Appraisal Demand Form
What the Appraisal Demand Form Is and When it’s Used
Why a Clear Appraisal Demand Form Matters
A concise, accurate Appraisal Demand Form reduces mistakes, clarifies scope, and shortens turnaround times while establishing accountability for fees, delivery, and intended use. Properly completed forms support enforceability under ESIGN/UETA frameworks and help avoid disputes over authority or valuation assumptions.
Who Typically Prepares and Receives This Form
The Appraisal Demand Form is used by multiple stakeholders who need an authoritative, written appraisal instruction before work begins.
- Lenders and mortgage servicers who order appraisals for underwriting, default management, or loss mitigation purposes.
- Property owners, trustees, or attorneys requesting appraisals for tax appeals, estate administration, or litigation support.
- Real estate brokers and valuation managers who coordinate assignments and document intended use and scope.
Accurate identification of the requestor and recipient on the form prevents later challenges to the appraisal's admissibility or chain of custody.
Step-by-Step: Completing and Submitting the Form
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01Gather documents: Collect title, listing, permits, and prior appraisals.
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02Complete fields: Fill every required field using the guide above.
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03Sign and date: Sign physically or with compliant eSignature.
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04Send to appraiser: Route via secure channel with attachments included.
Typical Submission and Processing Flow
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Request initiated: Requestor completes the form and attaches documents.
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Assignment accepted: Appraiser confirms scope and scheduling.
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Inspection performed: Onsite inspection and data collection occur.
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Report delivered: Final appraisal report sent to requestor and stakeholders.
Online Workflow Settings to Configure
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Email or SMS code; consider stronger methods for high-risk assignments |
| Signer Order | Set sequential or parallel signing depending on approvals |
| Attachments | Require specific file types (PDF, DOCX) and size limits |
| Retention | Enable audit trail retention and export to secure storage |
Digital Submission and Platform Requirements
Choose an electronic platform that supports secure uploads, verifiable signatures, and an audit trail consistent with U.S. e-signature laws.
- File formats: PDF and DOCX are preferred
- Authentication level: Email or SMS code minimum
- Integration: Works with CRM and cloud storage
Confirm the platform you select meets any industry compliance needs (for example, HIPAA when health information is involved) and retains a tamper-evident audit trail for the full required retention period.
Typical Timelines and Processing Expectations
Standard turnaround:
7–14 business days typical for routine interior inspections and report completion
Complex assignments:
30+ days for unusual properties or litigation appraisals
Tax appeal schedules:
Conform to local tax appeal filing deadlines and evidence submission
Refinance windows:
Coordinate appraisal delivery with lender lock expirations
Dispute response:
Allow additional time for rebuttal reports and peer review
Key Milestones from Request to Report
Request Submitted
Form and documents uploaded and assigned to appraiser
Assignment Accepted
Appraiser confirms scope and schedule
Inspection Scheduled
Site visit booked and access arranged
Report Finalized
Appraiser completes and delivers the final report
Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete property identifiers cause delays when appraisers must research title or parcel numbers.
- Ambiguous intended use leads to a report that does not meet lender or legal requirements.
- Missing attachments such as prior appraisals or permits force rework and extend turnaround.
- Incorrect signer authority results in disputes over the appraisal's chain of custody or admissibility.
Risks and Consequences of Incomplete or Incorrect Forms
eSignature Vendor Pricing and Core Features
| 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 | 7-day trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Answers
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Can this form be e-signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally binding in the U.S. under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and record retention requirements are met.
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Is notarization required?
Not typically for a simple appraisal request, but notarization may be necessary when the form includes affidavits or power-of-attorney language that state law or third parties require.
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What if the signer lacks authority?
If the signer cannot demonstrate authority, the appraisal may be challenged. Include corporate resolutions, trustee documentation, or borrower authorization as applicable.
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How do I correct errors after submission?
If minor errors are found, submit an amended form with clear revision notes and a dated signature. For substantive changes, obtain written consent from all parties and the appraiser.
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How long should records be kept?
Retain appraisal requests and supporting documents for at least 3 years; longer retention may be required for tax, HIPAA, or litigation matters.
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Which authentication level is appropriate?
Use email/SMS codes for standard assignments; consider multi-factor or higher-proof identity methods for high-value or legally sensitive matters.