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Home Appraisals for Buyers in Montgomery and Frederick Counties

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What a Home Appraisal Means for You

If you are financing your purchase, your lender will usually order an appraisal. A licensed appraiser gives an independent opinion of the home's market value. The lender uses that value to confirm the loan amount makes sense for the property you are buying.

Broker Carolyn Thompson, CRS, SFR, ABR, MRP, CDS, CDPE, SRES, of Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC has guided buyers through appraisals for more than 20 years. Our goal is to help you understand the process so there are fewer surprises between contract and closing.

Appraisal and Home Inspection: What's the Difference?

An appraisal estimates the home's market value for your lender. A home inspection looks closely at the home's condition for you. Many buyers choose to have both, because each answers a different question.

How the Appraisal Process Works

  1. After your contract is ratified, your lender orders the appraisal.

  2. A licensed appraiser visits the home, measures it, and notes its condition, features, and updates.

  3. The appraiser studies recent comparable sales nearby, often called comps.

  4. The appraiser prepares a report with an opinion of value.

  5. Your lender reviews the report and shares a copy with you.

Appraisers work independently. Federal rules protect that independence, so the appraisal reflects the appraiser's own professional judgment.

What Affects Appraised Value

Appraisers consider many factors, including the home's size, layout, condition, age, updates, lot, and location, along with recent sales of similar homes nearby. Market conditions also play a role.

If the Appraisal Comes In Low

Sometimes the appraised value is lower than the contract price. When that happens, buyers often have several paths to consider, such as renegotiating the price with the seller, adding cash to cover the difference, asking the lender about a reconsideration of value with additional comparable sales, or using any options your contract provides. Your contract terms matter here, so review them with your agent and, if you have legal questions, with a licensed attorney. Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC can walk you through your choices and help you plan next steps.

Choosing Service Providers

Your lender orders the appraisal, so you will not choose the appraiser. For other services in your purchase, Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC can provide contact information for professionals in our network of service providers, and you are free to use any licensed provider you like. Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC does not receive payments from service providers whose contact information we share.

Communities We Serve

The communities below are a sampling of the many areas Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC serves. In Montgomery County, we work with buyers in Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, and North Potomac. In Frederick County, we serve Frederick, Urbana, and the surrounding towns. Home buyers enjoy community favorites such as Pike and Rose in North Bethesda, the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda, and Baker Park in downtown Frederick. This is only a sampling of the many communities we serve across Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Florida.

Learn More at Our Free Home Buyer Seminar

Join us on Tuesday, January 26, 2027, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom for our Free Home Buyer Seminar. Independent guest presenters, including an appraiser, will walk you through the buying process from pre-approval to closing. Register for the Free Home Buyer Seminar for Maryland home buyers.

Selling a home before you buy? Our Free Home Seller Seminar is Thursday, January 14, 2027, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Learn about the Free Home Seller Seminar in Montgomery County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who orders the appraisal? When you finance your purchase, your lender usually orders the appraisal.

Who pays for the appraisal? The buyer typically pays the appraisal fee, often early in the loan process or at closing. Ask your lender how and when it is collected.

Do I need an appraisal if I pay cash? An appraisal is usually not required for a cash purchase, although some buyers choose one for their own peace of mind.

How long does an appraisal take? Timing varies with the appraiser's schedule and local demand. Ask your lender for an estimated timeline.

What happens if the appraisal is lower than my offer? Buyers often renegotiate, add cash, request a reconsideration of value, or use options in their contract. Review your contract terms with your agent, and consult a licensed attorney with legal questions.

Can I see the appraisal report? Yes. Your lender is required to give you a copy of the appraisal.

Talk With Carolyn

Call our 24-Hour Appointment Desk at 202-630-5070, or schedule a call with an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) at a time that works for you. A list of references is provided on request.

Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC is not a law firm or a tax adviser and does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. For questions about contracts, appraisals, or taxes, consult a licensed attorney, appraiser, or tax adviser. Real Estate Search and Sale, LLC, 1300 Piccard Dr., Suite 204, Rockville, MD 20850. Equal Housing Opportunity.