Green Valley Homes | Search Green Valley AZ Real Estate and Homes for Sale | Russ Fortuno, Tierra Antigua Realty
Register Login (520) 333-0446
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Home
  • Green Valley Homes
    • Green Valley
    • Quail Creek
    • Sahuarita
    • Tubac
  • Quail Creek Homes
  • Area Information
    • Dining Out
    • Golf
    • Green Valley Recreation
    • Mover’s Guide
    • Visitor’s Information
  • Buyers
  • Sellers
  • About
  • Blog

Real Estate Appraisal

What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Te buyer's lender will require a real estate appraisal when buying a home in Green Valley AZWhen a buyer is securing a new loan to purchase a home, the buyer’s lender will require an appraisal of the property to determine its fair market value.

The lender will collect an appraisal fee (expect $400 – $600) from the buyer once a purchase contract is accepted and the buyer is ready to move forward with their loan application.

A state licensed home appraiser will be selected by the lender to research the property and compare it to nearby homes that have sold in the last six months and are similar in size, age, construction and amenities.

The appraisal differs from a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA), which is an estimate of your home’s value done by your REALTOR® to establish a listing or offer price. An appraiser will use similar methods in arriving at a property’s value, but they must also follow strict licensing and industry guidelines and adhere to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices.

The appraisal process

The appraiser will make an appointment to see the home and it will take about 30 minutes to an hour to look over the property. The appraiser will measure the home, draw a representative floor plan, take photographs inside and out, and review the property’s condition, specific improvements and amenities.

Seller’s can help the appraiser by providing a list of any improvements and remodeling projects since purchasing the home, along with an approximate dollar amount of each improvement.

Keep in mind that remodeling projects rarely bring a 100 percent return on investment, but a list will ensure the appraiser doesn’t overlook the upgrades or added features when comparing the home to others. The appraiser will then provide a written appraisal report to the buyer’s lender within a few days of visiting the property.

After the appraisal

In some cases (particularly if the buyer is obtaining a government backed loan) the lender may require additional repairs not negotiated as part of the purchase contract before they will lend money for the purchase. Once the repairs are made, the appraiser will have to return to review the required repairs, and a re-inspection fee is usually charged.

For example, if the buyer is applying for an FHA or VA loan, the property must be free and clear of health and safety hazards. VA and FHA appraisers must denote visible defects that affect structural soundness, such as wall and foundation cracks, signs of settlement, water pooling, termite infestation; faulty plumbing, roofing, electricity, heating and air conditioning systems. Both programs abide by a different set of property standards; however, the criteria is aligned in most ways.

In some cases, sellers may need to correct deficiencies identified in an appraisal, or make improvements, before the lender gives final loan approval to the buyer.

New Listing

NOTIFICATIONS

  • Email Alerts for New Listings
  • Save Your Favorites
  • Schedule Showing Requests
  • Price Change Notifications
  • Plus More…

Sign Up

What’s Your

HOME WORTH?

Find Out

Client

TESTIMONIALS

"Russ is a superstar Green Valley Realtor. We live in California and bought a house in Green Valley in August 2017. We could not have done it without Russ’ up-to-the minute access to listings and we felt comfortable buying on short notice thanks to his local expertise. Plus he was friendly, accessible, and just nice to work with. I highly recommend him for anyone buying in Green Valley."
- C.M., Green Valley AZ
"Russ Fortuno is an exceptional real estate professional. He is personable, responsive and really knows the Green Valley real estate market. Additionally, Russ is a strong buyer’s advocate, good listener and business professional. He gave his honest opinion on places and did not push in any way. Living in Northern California, we required an agent who has a spectrum of knowledge about Green Valley as well as being able to navigate a transaction via long distance. Trust is key in all real estate business but really was crucial with our purchase. Russ showed us many properties prior to COVID, we ended up putting an offer on a property that we didn’t see until the inspection was completed. Having trust in Russ made our long distance home purchase possible. It was a little scary doing business this way but I can say that we are very happy with our condominium and Russ made such a purchase smooth and a relatively easy process. I whole heartedly recommend Russ to anyone seeking real estate in the Green Valley area, we will use Russ for all our future Green Valley real estate business."
- S.M., Redding CA
"Russ went far beyond my expectations! He not only helped before, during and after my purchase, he has great knowledge of anything I needed information with. This was the BEST Real Estate purchase I’ve ever made, Russ’ service for me was flawless. Thank You Russ!"
- B.G., Green Valley AZ
View All

Listing Notifications

Sign Up! New listings delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up Now

Stay Connected

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Phone

agent photo

Russ Fortuno, Associate Broker

I'm a Southern Arizona native and year-round Green Valley resident. Whether you’re buying or selling a home in the Green Valley or Sahuarita area, you’ll experience unsurpassed service and professionalism at all stages of your real estate transaction. I welcome the opportunity to assist in your next home sale or purchase.
Meet Russ

Tierra Antigua Realty

18745 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Ste. A105
Green Valley, AZ 85614
(520) 333-0446
Contact Russ

© 2025 Russell E Fortuno PLLC, All Rights Reserved. ADRE BR658088000   •   Privacy