Can this form be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable in interstate commerce under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and in most states under UETA. Ensure intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention when using eSignatures.

When is notarization required?

Most appraisal contracts do not require recording, but state or lender rules may require notarization or witness signatures for certain acknowledgments; check local requirements and lender policies before omitting notarization.

Who should sign the contract?

Authorized representatives of the ordering party and the appraiser must sign. For entities, include an officer or authorized agent and provide printed name and title to clarify signing authority.

What if the appraiser disagrees with scope?

The appraiser should record any reservations or limiting conditions in writing. If scope changes, execute a written amendment and, if necessary, adjust fees and deadlines accordingly.

How do I cancel or revoke the demand?

Cancellation should follow the terms of the contract. Provide written notice and, where applicable, pay any cancellation fees defined in the agreement to avoid breach claims.

How long must I keep signed contracts?

Retain executed contracts for at least three years after the effective date for tax and business records, seven years for many commercial disputes, and six years for HIPAA-related records (45 CFR §164.530(j)).

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Appraisal Demand and Contract Form

Appraisal Demand and Contract Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

APPRAISAL DEMAND AND CONTRACT FORM

1. Parties and Assignment

Client Name:

Client Contact Information

Appraiser/Company Name:

Appraiser Contact & Credentials

Appraiser Entity Type: Individual LLC Corporation Partnership

2. Property Identification

Property Address Parcel / APN Number Legal Description

3. Assignment Scope & Report Requirements

Report Type (select all that apply): Full Appraisal Report Summary Appraisal Report Restricted Use Report Appraisal Update/Review

Intended Use:

Intended Users (in addition to Client):

Additional Services Requested

Photographs of subject and comparables Measured floor plan Cost approach Comparable closed sales analysis

4. Inspection, Access & Disclosures

Occupancy Status: Occupied Vacant Model/Spec

Authorization to Enter Property: Yes No

Known Lead-Based Paint or Hazardous Materials on Property: Yes No

Known Material Defects (structural, water intrusion, environmental): Yes No

If Yes, describe defects or special conditions

5. Fees, Payment & Schedule

Total Agreed Fee: $ Deposit Amount: $

Balance Due Within days of delivery. Late Fee: $ or

Payment Method:

Turnaround Time: from inspection to delivery of final report.

Delivery Format & Copies

PDF (electronic) Signed original mailed Copies to deliver:

6. Conditions, Warranties and Limitations

Scope of Work: Appraiser will perform an appraisal consistent with applicable professional standards and provide an impartial, objective opinion of value. The appraisal shall rely on available market data, physical inspection (unless otherwise agreed), and customary appraisal procedures.

Confidentiality: The appraisal report and underlying work files are confidential. Client is the intended user; reproduction or distribution to third parties is permitted only with written authorization from the Appraiser and may be subject to additional fees.

Limitation of Liability: Except for willful misconduct or gross negligence, the Appraiser's liability arising out of this contract is limited to actual proven damages and in no event shall exceed the total fee paid for the services rendered. Client shall not seek consequential or punitive damages.

Indemnification: Client agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Appraiser harmless from claims, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from Client's breach of this agreement or from unauthorized distribution or use of the appraisal report by any third party unless caused by Appraiser's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Conflicts of Interest: Appraiser certifies that to the best of their knowledge no conflict exists that would impair impartiality. Appraiser will disclose any known interest in the property or parties.

7. Cancellation and Rescheduling

Cancellation by Client less than days before scheduled inspection may result in forfeiture of deposit and/or an additional cancellation fee of $. Appraiser may reschedule for conditions beyond control; additional fees apply for repeated rescheduling.

8. Delivery Dates and Effective Date

Effective Date of Appraisal:

Anticipated Inspection Date:

Delivery Deadline:

9. Remedies, Governing Law and Entire Agreement

Remedies: The parties agree that money damages may be inadequate to remedy a breach of confidentiality or unauthorized distribution. Parties may seek injunctive relief in addition to other remedies. Any claim relating to services must be made in writing within 90 days of delivery of the appraisal report.

