Can an appraiser e-sign the report?

Yes, electronic signatures are generally valid under federal and state e-signature laws when intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met. Retain the audit trail and ensure client consent for electronic records in consumer-facing transactions.

Are notarization or witnesses required?

Notarization and witness rules depend on the document's legal purpose and jurisdiction. Many valuation reports are not notarized, but deeds, affidavits, or certain affidavits bundled with valuations may require notary or witnesses under state law.

How to correct errors after signing

Minor clerical errors can be corrected by an addendum or corrected report signed by the appraiser and parties, noting the change and reason. For material changes, issue a revised valuation with a new date and document the basis for revision.

Can a valuation be used for tax appeals?

Yes. A defensible Property Valuation Document can support tax assessment appeals when it follows accepted appraisal standards, relies on current comparable data, and explains methodology. Courts and tax boards weigh credibility, scope, and the appraiser's qualifications.

Is electronic delivery legally valid?

Electronic delivery of valuation reports is legally valid where parties consent and records are retained. Ensure recipients can access files, store copies, and that the signing method satisfies intent, attribution, and retention standards under applicable e-signature laws.

How long must I keep valuation reports?

Retention depends on use: lenders often require seven years, tax-related records follow IRS minimums of three years, and healthcare-related documents follow HIPAA six-year rules. Retain longer where state law or contractual obligations demand it.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Property Valuation Document

Property Valuation Document

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PROPERTY VALUATION DOCUMENT

Client and Appraiser Identification

Client Name:

Client Contact Information

Appraiser Name:

Appraiser Credentials

Property Identification

Property Address Parcel / APN Number Legal Description

Inspection and Valuation Dates

Inspection Date: Valuation Effective Date: Report Prepared Date:

Property Description and Physical Data

Property Type: Year Built:

Gross Building Area (sq ft): Site Area (sq ft):

Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Garage/Carport:

Improvements and Condition (Summary)

Market Data and Comparable Sales

Comparable Sale 1

Sale Date: Sale Price: Distance from Subject (mi):

Adjustments / Comments

Comparable Sale 2

Sale Date: Sale Price: Distance from Subject (mi):

Adjustments / Comments

Comparable Sale 3

Sale Date: Sale Price: Distance from Subject (mi):

Adjustments / Comments

Valuation Analysis and Conclusion

Valuation Methods Used: Sales Comparison Income Approach Cost Approach

Final Market Value Conclusion (As Is) Narrative Summary of Valuation Rationale

Assumptions, Limiting Conditions and Certification

The appraiser certifies that, to the best of their knowledge and belief, the statements of fact contained in this report are true and correct. The appraiser further certifies that there are no undisclosed interests or personal relationships with the client or any party to the transaction that would bias the value estimate, unless noted in this report. This valuation is subject to the following assumptions and limiting conditions, which are integral to the appraisal:

Limiting conditions include, but are not limited to: reliance on information provided by third parties, no guarantee of future market conditions, and no responsibility for matters of legal title or survey unless expressly noted. The appraiser's liability is limited to the client for whom this report was prepared.

Property Disclosures

Known material conditions affecting marketability:

Lead-based paint present? Yes No

Evidence of mold or moisture intrusion? Yes No

Known prior significant structural damage or repair history? Yes No

Additional Disclosures / Comments

Fees and Limitation of Use

Fee for valuation services: Payment terms:

This valuation report is prepared solely for the use of the client named above. Distribution to other parties is permitted only with the expressed written consent of the appraiser and client. The appraiser's liability for claims arising from this report is limited to the fee paid for the services rendered.

Client Name:

By:

Date:

Appraiser Name:

By:

Date:

What the Property Valuation Document Is and Why It Matters

The Property Valuation Document is a formal written report that records an estimate of a property's market value at a specific date, prepared by a licensed appraiser or qualified valuation specialist. It typically summarizes property details, comparable sales, adjustments, valuation methods, limiting conditions, and the final value conclusion. Lenders, tax authorities, courts, insurers, and buyers rely on this document to make financing, tax, litigation, and insurance decisions. While formats vary by purpose — mortgage underwriting, tax assessment, estate settlement — the document's core objective is to provide a defensible, evidence-based valuation.

Practical Purpose and Primary Benefits

The Property Valuation Document establishes an objective basis for pricing, lending decisions, tax reporting, and dispute resolution. It documents methodology and evidence to support the value opinion, reducing uncertainty for stakeholders and creating a clear record for lenders, courts, and tax authorities.

Who Prepares and Who Relies on This Report

Lenders, licensed appraisers, real estate agents, tax assessors, estate attorneys, and buyers commonly prepare or request this document for decision-making.

Mortgage lenders and underwriters use valuations to set loan-to-value ratios and approve financing.
Appraisers and valuation firms produce the report to comply with USPAP and lender requirements.
Attorneys and tax professionals include valuations in estate, divorce, or property tax cases for evidence.

Use this document when documented market evidence is required to support financial, tax, or legal outcomes.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Property Valuation Document

Follow these core steps to complete a Property Valuation Document accurately and consistently and preserve auditability.

01

Property data: Collect deeds, plats, tax records, photos, and recent rent rolls if applicable.
02

Comparable sales: Select recent local sales matched for size, age, and condition.
03

Adjustments: Apply quantitative adjustments for differences and document rationale clearly.
04

Finalize conclusion: Prepare reconciliation of approaches and state final market value with scope.

