Can an appraisal be e-signed?

Yes. Electronic signatures satisfy the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted when the four legal tests—intent, consent, attribution, and record retention—are met. Confirm any industry-specific disclosure requirements before electronic execution.

Are notarizations required for appraisals?

Typically the appraisal report itself does not require notarization, but related documents (deeds, affidavits) often do. If notarization is needed, follow state notary rules; where allowed, remote online notarization (RON) may apply with identity proofing requirements.

What if the appraisal contains errors?

Material errors can cause lender rejection, underwriting delays, tax reassessment, or professional liability. Correct errors promptly with a signed addendum or revised report and document the reason for amendment to preserve an audit trail.

Who is authorized to sign the appraisal?

Only the licensed or certified appraiser who prepared or supervised the appraisal should sign and certify the report. Signatory must meet state licensing requirements and any lender or court standards for expert opinions.

Can appraisals be notarized electronically?

Where state law permits RON, appraisals or acknowledgements can be notarized remotely provided the notary follows identity proofing, audio‑visual recording, and recordkeeping standards set by the state notary commission.

How long must appraisal records be kept?

Retain working files and final reports per federal and industry rules: at least 3 years for many tax-related records (IRC §6501(a)) and 6 years where HIPAA applies (45 CFR §164.530(j)); state rules may require longer retention.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Property Valuation Appraisal

Property Valuation Appraisal

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

PROPERTY VALUATION APPRAISAL AGREEMENT

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client Name: desires a professional appraisal of the real property described below for the purpose of ; and

WHEREAS, Appraiser Name: , holding License/Certification No.: and operating as , agrees to perform the appraisal subject to the terms set forth in this Agreement.

Property Identification

Property Address Parcel / Tax ID Owner of Record Legal Description (if available)

Scope of Appraisal

The Appraiser shall perform a valuation of the above-described property using recognized appraisal standards appropriate to the Valuation Purpose identified herein. The scope includes inspection, market research, comparative analysis, and preparation of a written appraisal report setting forth conclusions of value as of the Effective Date: .

Detailed Scope of Work

Valuation Methodology and Assumptions

Valuation methods to be considered (check applicable):

Sales Comparison Approach Income (Income Capitalization) Approach Cost Approach

Assumptions and Limiting Conditions

Deliverables and Report Format

The Appraiser will deliver the appraisal report in the format(s) indicated below.

Full narrative appraisal report Summary report Digital copy (PDF)

Number of Copies / Additional Requirements

Payment Terms

Fee Amount Payment Schedule Out-of-Pocket Expenses Late Payment Fee

Term and Termination

This Agreement commences on Start Date: and continues until completion of the services or End Date: , unless earlier terminated as provided below.

Termination Notice

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach if the breaching party fails to cure within the notice period specified above. Client remains liable for work performed and reimbursable expenses through the effective termination date.

Confidentiality

Except as required by law or professional standards, the Appraiser will treat all non-public information provided by the Client as confidential and will not disclose such information to third parties without Client's prior written consent. Confidentiality does not limit the Appraiser's right to comply with subpoenas or similar legal processes.

Client acknowledges that the appraisal report and any underlying work files are the intellectual property of the Appraiser and will remain subject to retention, reuse, and internal disclosure under the Appraiser's record retention policies, except as limited by applicable law or written agreement.

Confidentiality Acknowledged: (Client acknowledges terms)

Limitations and Certifications

The Appraiser certifies that, to the best of the Appraiser's knowledge, the statements and reported analyses are true and that the Appraiser has no undisclosed interest in the property. The Appraiser will perform the assignment in accordance with applicable professional standards and will disclose any conflicts of interest.

Appraiser License State Appraiser Certification Statement

Governing Law; Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of without regard to conflict of law principles. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations and understandings, whether written or oral. Any modification to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Client

Client Name:

By:

Date:

Appraiser

Appraiser Name:

By:

Date:

What the Property Valuation Appraisal Is

Property Valuation Appraisal defines an appraisal report prepared to estimate real property market value for a specified date, using accepted appraisal methods and supported by data and analysis. It typically includes identification of the subject property, scope of work, description of site and improvements, market data, sales comparison, cost and income approaches where applicable, reconciled value conclusion, and certifications by a licensed appraiser. Appraisals serve mortgage lenders, buyers, sellers, tax assessors, insurers, and legal proceedings and must follow USPAP or state appraisal standards.

Why a Professional Appraisal Matters

A Property Valuation Appraisal provides an objective, documented estimate of value used for financing, taxation, sale negotiation, insurance, and litigation. A professional appraisal increases transparency, reduces valuation disputes, and creates a defensible record when relying on financing or regulatory decisions.