Governing Law and Venue: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of: . Venue for any dispute shall lie in the courts of that jurisdiction unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Entire Agreement: This document, together with any attachments and written amendments signed by both parties, constitutes the entire agreement between Client and Appraiser and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.

10. Acceptance and Signature

By signing below, Client orders the appraisal described above and agrees to the terms, fees, and conditions contained in this Appraisal Demand and Contract Form. By signing, Appraiser accepts the assignment and agrees to perform the appraisal in accordance with applicable professional standards and the terms set forth herein.

Client Name (Print):

By:

Date:

Appraiser Name (Print):

By:

Date:

What the Appraisal Demand and Contract Form Is and When It's Used

The Appraisal Demand and Contract Form is a written agreement that requests a professional property appraisal and establishes the terms of engagement between the requesting party and an appraiser. It defines the property, the scope of work, required deliverables, fees, timing, and any special instructions or limitations on use. The form is commonly used in real estate transactions, loan underwriting, estate settlements, and dispute resolution where a documented, enforceable appraisal engagement is needed to allocate responsibility and set expectations.

Why a Clear Appraisal Demand and Contract Matters

A well-drafted form reduces misunderstandings, documents expectations for scope and fee, and creates an evidentiary record tying the appraisal to contract terms.

Who Typically Prepares or Signs This Form

Various professionals and parties use the Appraisal Demand and Contract Form depending on the transaction type and purpose.

Lenders and mortgage underwriters who order formal appraisals for loan decisions and collateral valuation.
Property owners or estate representatives requesting appraisals for sale, probate, or settlement purposes.
Attorneys and claims adjusters who need an independent valuation in disputes or insurance claims.

Tailor the signatory list to the role: lender, owner, borrower, attorney, or third-party claimant.

Core Elements to Include in the Appraisal Demand and Contract Form

A complete form clearly identifies parties, describes the property, defines scope and methodology, specifies fees, sets deadlines and deliverables, and includes signature and authentication blocks.

Parties

Full legal names and roles for requesting party, client, and the appraiser; include business entities and authorized signers when applicable.

Property Description

Precise street address, parcel number or legal description, and any unit or lot identifiers to ensure the appraiser inspects the correct asset.

Scope of Work

Define valuation standard (market value, fair market value, purchase price), intended use, effective date, required inspection level, and any limiting conditions.

Fees and Payment

State the appraisal fee, payment terms, any retainer, additional charges for travel or supplemental reports, and invoicing instructions.

Deliverables & Timing

Specify report format, required attachments (photos, comps), delivery method, and firm delivery deadline or business-day timeframe.

Signatures & Auth

Signature blocks for client and appraiser, date fields, notarization or witness areas if required, and fields for electronic signature authentication.

Essential Data Elements to Capture

Client Identity: Full legal name

Appraiser Identity: Name and license number

Property Details: Address and parcel ID

Fee Terms: Agreed payment amount

Deliverable Type: Report format (PDF)

Authentication: Signature type and date

Step-by-Step: Completing the Appraisal Demand and Contract

Follow these steps to prepare, authorize, and distribute a clear appraisal demand and contract.

01

Gather records: Collect deed, tax parcel ID, prior appraisals, and disclosure documents.
02

Define scope: Specify valuation standard, inspection level, and intended use.
03

Set terms: Enter fees, payment timing, and delivery deadline.
04

Sign and authenticate: Obtain signatures, notarization or witness if required, and retain a copy.

How to Configure an Online Appraisal Contract Workflow

Set up an e-signing workflow that matches your approval and delivery needs.

Field	Configuration
Authentication Method	Email link and optional SMS code
Signature Type	Drawn, typed, or uploaded image
Routing Order	Sequential or parallel signer order
Storage Location	Designated cloud folder or document repository

Digital Signing and File Requirements

Confirm platform compatibility, authentication strength, and acceptable file formats before sending the contract.

