
Offers commercial services
"Showed up on time and provided quick and friendly service."
Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
In business since 2005
Free estimates
"I hired Jeffrey to give me an appraisal after I perform the number of upgrades on my home. Jeffrey was realistic, informative and very fair in his appraisal. I appreciated his willingness to walk me through the appraisal and to give me a true sense of the value of the property. I especially appreciated that he was conservative and fair. I'm certain this appraisal will stand the scrutiny of USDA and any Federal Bank. Sometimes appraisers work for the bank. I felt Jeffrey was protective of my interest. Jeffrey gave me confidence in me potential investment."
Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
In business since 2004
Emergency services offered
Small jobs welcome
"Chris is very knowledgeable, answered all my questions, and provided me with a very detailed appraisal. He has remained available to answer any questions I may have."
+2
Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
In business since 1998
Free estimates
"Marc helped us sell an empty lot. He was responsive, professional, and friendly. He helped us understand the market and guided us through the process. We were so pleased with the process that we asked for his help when we decided to sell our house, which was also an excellent experience. Marc really listens and is a calm and steady presence throughout the whole process. We would highly recommend Marc to anyone in need of a realtor."
+6
Serving Columbia, MD and surrounding areas
In business since 1990
Credit card accepted
"I am a 100% satisfied first time First Advantage customer. Wade arrived on time, was very thorough with his home inspection, highly professional and pleasantly very personable as well. I did a lot of research prior to hiring First Advantage and could not be any happier with both the business experience and my very comprehensive highly detailed home appraisal that was emailed to me promptly as promised the very next day in PDF format and by request, a complementary mailed printed copy was included as well. If anyone needs an honest and accurate very comprehensive professional home appraisal, I highly recommend hiring this second-to-none in the industry home appraisal company. Thanks Wade. It was a genuine pleasure doing business with you. If I ever need another home appraisal or meet anyone else who needs one, expect to hear back from me or them again. Best wishes to you and your family."
You can estimate a bathroom addition’s value between 10% to 20% of a home’s value. But this also accounts for extra square footage since homes with more bathrooms tend to have more space. When considering adding one, you should know that a bathroom generally adds only $5,000 to an appraisal price initially, with adjustments made for other factors like local home values.
Garages increase a property’s value by about 80% of the build price. The national average cost to build a garage is $23,900.
However, on an appraisal, a garage contributes to the whole rather than as a part. For example, if you have a garage, your appraiser then tries to compare it to nearby homes with garages, which often have a higher value.
A bedroom can add anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 or more to an appraisal. It depends heavily on the size of the bedroom, the overall home’s value, the location, and what amenities it might include (like a walk-in closet).
A drive-by appraisal usually costs $100 to $150. For a drive-by appraisal, the appraiser only visually assesses the home's exterior, in addition to reviewing the real estate records on the home and comparing it to nearby homes.
An FHA appraisal costs between $400 and $700. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are usually less strict, so the appraisals are often more affordable. VA appraisal fees range from $425 to $900 for a single-family home. Compared to FHA loans, VA loans can be more involved.
A home appraiser will look at the real estate paperwork related to the home, but they will also do an exterior and interior assessment. Reviews include the square footage of the home and/or acreage of the lot, the age and condition of the home, construction materials used, the general state of the economy and local market, and the design and style of the home, along with any special features it may have. While an appraiser won’t be as thorough as a home inspector, they will likely notice very obvious problems and defects.
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