Can the appraisal be signed electronically?

Yes. Under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, electronic signatures are legally valid when intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are present.

Is notarization required for the appraisal itself?

Typically no. Appraisal reports are not usually notarized, though related affidavits or owner-signed documents may require notarization under state rules.

How long must appraisal records be kept?

Retain files for at least 3 years after file closure; longer retention may be required for tax, HIPAA, or regulatory purposes (see IRC §6501(a) and 45 CFR §164.530(j)).

What happens if the owner name is entered incorrectly?

A mismatched owner name can delay title checks, cause lender request for correction, and potentially invalidate attachments that rely on exact name matching.

Can you use Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

RON availability depends on the state and the ancillary document. Confirm RON rules and identity-proofing requirements with the state notary commission before relying on the notarized item.

Who is authorized to sign the form?

Only a licensed or certified appraiser should sign the appraisal certification. Owner attestations require the property owner or authorized representative.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Property Valuation Appraisal Form

Property Valuation Appraisal Form

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Property Valuation Appraisal Form

Engagement Parties

Client Name: Client Contact:

Appraiser / Firm: License / Cert. #:

Engagement Date: Report Requested By:

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client engages Appraiser to provide a written appraisal and related valuation services concerning the Property described in this form; and

WHEREAS, Appraiser represents that Appraiser is properly licensed and qualified to perform real property appraisal services and will perform the engagement in accordance with applicable professional standards and the terms of this engagement; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows concerning the scope, fees, and terms of the services to be provided.

Property Identification

Property Address Parcel / Tax ID

Property Type

Lot Area

Legal Description / Notes

Scope of Work

The Appraiser shall perform a valuation on the effective date indicated below and provide a written appraisal report that includes data, analysis, and the Appraiser's opinion of market value. The Scope of Work shall include inspection, market research, selection of comparable sales, and reconciliation of approaches as appropriate.

Detailed Scope of Work

Inspection and Dates

Date of Inspection: Effective Date of Valuation: Report Date:

Valuation Approaches

Sales Comparison Approach — provide comparable sales data, adjustments, and analysis.

Cost Approach — include replacement cost, depreciation analysis, and supporting calculations where applicable.

Income Approach — where applicable, provide stabilized income, expenses, vacancy assumptions, and capitalization rate analysis.

Gross Income:

Vacancy Rate:

NOI:

Reconciliation & Opinion of Value

Reconciled Market Value (Opinion of Value): $

Reconciliation Notes

Payment Terms

Fee Amount: $ Payment Schedule:

Due Date for Final Payment: Late Fee / Interest:

All fees and expenses not included in the fee amount, including travel, third-party report charges, and extraordinary research, are payable by Client upon invoicing. Nonpayment constitutes a breach permitting suspension or termination of services until payment is made.

Term and Termination

Term Commencement: Term Expiration:

Either party may terminate this engagement for convenience upon written notice to the other party delivered at least days prior to termination. If terminated, Client shall pay for work completed and expenses incurred through the termination date.

Confidentiality

Appraiser will treat communications and data supplied by Client as confidential and will not disclose such information to third parties except as authorized by Client or required by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Appraiser may retain work files and internal notes subject to professional standards and applicable law.

Client acknowledges and agrees to the confidentiality provisions above.

Assumptions and Limiting Conditions

Certifications

The Appraiser certifies that the appraisal report will be prepared in accordance with applicable appraisal standards, that the Appraiser has no present or contemplated interest in the subject property, and that the Appraiser's compensation is not contingent on the opinion of value. Client acknowledges that the appraisal is an independent, professional opinion and not a guarantee.

Client and Appraiser acknowledge and accept the certification and limiting conditions stated above.

Governing Law & Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Property is located. Any dispute under this Agreement shall be resolved in the state or federal courts of that jurisdiction.

This document, together with any attachments and the Appraiser's final report, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements.

Client Name:

By:

Date:

Appraiser Name:

By:

Date:

What the Property Valuation Appraisal Form Is and When it's Used

The Property Valuation Appraisal Form documents an independent professional estimate of a property's market value at a specific effective date. Appraisers record property identification, physical characteristics, condition, comparable sales, adjustments, valuation approaches, and a final reconciliation. Lenders, insurers, tax assessors, buyers, sellers, estate planners, and courts commonly rely on the appraisal as evidence of value. Accurate appraisal forms support mortgage underwriting, insurance underwriting, tax appeals, estate settlements, and purchase negotiations by providing a standardized written opinion prepared by a licensed or certified appraiser.

Why a Standardized Appraisal Form Matters

A well-constructed Property Valuation Appraisal Form creates an auditable record of data, methods, and conclusions that stakeholders can rely on for financing, tax, and legal purposes while reducing disputes and processing delays.

Who Typically Completes or Uses This Appraisal Form

Licensed or certified appraisers prepare the form; recipients include lenders, title companies, insurers, attorneys, and public agencies.

Mortgage lenders and underwriters who require an independent valuation for loan approval and risk assessment.
Insurance companies assessing replacement or insurable value for underwriting and claims.
Attorneys, estate executors, and tax professionals using valuation evidence for settlements, probate, or appeals.

The completed form should be retained with supporting documents and made available to authorized parties upon request.

Core Sections Found in a Professional Appraisal Form

A complete Property Valuation Appraisal Form follows a consistent structure so reviewers can trace data and reconcile the final value across accepted appraisal methods.

Cover and ID

Property identifiers, effective date, report type, appraiser name and license number, client and intended user details, and limiting conditions that define scope of work.

Property Description

Site data, legal description, zoning, improvements, square footage, room counts, construction materials, and observable condition with any noted defects or deferred maintenance.

