Can an Appraisal Report be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention are satisfied; include any consumer disclosures required for consumer-facing transactions.

When is notarization required for appraisal-related documents?

Appraisal Reports rarely require notarization, but related affidavits, certifications, or documents intended for recording may need notarization. Check the document purpose and the relevant state notary rules before requesting notarization.

Is remote online notarization (RON) acceptable?

RON acceptance varies by state; many states permit permanent RON with identity proofing and recording requirements. Verify state notary statutes and retention obligations before using RON for supporting affidavits.

What makes an electronic signature legally valid?

A valid e-signature requires (1) intent to sign, (2) consent to do business electronically, (3) attribution to the signer, and (4) a record retention method that reproduces the signed record, consistent with ESIGN and UETA principles.

How should I store signed Appraisal Reports securely?

Store signed reports with tamper-evident PDFs, an audit trail, access controls, and encrypted backups. Maintain retention per IRS, HIPAA, or other applicable regulators depending on the record type.

What if a lender rejects the report format?

Review lender requirements and update the template to include requested attestations, lender addenda, or specific exhibits; maintain version control and an audit trail for re-submissions.

Appraisal Report

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

APPRAISAL REPORT

Engagement Date:

Parties

Client Name Appraiser / Firm

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client Name: (the "Client") has requested that Appraiser: perform a real property appraisal of the property described below; and

WHEREAS, the Appraiser is qualified and agrees to provide a written appraisal report stating an opinion of market value in accordance with the scope described in this engagement under the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to document the assignment, scope, fees, and certification for the appraisal engagement pursuant to the terms below.

Assignment Details

Property Address Property Type

Inspection Date(s): Report Effective Date:

Intended Use Intended User(s)

Scope of Work

Valuation Conclusion

Opinion of Market Value (as of Report Effective Date): $

Valuation Method(s) Used

Assumptions and Limiting Conditions

Certification

The undersigned certifies that, to the best of the appraiser's knowledge and belief, the statements of fact contained in this report are true and correct, the reported analyses, opinions, and conclusions are limited only by the reported assumptions and limiting conditions, and the appraiser has no undisclosed interest in the property and no bias with respect to the parties involved. The appraiser further certifies that the appraisal was performed with impartiality, objectivity, and independence and in accordance with recognized professional standards.

I certify that I have no present or prospective interest in the property, its ownership, or the outcome of this assignment.

Payment Terms

Fee Amount Payment Schedule

Late Fee: Collection Costs: Client agrees to reimburse reasonable collection and legal costs if payment is not made when due.

Term and Termination

Term Commencement: Term Expiration:

Notice Period for Termination

Either party may terminate this engagement upon written notice if the other party materially breaches any obligation and fails to cure within the notice period specified above. Termination shall not relieve the Client of its obligation to pay for services performed and expenses incurred prior to termination.

Confidentiality

The Appraiser shall treat the appraisal report and supporting data as confidential and shall not disclose the appraisal, work files, or conclusions to third parties except as required by law, as authorized by the Client in writing, or for professional peer review. Client acknowledgements permitting distribution shall be documented in writing.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the state specified by the parties below without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Governing State

Entire Agreement

This engagement letter, including attachments and the appraisal report produced hereunder, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Work File and Retention

The appraiser will retain work files related to this assignment for a period determined by applicable professional standards and shall make such files available to the Client or appropriate oversight bodies where required by law or professional regulation.

Client:

By:

Date:

Appraiser/Firm:

By:

Date:

What an Appraisal Report is and when it matters

An Appraisal Report documents a professional opinion of value for real property, personal property, or business assets. It describes the inspection, market data, valuation methods, assumptions, limiting conditions, and includes exhibits such as photographs and comparables. Reports record the effective date of value, scope of work, and the appraiser's certification so users can assess reliability. Appraisal Reports support lending decisions, tax and estate matters, insurance claims, dispute resolution, and other transactions that require an independent, documented valuation record.