Who Typically Orders or Uses an Appraisal

Typical users include professionals and private parties who need an independent valuation for transactions or compliance.

Mortgage lenders assessing collateral for loan underwriting and risk evaluation.
Buyers and sellers requiring market-supported pricing for negotiation or due diligence.
Tax assessors, insurers, and legal counsel needing evidence for appeals, claims, or disputes.

Appraisal reports are signed by credentialed appraisers and may be ordered directly or commissioned through lending or legal channels.

Who Signs and Certifies the Report

Licensed Appraiser

A state-licensed or certified appraiser prepares, signs, and certifies the appraisal. The appraiser must meet state licensing requirements, follow USPAP, and be qualified for the property type; their signature attests to the inspection, methodology, and independence of the opinion.

Lender or Client

The ordering party—lenders, buyers, attorneys, or trustees—requests the appraisal and relies on the opinion. They specify intended use and may require particular formats, attestations, or additional authentication for underwriting, tax, or legal purposes.

Core Sections Included in a Property Valuation Appraisal

Core sections of a Property Valuation Appraisal focus on identity, analysis, and a reconciled value supported by market evidence and professional certification.

Identification

Property address, legal description, parcel ID, ownership, and effective date. Accurate identification ties the opinion to the correct asset and avoids title, tax, and comparability errors.

Scope of Work

Statement of assignment type, intended use, standard of value, and limitations. The scope defines which valuation approaches are used and clarifies expectations for reliance.

Property Description

Detailed site and improvement descriptions including measurements, materials, condition, zoning, permits, and highest-and-best-use analysis that contextualize physical and regulatory value drivers.

Market Data

Comparable sales, listings, rent and vacancy data, and local economic indicators. Source citations, dates, and adjustments must be documented for reproducibility and lender review.

Valuation Methods

Sales comparison, cost, and income approaches as applicable, with calculations, assumptions, and reconciliations explaining why the final value was selected.

Certification

Appraiser statement of qualifications, licensing, signed certification, limiting conditions, and an audit trail of data sources, client instructions, and communications supporting independence.

Step-by-Step: Preparing a Compliant Appraisal

Follow these steps to collect data, perform analysis, and produce a compliant Property Valuation Appraisal report.

01

Gather Documents: Collect deed, plat, tax records, leases, prior appraisals.
02

Inspect Property: Measure, photograph, and note condition and improvements.
03

Analyze Market: Identify comparables and adjust for time, size, condition.
04

Report & Certify: Compile methods, reconcile value, sign certification.

Digital Workflow Settings for Appraisal Processing

Configure a digital appraisal workflow to collect inputs, route for review, and capture signatures and notarization as needed.

Field	Configuration
Document Upload	Enable PDF/DOCX, allow multiple exhibits.
Reviewer Roles	Assign appraiser, reviewer, QC, and client roles.
Authentication	Email link or SMS code; optional KBA.
Notarization	Support RON or in-person notarization workflows.

Platform Capabilities to Support eSubmission

Use these platform capabilities when e-submitting appraisals to ensure secure routing and legal compliance.

File Types: PDF, DOCX, and TIFF file formats supported
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Procore
Authentication: Two-factor and SSO/SAML available

Typical Submission and Review Flow

Typical appraisal process from order to delivery shows responsibilities and key artifacts at each step.

Order Placement: Client provides property details and intended use.
Assignment: Licensed appraiser accepts and schedules inspection.
Analysis: Data collection, approaches applied, and reconciled conclusion.
Delivery: Final report issued with certification and supporting exhibits.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Using outdated comparable sales or failing to adjust for material differences leads to misleading value conclusions and undermines report credibility.
Incomplete site inspection or reliance on owner-provided data without verification increases risk of hidden defects affecting marketability and insurance.
Mismatched client expectations about standard of value or effective date cause disputes when the appraisal opinion does not match transaction needs.
Omitting certifications, limiting conditions, or source citations weakens defensibility in underwriting or legal challenges.

Practical Practices That Improve Accuracy and Defensibility

Adopt consistent procedures to improve accuracy, defensibility, and speed when preparing Property Valuation Appraisals.

Always verify identity and core documents

Confirm the legal name, ownership, and source documents (deed, tax records, lease) before analysis. Matching appraiser and client records prevents administrative delays and ensures comparability. Keep copies and cite sources within the report for auditability.

