Working With a Canadian Appraiser: A Homeowner Checklist
A practical checklist for scoping, ordering, and getting the most out of a residential appraisal in Canada.
Before ordering
Before ordering: define intended use (mortgage, refinance, divorce, estate, capital gains, private sale, insurance), effective date, and report format. Different uses require different scope and format.
During ordering
During ordering: confirm fee, turnaround, deliverables, and any rush charges in writing. Ask which professional body the appraiser is designated with.
For the inspection
For the inspection: have interior access ready, gather documents in advance (permits, survey, condo status certificate, tax and assessment notice, list of improvements), and disclose known issues.
After the report
After the report: read it carefully, ask questions promptly, and — if it's a lender file — coordinate any reconsideration of value (ROV) requests through the broker with additional comparable evidence.
Related articles
Hand-picked guides that share this article's topic and service intent.
How an independent appraisal differs from a real estate agent's comparative market analysis — and when each makes sense.
A practical document checklist for ordering a residential appraisal in Canada.
A clear walkthrough of what a residential appraiser actually evaluates during an inspection and how comparable sales are analyzed.
An overview of the most common residential appraisal designations in Canada and what they signal.