File Formats: PDF, DOCX supported
Integrations: CRM and cloud storage
Authentication: Email, SMS, or advanced ID

Choose an eSignature platform that supports your required authentication level, integration with record systems, and secure storage with audit trail capabilities.

Where to Send or File the Completed Form

Route the signed contract to each stakeholder and store a copy in the official transaction record.

Appraiser Copy: Provide the appraiser with the fully executed contract and property records.
Client Record: Deliver a signed copy to the client or ordering party for file retention.
Lender File: Place the executed contract in the loan origination or closing file if applicable.
County or Public Record: Record only if required by local rules; most appraisal contracts are not recorded instruments.

Typical Timeframes and Deadlines to Expect

Timeframes depend on scope, market access, and agreed deadlines; plan conservatively for scheduling and review.

Appraisal Turnaround:

Typical delivery spans 7–14 business days depending on availability and scope.

Response to Demand:

Requesting parties often require written acceptance within 5–10 business days.

Payment Deadline:

Specify payment due on receipt or within a set number of days after invoice.

Dispute Window:

Allow a defined period for factual corrections before final reliance.

Record Retention:

Keep executed contracts and reports per retention policy and regulatory requirements.

Common Errors to Avoid When Preparing the Form

Using incomplete property descriptions that lead to the wrong parcel being appraised and potential disputes over scope and fee.
Failing to specify the valuation standard or intended use, which can result in an unusable or misapplied appraisal report.
Omitting payment terms or contingencies and creating uncertainty about when the appraiser will begin or deliver the report.
Skipping authentication or failing to notarize when local rules require it, risking enforceability or acceptance by third parties.

Potential Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Form

Contract Voidance: May render fee or scope unenforceable

Civil Liability: Damages for negligence or misrepresentation

Regulatory Risk: Noncompliance with agency rules

Tax Penalties: Incorrect reporting can trigger IRC §6721 penalties

I-9 Exposure: Employment forms carry separate fines if incorrect

Record Rejection: Lenders or courts may refuse uncertified reports

Supporting Documents and Export Options

Collect and attach supporting items and select export options that preserve evidentiary value and accessibility.

Accepted Formats

Use PDF/A for final reports and PDF or DOCX for editable drafts; preserve images and metadata for evidentiary weight.

Supporting Documents

Attach deed, tax bill, prior appraisal, survey, photos, and title excerpts to provide context to the appraiser.

Export Options

Export signed records and audit trails as PDF with embedded time stamps and a separate completion certificate.

Version Control

Keep a signed master copy and archive earlier drafts with change logs to demonstrate revision history.

eSignature Vendor Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Compare basic pricing and core capabilities for eSignature platforms commonly used to execute appraisal contracts; signNow appears first for parity in comparison.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes, 7-day trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions About the Appraisal Demand and Contract Form

Answers to common questions about execution, electronic signatures, notarization, and retention for appraisal engagements.

Need help? Contact support

Can this form be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable in interstate commerce under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and in most states under UETA. Ensure intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention when using eSignatures.
When is notarization required?
Most appraisal contracts do not require recording, but state or lender rules may require notarization or witness signatures for certain acknowledgments; check local requirements and lender policies before omitting notarization.
Who should sign the contract?
Authorized representatives of the ordering party and the appraiser must sign. For entities, include an officer or authorized agent and provide printed name and title to clarify signing authority.
What if the appraiser disagrees with scope?
The appraiser should record any reservations or limiting conditions in writing. If scope changes, execute a written amendment and, if necessary, adjust fees and deadlines accordingly.
How do I cancel or revoke the demand?
Cancellation should follow the terms of the contract. Provide written notice and, where applicable, pay any cancellation fees defined in the agreement to avoid breach claims.
How long must I keep signed contracts?
Retain executed contracts for at least three years after the effective date for tax and business records, seven years for many commercial disputes, and six years for HIPAA-related records (45 CFR §164.530(j)).

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