Market Analysis

Local market trends, supply-demand indicators, neighborhood data, and any microeconomic factors that can materially affect the subject property's marketability.

Comparable Sales

Selection and analysis of comparable properties, date-of-sale adjustments, distance and time adjustments, and rationale for comparability.

Valuation Methods

Cost, sales-comparison, and income approaches where applicable, including calculations, assumptions, capitalization rates, and reconciliation to a single opinion of value.

Certification

Signed appraiser certification, scope limitations, signature block with license details, and any required disclosures regarding prior services or conflicts of interest.

Essential Data Elements to Include

Property Address: Street, city, state, ZIP

Legal Description: Lot and parcel identifiers

Owner Name: Full legal name

Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Appraiser ID: License number

Valuation Type: Market / Insurance / Tax

Step-by-Step: Completing the Appraisal Form

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a defensible appraisal report and reduce review cycles.

01

Gather Documents: Obtain deed, prior appraisals, plats, and tax records.
02

Inspect Property: Conduct on-site inspection and photograph key features.
03

Select Comparables: Choose recent, proximate sales with adjustments documented.
04

Reconcile Value: Compare approaches and state a final opinion of value.

How to Configure an Online Appraisal Workflow

Set up digital forms and routing to standardize data capture, approvals, and final delivery for appraisal reports.

Field	Configuration
Required Fields	Mark address, effective date, appraiser ID as mandatory
Conditional Fields	Show insurance valuation fields only for insurance orders
Reviewer Routing	Auto-route to supervisory appraiser on completion
Delivery Method	Auto-send PDF with audit trail to client email

Where to File, Send, or Submit a Completed Appraisal

Delivered copies depend on the assignment: lender, client, county office, or internal records. Choose transmission method based on recipient requirements.

To Lenders: Send secure PDF with audit trail and cover letter
To Clients: Deliver signed report via secure email or portal
For Tax Appeals: File with county assessor or appraisal board per local rules
For Closing: Provide to title company or settlement agent upon request

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

Confirm recipient and regulator acceptance before using eSignature or remote notarization for appraisal reports.

Document Formats: PDF and DOCX accepted; PDFs preserve layout
Authentication: Use email or SMS codes for signer verification
Integrations: Support for CRMs and cloud storage reduces manual steps

Ensure technology meets legal standards such as ESIGN and UETA; for healthcare or protected data, require HIPAA-compliant workflows and a BAA when applicable.

Typical Timelines and Processing Expectations

Turnaround varies by assignment type, scope, and market conditions; below are common timing expectations to plan around.

Standard Residential Appraisal:

7–14 business days from assignment to delivery

Rush Orders:

24–72 hours if expedited and resources available

Complex or Commercial:

2–6 weeks depending on income analyses

Revisions and Appeals:

Allow additional 7–21 days for supplemental reports

Remote Online Notarization:

Session scheduling depends on notary availability and state rules

Common Mistakes That Delay Appraisal Acceptance

Incomplete address or legal description entry that prevents accurate mapping and comparable selection, leading to delayed review and possible rejection.
Missing or unsigned certification pages, especially the appraiser signature and license number, which can render the report noncompliant with lender or state requirements.
Using outdated comparables or an incorrect effective date that misaligns market conditions and undermines credibility of the reconciliation.
Failing to attach supporting documents such as photographs, floor plans, or prior sale history, which increases rework requests from reviewers.

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect Appraisal Form

Loan Denial: Inaccurate value can cause mortgage underwriting rejection

Insurance Claim Denial: Understated values may result in inadequate coverage

Tax Appeal Loss: Improper valuation weakens tax assessment challenges

Liability Claim: Appraiser exposure to professional negligence claims

Transaction Delay: Errors trigger re-inspection or re-reporting

Regulatory Noncompliance: Failure to follow USPAP or state rules risks sanctions

Supporting Documents and File Formats to Include

Attach the most relevant supporting materials and use formats that preserve layout and signatures for long-term retention.

Supporting Documents

Include photographs, plot plans, prior sales history, leases, tax bills, and inspection checklists to substantiate observations and adjustments.

File Formats

Deliver signed reports as PDF/A or standard PDF for portability; preserve editable copies (DOCX) for internal workflows when needed.

Notarized Attachments

If affidavits or owner statements require notarization, include scanned, notarized copies or RON evidence per state acceptance.

Audit Trail

Preserve an audit log showing signer identity, timestamps, and IP addresses for e-signed reports to support authenticity.

Typical eSignature Vendor Comparison for Appraisal Workflows

Compare basic plan pricing and select features that matter for appraisal workflows such as audit trails, HIPAA support, and envelope limits; signNow is listed first per vendor ordering rules.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About the Appraisal Form

Answers to common questions about completion, signatures, retention, and legal validity for Property Valuation Appraisal Forms.

Need help? Contact support

Can the appraisal be signed electronically?
Yes. Under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, electronic signatures are legally valid when intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are present.
Is notarization required for the appraisal itself?
Typically no. Appraisal reports are not usually notarized, though related affidavits or owner-signed documents may require notarization under state rules.
How long must appraisal records be kept?
Retain files for at least 3 years after file closure; longer retention may be required for tax, HIPAA, or regulatory purposes (see IRC §6501(a) and 45 CFR §164.530(j)).
What happens if the owner name is entered incorrectly?
A mismatched owner name can delay title checks, cause lender request for correction, and potentially invalidate attachments that rely on exact name matching.
Can you use Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
RON availability depends on the state and the ancillary document. Confirm RON rules and identity-proofing requirements with the state notary commission before relying on the notarized item.
Who is authorized to sign the form?
Only a licensed or certified appraiser should sign the appraisal certification. Owner attestations require the property owner or authorized representative.

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