Why a clear Appraisal Report benefits decision makers

An Appraisal Report provides a reproducible, auditable valuation tied to explicit assumptions and methods. That transparency reduces disputes, supports regulatory and underwriting requirements, and clarifies the limits of the opinion for courts, lenders, and other stakeholders.

Primary users and typical requestors

Who prepares and uses Appraisal Reports varies by use case, intended user, and applicable standards.

Real estate appraisers and appraisal firms produce reports for lenders, buyers, and market participants.
Banks, mortgage lenders, and underwriters use Appraisal Reports to assess loan collateral value.
Attorneys, insurers, and tax professionals rely on Appraisal Reports for disputes, claims, and filings.

Tailor the report format to the client's needs and the regulatory or lender specifications to ensure acceptance.

Essential components of a professional Appraisal Report

A complete Appraisal Report combines factual data, analysis, and certification so readers can verify how the value was derived and whether the report meets industry standards.

Summary of Value

A clear statement of the appraised value, type of value (market, liquidation), effective date, and the report's scope so readers know the number's meaning and limits.

Scope of Work

A description of inspection extent, data sources, assumptions, and any limiting or extraordinary conditions that influence the analysis and conclusions.

Market Data & Analysis

Comparable sales, rental or income data, and adjustments used to reconcile approaches; includes tables and rationale for each adjustment made.

Valuation Methods

The sales comparison, cost, and income approaches as applicable, with calculations, reconciliations, and the appraiser's reasoning for the final value.

Photographs & Exhibits

Photographic evidence, site maps, floor plans, and supporting documents that corroborate condition statements and observed property attributes.

Certification & Qualifications

Appraiser identification, license numbers, signature, and a certification of compliance with applicable standards such as USPAP when required.

Core data fields required in the Appraisal Report

Property Address: Full street address, city, state, ZIP.

Effective Date: Effective date of value (MM/DD/YYYY).

Owner/Client: Legal name of owner or client.

Appraiser Name: Printed name and license number.

Sales Comparables: Addresses, sale dates, closing prices.

Assumptions: List of material assumptions and limitations.

Step-by-step: preparing and finalizing the Appraisal Report

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a compliant, auditable Appraisal Report suited to the intended user and regulatory requirements.

01

Collect Data: Gather property details, deeds, tax info, and market data.
02

Inspect Property: Document condition, take photos, and measure dimensions.
03

Analyze Market: Select comparables and perform needed adjustments.
04

Draft Report: Compile narrative, exhibits, and the appraiser's certification.

Configuring an online Appraisal Report workflow

Set templates, signer roles, and authentication to match report sections and required verifications before sending a report for signature or review.

Field	Configuration
Template Sections	Enable core sections and optional exhibits.
Signer Roles & Order	Assign client, reviewer, and appraiser roles.
Authentication Methods	Choose email link, SMS code, or knowledge-based auth.
Auto-Numbering & Exports	Enable PDF/A export and audit trail retention.

Where to send or file the completed Appraisal Report

Completed Appraisal Reports are routed according to the intended use and recipient; delivery method affects evidentiary handling and retention.

Lender Submission: Attach signed report to loan file or underwriting portal.
Client Delivery: Send final report to client via secure PDF or portal.
County Records: File supporting exhibits if local rules require recording.
Court or Counsel: Provide certified copies and appraiser affidavit where ordered.

Technical delivery and platform considerations

Use secure platforms that support PDF, DOCX, audit trails, and strong signer authentication for e-submission and evidence preservation.

File Formats: PDF and Word (DOCX) accepted.
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace available.
Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, and SSO options.

Common timing expectations and turnaround windows

Timing depends on purpose: lender underwriting, estate valuations, tax appeals, insurance claims, and litigation each have distinct scheduling needs.

Lender Turnaround:

Typically 3–10 business days for a complete appraisal.

Pre-Purchase Review:

Allow 7–14 days for scheduling and inspection.

Estate Filings:

Coordinate report date with estate valuation deadlines.

Insurance Claims:

Submit appraisal within the insurer's claim period.