Use recent market data and transparent adjustments

Select comparables with sale dates close to the effective date, document each adjustment, and explain rationale for differences in size, location, or condition. Transparent adjustments strengthen the reconciliation and lender confidence.

Record assumptions and limiting conditions clearly

Note extraordinary assumptions, hypothetical conditions, or inspection limits so reviewers understand constraints. Clear statements about unavailable data or client-imposed restrictions protect the appraiser and support legal defensibility.

Maintain secure records and a full audit trail

Retain working files, photos, and final reports in tamper-evident storage. Ensure electronic records include timestamps, signer attribution, and secure access controls to meet regulatory and lender requirements.

Pricing and Plan Differences for eSignature Providers

Compare basic pricing, trial availability, bulk-send features, audit trail presence, and envelope limits when choosing an eSignature provider for appraisal workflows.

	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, no credit card	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes (Premium plan)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year limit	Varies	Varies	Varies

Security and Compliance Considerations

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 at rest

Access Controls: Role-based permissions and two-factor options

Audit Trail: Detailed timestamps, IPs, and action logs

HIPAA: BAA available for protected health information

ESIGN/UETA: Meets electronic signature legal tests

Document Integrity: Tamper-evident records and checksum validation

Consequences of Incorrect or Deficient Appraisals

Incorrect Valuation: Loan risk and loss exposure

Regulatory Penalties: State appraisal board fines

Tax Consequences: Disallowed deductions or reassessment

Contract Delays: Closings postponed, added costs

Legal Liability: Malpractice or negligence claims

Professional Sanctions: License suspension or fines

Typical Timing Expectations for Appraisal Delivery

Common timing expectations and deadlines for ordering, completing, and delivering appraisals help manage stakeholder expectations.

Order to Inspection:

Typically 1–14 business days depending on appraiser availability.

Inspection to Draft:

3–10 business days for standard residential appraisals.

Draft to Delivery:

Delivery within 1–5 business days after internal review.

Lender Turnaround:

Many lenders require delivery within 30 days of ordering.

Tax Appeal Window:

Deadlines vary; calendar-based appeals often 30–90 days.

Milestone Sequence from Order to Final Report

Key milestones from engagement through final value delivery are commonly tracked in appraisal workflows.

01

Order Received

Verify client, property, intended use, and scope within 24–72 hours.

02

Inspection Complete

Complete on-site inspection, photographs, and measurements; record findings.

03

Draft Review

Internal QC and revisions to calculations and adjustments.

04

Final Delivery

Issue certified report with exhibits, signature, and audit trail.

Real-World Examples of Appraisal Workflows

These examples show how appraisal reports and e-signature workflows are combined to speed transactions and preserve compliance.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties used e-signed appraisals to streamline remote closings and reduce turnaround on offers and financing.

Faster execution and fewer in-person meetings.
Tim Martin, Founder, said: "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Optica Ventures LLC

A venture firm standardized appraisal intake and signature workflows to support portfolio transactions across states.

Consistent documentation across multiple transactions.
Brian Fitzgibbons, COO, noted the interface is simple and easy-to-use for their team and customers, which reduced administrative follow-up and improved transaction velocity across deals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Appraisal Execution and eSignatures

Answers to common questions about electronic signing, notarization, signatory authority, and recordkeeping for Property Valuation Appraisals.

Need help? Contact support

Can an appraisal be e-signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures satisfy the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted when the four legal tests—intent, consent, attribution, and record retention—are met. Confirm any industry-specific disclosure requirements before electronic execution.
Are notarizations required for appraisals?
Typically the appraisal report itself does not require notarization, but related documents (deeds, affidavits) often do. If notarization is needed, follow state notary rules; where allowed, remote online notarization (RON) may apply with identity proofing requirements.
What if the appraisal contains errors?
Material errors can cause lender rejection, underwriting delays, tax reassessment, or professional liability. Correct errors promptly with a signed addendum or revised report and document the reason for amendment to preserve an audit trail.
Who is authorized to sign the appraisal?
Only the licensed or certified appraiser who prepared or supervised the appraisal should sign and certify the report. Signatory must meet state licensing requirements and any lender or court standards for expert opinions.
Can appraisals be notarized electronically?
Where state law permits RON, appraisals or acknowledgements can be notarized remotely provided the notary follows identity proofing, audio‑visual recording, and recordkeeping standards set by the state notary commission.
How long must appraisal records be kept?
Retain working files and final reports per federal and industry rules: at least 3 years for many tax-related records (IRC §6501(a)) and 6 years where HIPAA applies (45 CFR §164.530(j)); state rules may require longer retention.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now