How Do Appraisals Work When Buying A House May 2026

A home appraisal is an unbiased, professional assessment of a property's fair market value conducted by a licensed appraiser. When buying a house, this process acts as a financial "reality check" to ensure the lender isn't providing more money than the home is actually worth as collateral . The Appraisal Process Who Pays For a Home Appraisal: Buyer, Seller, or Lender?