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Should I use a professional appraiser?

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Should I use a professional appraiser?

Want to skip a pro appraiser and save a quick buck? That mistake can cost you thousands.

Quick answer

Yes — use a professional appraiser when accurate market value matters. A licensed appraiser gives an objective, lender-accepted valuation that protects you whether you’re selling, refinancing, disputing taxes, or settling an estate.

Why a professional appraiser matters

An appraiser delivers a defensible property valuation based on three pillars: recent comparable sales, current market conditions, and an objective condition inspection. That matters because:

  • Lenders and courts require formal appraisals for mortgages, refinancing, and legal disputes.
  • Agents’ Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs) are marketing tools; appraisals are independent and standardized.
  • Overpricing or underpricing costs money — both in missed profit and longer market time.

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buying or selling a home in the GTA - Call Tony Sousa Real Estate Agent

When you should hire an appraiser

Hire one in these high-stakes situations:

  • Selling a unique or high-value property
  • Refinancing or getting a new mortgage
  • Disputing property taxes or estate settlements
  • Divorce or legal proceedings
  • Significant renovations or additions

If your goal is precise, lender-ready valuation, hire an appraiser.

Appraisal vs CMA — clear difference

  • Appraisal: Paid, licensed professional; formal report; accepted by banks and courts.
  • CMA: Agent-driven market estimate; useful for pricing strategy but not a formal valuation.

Use both when possible: a CMA for pricing strategy, an appraisal to lock in the official number.

Cost vs benefit — the math you need to see

Appraisals cost a few hundred to a thousand dollars depending on the property. That’s small compared to the risk of mispricing. Example:

  • A $10,000 error on sale price vs a $600 appraisal = choose the appraisal.

If accurate value prevents even one week on market or one pricing mistake, it pays for itself.

How to choose a good appraiser

Use this checklist:

  • Licensed in your province/state
  • Experienced in your neighbourhood and property type
  • Clear written report with comparables and adjustments
  • Good reviews and transparent fees

Ask for sample reports and confirm they follow standard appraisal practice.

buying or selling a home in the GTA - Call Tony Sousa Real Estate Agent

Actionable next steps

  1. Get a CMA from your agent for a pricing strategy.
  2. If you need a lender-ready number or legal defensibility, book a licensed appraiser.
  3. Combine insights: use appraisal data to set a tight listing price and negotiate confidently.

Bottom line

If money and certainty matter, don’t skip the professional appraiser. It’s a small cost for a definitive valuation that protects your sale, refinance, or legal outcome.

For local market expertise and a trusted appraiser referral, contact Tony Sousa — top local real estate authority with hands-on valuation experience.

Email: tony@sousasells.ca
Phone: 416-477-2620
Website: https://www.sousasells.ca

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If you’re looking to sell your home, it’s crucial to get the price right. This can be a tricky task, but fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. By seeking out expert advice from a seasoned real estate agent like Tony Sousa from the SousaSells.ca Team, you can get the guidance you need to determine the perfect price for your property. With Tony’s extensive experience in the industry, he knows exactly what factors to consider when pricing a home, and he’ll work closely with you to ensure that you get the best possible outcome. So why leave your home’s value up to chance? Contact Tony today to get started on the path to a successful home sale.

Tony Sousa

Tony@SousaSells.ca
416-477-2620

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