Appraisals and More

Let's start with the basics: What 'is" an appraisal? 
An appraisal is an unbiased, professional opinion of a property's market value, conducted by a licensed expert. It's a critical step in real estate transaction, refinancing, estate planning, and more. Lenders rely on appraisals to ensure they're not over-lending, buyers and sellers use them to negotiate fair prices, and homeowners often need them for tax appeals or renovations, but despite their importance, appraisals are often misunderstood.