What to Expect from Start to Finish When Getting an Appraisal in West Michigan

If you're buying, selling, refinancing, setting up or settling an estate, or going through a divorce in West Michigan, chances are you'll need a home appraisal.

One of the first questions homeowners usuallly ask us is:

“How long does a house appraisal take?”

The answer typically depends on the type of appraisal (divorce, estate, cash sale, etc.) and the complexity of the property, but here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in the Grand Rapids and Kent County area in general. 

The On-Site Appraisal Inspection: 20 to 40 Minutes

The in-person part of the appraisal, referred to as the property 'site visit', is usually the shortest and easiest part of the process.

During the site visit, the appraiser will:

• Measure the home’s square footage
• Take interior and exterior photos
• Note condition, upgrades, and any needed repairs
• Evaluate features like bedrooms, bathrooms, layout, and functionality
• Observe the site, the view, and any neighborhood influences like lakes, rivers, and streams; water towers; high-tension power lines; golf courses; or anything else that may have an impact or influence on your home's market value. 

💡 Most single-family homes in areas like Cascade, Ada, Rockford, and East Grand Rapids can be inspected in well under an hour. Larger homes, complex properties, or multi-units may take a little longer.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While the site visit for an appraisal is definitely important, your home's value does not require the appraiser to be at your home for an excessive amount of time. Appraisers see lots of homes over their careers and are pretty good at efficiently gathering all of the information they may need from your house within a 30-40 minute period, on average. 

Behind the Scenes: 1 to 3 Days of Market Analysis

Once the site visit is complete, the real work begins. Your appraiser will:

• Research comparable sales (comps) in the local market
• Analyze adjustments based on features, quality, updates, size, views, and condition
• Review zoning, location, and any restrictions
• Factor in market trends for your specific neighborhood
• Complete a written report that complies with USPAP standards (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)

Delivery of the Final Appraisal Report: Within 2 to 5 Business Days

In total, the full appraisal process generally takes between 3 and 7 business days, depending on:

• The type of appraisal (lender vs. private, divorce, estate, tax appeal, etc.)
• The availability of comparable sales
• The timliness of returned calls from assessors and agents
• The complexity of the property
• The appraiser’s current workload

If you're working under a tight deadline, such as a pending court hearing or home sale, be sure to let your appraiser know upfront. Rush options are almost always available.

Common Timelines for Appraisals in West Michigan

Final Thoughts

While the site visit may only take an 30-40 minutes or less, the full home appraisal process includes detailed analysis and reporting that usually takes several days to complete.

In West Michigan, most homeowners can expect a completed report typically within a week or less, depending on the property type and local market complexity.

Whether you're navigating a real estate transaction or handling a personal matter like divorce or probate, understanding the timeline can help you plan more effectively.