If you’re buying or selling a home in San Antonio, you need an accurate appraisal to confirm the property’s true market value, whether that’s to satisfy your lender’s requirements as a buyer or to set a confident, data-backed listing price as a seller. 3D Appraisals provides these appraisals throughout San Antonio and the surrounding counties.

Here’s a closer look at what that process looks like from both sides of the transaction, and what to do if something doesn’t go as expected.

For Buyers
If you’re purchasing a home with a mortgage, your lender will require an appraisal before finalizing your loan. This protects you as much as it protects the lender. If a home is listed well above its actual market value, the appraisal is often what catches that before you overpay.

We take precise measurements, evaluate the property’s condition, and compare it to similar recent sales in the immediate area. The result is a clear, documented picture of what the home is actually worth, not just what the listing price says.

What Happens If the Appraisal Comes in Low?
This happens more often than people expect, especially in a fast-moving market. If our appraised value comes in below the agreed purchase price, you generally have a few options: renegotiate the price with the seller, cover the difference in cash, challenge the appraisal if you believe it missed relevant comparable sales, or in some cases walk away if your contract includes an appraisal contingency. We’re always happy to walk you through what the report found and answer questions about our methodology.

For Sellers
Setting the right listing price matters more than most sellers realize. Price too high and your home sits on the market, which can actually work against you since buyers start to wonder what’s wrong with it. Price too low and you leave money on the table. A pre-listing appraisal gives you a data-backed number to work from, so you can price your home with confidence from day one instead of relying on guesswork or a quick online estimate.

Negotiating Leverage
Having a professional appraisal in hand also gives you leverage during negotiations. If a buyer’s offer comes in below your appraised value, you have solid documentation to support holding firm on price, rather than just your own opinion of what the home is worth.

What Affects Your Home’s Appraised Value

• Recent comparable sales in your immediate neighborhood
• The home’s condition, age, and any recent updates or renovations
• Square footage and accurate room count
• Lot size and any unique features of the property
• Current market conditions and trends in your area
• Location factors, including school district and proximity to amenities

What Happens During the Appraisal

1. We schedule your inspection quickly, often within 24 hours of your call.
2. We visit the property and conduct a thorough walkthrough, measuring square footage and noting the condition throughout.
3. We research recent comparable sales nearby to establish a well-supported value.
4. We prepare a detailed report and deliver it promptly so you can move forward with your transaction.

If you’re weighing whether your situation calls for a full appraisal versus another option, our overview of when you need an appraisal breaks down the most common scenarios. And if you’re buying with a smaller down payment, it’s worth understanding how PMI removal works down the road once you’ve built up equity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be present for the appraisal?
It’s not required, but many homeowners like to be there to point out recent updates or improvements that might not be obvious during a walkthrough.

How is an appraisal different from a home inspection?
An appraisal determines market value. A home inspection evaluates the physical condition of systems like plumbing, electrical, and the roof. They serve different purposes and are often both part of a home purchase.

How long does the process take?
The inspection itself typically takes under an hour. We aim to deliver your full report quickly afterward so you’re not left waiting during time-sensitive negotiations.

Can a seller use the same appraisal a buyer’s lender ordered?
No, lender-ordered appraisals are typically for the lender’s use only. If you’re selling, a separate pre-listing appraisal gives you your own independent number to price from.

What if my home has unique features that comparable sales don’t reflect?
This is exactly the kind of detail a professional appraisal accounts for that an online estimate can’t. We factor in unique features, upgrades, and condition directly during the inspection.

Serving San Antonio and Surrounding Counties

3D Appraisals provides buying and selling appraisals throughout Bexar, Wilson, Comal, Guadalupe, and Gonzales counties.

Contact 3D Appraisals today to schedule your appraisal.