A pre-listing appraisal can help when you want a documented value opinion to examine alongside your selling plans. The report connects the property’s characteristics with relevant market evidence and explains the conclusion for the agreed date and use.
Your listing price, marketing approach and the price a buyer ultimately agrees to pay are separate decisions. Discuss with your real estate adviser whether an agent’s pricing analysis meets your needs or whether independent appraisal evidence would be useful.
A private appraisal can address a buyer’s own valuation question when the intended use and report users are agreed before engagement. Describe the decision, property and deadline so the scope can be considered.
If financing is involved, check with your lender before commissioning a report. The lender may need its own appraisal or another valuation through its ordering process; do not assume your private report will satisfy that requirement.
Start with the lender. Ask who engages the appraiser and what report or inspection requirements apply to your loan. Confirm that process before paying for a private assignment.
If you also want a separate value opinion for your own planning, explain that purpose when requesting a quote. A privately commissioned report does not promise financing or a particular loan decision.
Provide the address, known repairs, renovation dates and available plans or permits. Identify ADUs, acreage, multiple parcels and unusual features. Explain whether your question concerns the home as it stands or proposed work that needs a specifically defined scope.
Tell us who can provide access and any limitations. Inspection needs are determined for the assignment. For a past valuation date, include records showing the earlier condition.
Choose the question first. An appraisal develops a value opinion. A dwelling measurement documents dimensions or area within its agreed scope. An appraisal review examines another appraiser’s work and includes a separate value opinion only if that is part of the assignment.
If you are unsure which service answers your question, describe the decision in the quote request.
Dwelling measurement and sketch services · Residential appraisal review
Residential appraisals start at $695; the property and required scope determine the final fee. Include the address, listing or purchase purpose, requested value date, access arrangements and deadline. Write “not sure” if the date has not been decided.
Alpha Appraisal serves King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties. We will confirm property fit, the valuation date, scope, fee and availability before scheduling. Meet the appraiser or send your request to begin the discussion.
Meet the appraiser · Request a pre-listing or private appraisal quote
About the appraiser
Dustin LaBrasseur, Washington Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser, credential 1703357. Verify the credential in the national registry. Content updated October 10, 2026.