Litigation Use:

Provide expert report according to court scheduling orders.

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Failing to state the intended use or client can produce a report that does not meet lender, tax, or judicial requirements, leading to rejection or additional work.
Using inappropriate comparables or failing to adjust for material differences introduces bias and undermines the appraisal's credibility during underwriting or expert review.
Omitting photographs, sketches, or supporting exhibits makes verification difficult and increases the likelihood of follow-up requests or reduced reliance.
Not disclosing extraordinary assumptions, hypothetical conditions, or scope limitations can render conclusions misleading and expose parties to legal challenge.

Consequences of an incorrect or incomplete Appraisal Report

Incorrect Value: Financial loss risk.

Missing Signatures: Report may be invalid.

Noncompliance: Standards violation, reputational risk.

Late Delivery: Loan delays and fees.

Data Errors: Tax or legal exposure.

Unclear Scope: Misuse of valuation.

How Appraisal Reports differ from other valuation documents

Compare typical features and intended uses to choose the appropriate valuation document for your transaction or proceeding.

Document Type	Appraisal Report	Valuation Letter	Broker Opinion
Typical Use	lending or litigation	preliminary estimate	listing or marketing
Formality	high	medium	low
Credentials Required	licensed appraiser	analyst or appraiser	real estate broker
Deliverables	full report with exhibits	short letter summary	brief opinion or memo

eSignature vendor comparison for Appraisal Report workflows

Compare basic plan criteria and compliance features when selecting an eSignature provider for distributing and signing Appraisal Reports. Do NOT include any data date or verification timestamp in this table.

	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 free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Supporting documents and export options to include with the report

Include exhibits and export in durable formats so recipients can store and reproduce the appraisal reliably.

Common Exhibits

Photographs, site maps, legal description, title excerpts, and comparable sale documentation that substantiate observations and adjustments.

Delivery Formats

PDF/A for archival, standard PDF for distribution, and Word DOCX when edits or template reuse are required.

Audit Evidence

Maintain the audit trail, timestamps, signer IP addresses, and change history for legal defensibility.

Retention Export

Export metadata and certificate of completion for long-term storage and compliance audits.

Illustrative use cases for Appraisal Reports

Real-world scenarios show how report detail and format vary by purpose and recipient.

Mortgage Underwriting

A lender orders a full appraisal to support a mortgage

Report uses USPAP-compliant methodology and verified comparables
The final signed PDF and audit trail are saved in the loan file to satisfy underwriting and audit requirements.

Estate Valuation

An executor needs a fair market valuation for estate tax reporting

Appraiser documents income and market approaches
The report includes effective date, assumptions, and exhibits to support IRS review or beneficiary questions.

Frequently asked questions about Appraisal Reports and e-signing

Answers to common questions about legal validity, signatures, notarization, and practical steps to finalize and store an Appraisal Report.

Need help? Contact support

Can an Appraisal Report be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention are satisfied; include any consumer disclosures required for consumer-facing transactions.
When is notarization required for appraisal-related documents?
Appraisal Reports rarely require notarization, but related affidavits, certifications, or documents intended for recording may need notarization. Check the document purpose and the relevant state notary rules before requesting notarization.
Is remote online notarization (RON) acceptable?
RON acceptance varies by state; many states permit permanent RON with identity proofing and recording requirements. Verify state notary statutes and retention obligations before using RON for supporting affidavits.
What makes an electronic signature legally valid?
A valid e-signature requires (1) intent to sign, (2) consent to do business electronically, (3) attribution to the signer, and (4) a record retention method that reproduces the signed record, consistent with ESIGN and UETA principles.
How should I store signed Appraisal Reports securely?
Store signed reports with tamper-evident PDFs, an audit trail, access controls, and encrypted backups. Maintain retention per IRS, HIPAA, or other applicable regulators depending on the record type.
What if a lender rejects the report format?
Review lender requirements and update the template to include requested attestations, lender addenda, or specific exhibits; maintain version control and an audit trail for re-submissions.

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