That’s completely understandable. Sometimes, you need to know what your home is worth without listing it for sale. Here’s how you can get a home appraisal in Michigan:
1. Hire a Licensed Appraiser Directly
You can contact a state-licensed or certified residential appraiser to perform an independent appraisal.
Search online through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) or professional sites such as the Appraisal Institute or Appraisers.org.
Look for appraisers who specialize in your property type and area.
They will schedule a visit, inspect the property, review comparable sales, and provide a detailed written report showing your home’s appraised value.
2. Expect Typical Costs and Process
Cost: Most residential appraisals range from $400 to $700, depending on the size and complexity of the home.
Time: The process usually takes about a week from inspection to receiving the report.
Purpose: Be clear about why you need it, for example, estate planning, refinancing, divorce, tax appeal, or private sale. This helps the appraiser prepare the correct type of report.
3. Alternatives to a Formal Appraisal
If you just want an estimate of market value (not a legal appraisal), you could also request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a local Realtor®. A CMA is not an official appraisal, but it can give you a solid idea of what your home might sell for in today’s market, usually at no cost.
The Bottom Line
If you simply need an official valuation and are not planning to sell right now, hiring a licensed appraiser directly is the right path. If, down the road, you decide to explore selling or refinancing, I would be happy to connect you with a few trusted local appraisers and help interpret the results.