Common Questions and Practical Answers

Answers to common questions about preparing, signing, and submitting a Property Valuation Document, including digital workflows and recordkeeping.

Need help? Contact support

Can an appraiser e-sign the report?
Yes, electronic signatures are generally valid under federal and state e-signature laws when intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met. Retain the audit trail and ensure client consent for electronic records in consumer-facing transactions.
Are notarization or witnesses required?
Notarization and witness rules depend on the document's legal purpose and jurisdiction. Many valuation reports are not notarized, but deeds, affidavits, or certain affidavits bundled with valuations may require notary or witnesses under state law.
How to correct errors after signing
Minor clerical errors can be corrected by an addendum or corrected report signed by the appraiser and parties, noting the change and reason. For material changes, issue a revised valuation with a new date and document the basis for revision.
Can a valuation be used for tax appeals?
Yes. A defensible Property Valuation Document can support tax assessment appeals when it follows accepted appraisal standards, relies on current comparable data, and explains methodology. Courts and tax boards weigh credibility, scope, and the appraiser's qualifications.
Is electronic delivery legally valid?
Electronic delivery of valuation reports is legally valid where parties consent and records are retained. Ensure recipients can access files, store copies, and that the signing method satisfies intent, attribution, and retention standards under applicable e-signature laws.
How long must I keep valuation reports?
Retention depends on use: lenders often require seven years, tax-related records follow IRS minimums of three years, and healthcare-related documents follow HIPAA six-year rules. Retain longer where state law or contractual obligations demand it.

eSignature Vendor Pricing and Feature Snapshot for Valuation Workflows

Compare common eSignature vendor pricing and feature points relevant to signing and sharing Property Valuation Documents.

	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	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	No cap	No cap	No cap

Essential Data Elements to Include

Report ID: Unique report number for tracking.

Appraiser License: State license number and expiration.

Property Description: Lot, building, size, year built.

Comparable List: Addresses, sale dates, adjustments.

Valuation Conclusion: Final opinion of market value.

Limiting Conditions: Assumptions, exclusions, and scope.

Core Sections That Make a Valuation Defensible

Core sections commonly found in a professional Property Valuation Document ensure transparency, reproducibility, and compliance with appraisal standards and reporting requirements.

Executive Summary

Concise value opinion, effective date, property type, and purpose of the appraisal. Summarizes key market evidence and the appraiser's final conclusion for quick stakeholder review without reading full report.

Scope and Purpose

Defines the assignment, intended users, effective date, reporting requirements, and any limiting conditions. Clear scope prevents misuse and clarifies what the valuation is intended to support or exclude.

Property Data

Detailed description including legal parcel, zoning, physical characteristics, improvements, condition, and photographs. Accurate data is the foundation for selecting comparables and applying appropriate valuation adjustments.

Market Analysis

Local economic indicators, supply-demand trends, and recent sale activity that support chosen comparables. This section explains why selected comps reflect market conditions relevant to the subject property.

Valuation Approaches

Presentation of Sales Comparison, Cost, and Income approaches as applicable, with supporting calculations and reconciliations. Document assumptions, capitalization rates, depreciation, and any income forecasts used in analysis.

Certification

Appraiser's signed certification attesting to independence, compliance with appraisal standards, and truthfulness of provided information. Include contact information, license details, and a signature block with date.

Key Risks and Potential Consequences

Misstated Value: Loan denial or underwriting loss.

Incorrect Comparable: Reduced credibility in disputes.

Missing Signature: Report may be invalid.

Expired License: Regulatory sanctions possible.

Wrong Effective Date: Incorrect market snapshot.

Improper Disclosure: Legal or tax exposure.

Where to Send or File the Valuation Report

Typical routing and submission destinations for a Property Valuation Document depend on its purpose, recipient, and regulatory requirements.

To Lender: Attach to loan application or underwriting file electronically.
Tax Authority: Submit with appeal or supporting evidence when requested.
Court Filings: Include as expert exhibit with certified appraiser testimony.
Internal Records: Store in secure records management system for audits.

Technical and Security Considerations for Digital Submission

Platforms used to sign and share the Property Valuation Document should support PDF and DOCX, audit trails, and secure storage.

File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and editable templates.
Integrations: Works with CRM, cloud storage, ERP.
Security: TLS, AES-256 encryption and audit.

Practical Tips to Improve Accuracy and Reduce Delays

Practical tips to improve accuracy and reduce delays when preparing Property Valuation Documents for all stakeholders.

Standardize data formats and templates

Use consistent field names, date formats (MM/DD/YYYY), and unit measurements across reports. Implement templates that auto-populate routine fields to reduce manual entry errors and speed review cycles while preserving audit trails for compliance.

Verify signer identity and consent

Require clear intent and consent when accepting electronic signatures. Use multi-factor authentication or signer access codes for sensitive valuations and retain the audit log showing timestamps, signer IPs, and transaction history for evidentiary support.

Document comparable selection rationale clearly

Record why each comparable is chosen, including adjustments applied and source data. Provide sale dates, proximity metrics, and photographs to demonstrate comparability and reduce challenges during underwriting or appeals and cite public records.

Retain originals and audit trails

Keep signed originals or certified electronic copies and store complete audit trails. Ensure backups, access controls, and retention schedules align with lender, tax, and legal requirements to support potential audits or litigation.

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