How Long Does a Home Appraisal Take in San Francisco? | 2025 Guide

 

How Long Does a Home Appraisal Take in San Francisco? [2025 Guide]

Author: Ms San Francisco Real Estate | Last Updated: October, 2025

 

Are you selling or refinancing a home in San Francisco? If so, you will need a home appraisal. Indeed, this step is crucial and usually required for the transaction. For this reason, it’s helpful to know how long an appraisal takes.

This guide will break down the entire process for you. As a result, you can manage your timeline and set the right expectations. Specifically, we will cover average times, things that cause delays, and tips to make your appraisal go smoothly.

 

Why You Need a Home Appraisal in SF

First, what is a home appraisal? In simple terms, it’s a professional and fair estimate of your home’s value. A licensed appraiser performs this evaluation. To do this, they look at several key factors:

  • Property Details: For example, the size, layout, and square footage of the home.
  • Condition: This also includes the home’s age and how well it has been kept up.
  • Location: In addition, the appraiser considers the neighborhood and what’s nearby.
  • Market Data: Finally, they look at recent sales of similar homes (called “comps”).

 

Home appraisals are needed for two main reasons:

  • Selling a Home: Lenders need an appraisal to make sure the home is worth the loan amount.
  • Refinancing a Mortgage: An appraisal confirms your home’s current value. Because of this, the lender can approve your new loan.

 

San Francisco Home Appraisal Timeline: What to Expect

So, how long does it all take? Generally, a home appraisal in San Francisco takes 7 to 14 business days. This clock starts the day the appraisal is ordered and, of course, ends when the report is delivered.

However, this timeline can certainly change. Here is a simple breakdown:

 

Appraisal StageTypical Duration
Ordering & Scheduling 1–3 business days
On-Site Inspection 30–90 minutes
Research & Analysis 2–5 business days
Report Preparation & Delivery 2–5 business days
Total Estimated Time 7–14 business days

 

Several things can affect this schedule:

  • A Complex Property: For instance, a large, historic, or unique home needs more research. This can therefore add extra time.
  • The Appraiser’s Schedule: During busy seasons like spring and summer, appraisers have more work. Consequently, it might take longer to book an appointment.
  • Popular Neighborhoods: Similarly, in areas like Pacific Heights or Noe Valley, it can sometimes be hard to find recent comps. As a result, the process can slow down.
  • Lender Rules: Lastly, some lenders have extra rules that may require more paperwork or a second review.

 

The Step-by-Step Home Appraisal Process

Knowing the workflow helps you plan ahead. Here are the main steps.

Step 1: Ordering and Scheduling

First, the lender orders the appraisal. Then, the appraiser calls you or your agent to schedule the visit. This usually happens within 1 to 3 business days.

 

Step 2: The On-Site Inspection

During the visit, the appraiser will walk through your home. For example, they will:

  • Measure the home and sketch the floor plan.
  • Check the home’s overall condition.
  • Take notes on any upgrades or special features.
  • Take pictures of the inside and outside.

 

Step 3: Research and Analysis

Next, the appraiser does their research. In fact, this is often the longest part of the process. They will study the local market and look for recent sales of similar homes. Above all, this research ensures the final value is accurate.

 

Step 4: Writing the Report

After completing the research, the appraiser then puts everything into a detailed report. This report includes the final property value, photos, and all the data to support it. Usually, this takes another 2 to 5 business days.

 

Step 5: Report Delivery and Review

Finally, the finished report is sent to the lender. At this point, you and the buyer will also get a copy. It’s a good idea to read it carefully and then ask your agent if you have any questions.

 

How to Speed Up Your Home Appraisal

Luckily, you can take a few steps to help avoid delays:

  • Offer Flexible Scheduling: First, give the appraiser a few different days and times that work for the inspection.
  • Prepare Your Home: Also, make sure the property is clean and tidy. This gives the appraiser easy access to all rooms.
  • Gather Your Documents: Furthermore, put permits, HOA records, and a list of recent upgrades in one folder. This makes the appraiser’s job much easier.
  • List Your Upgrades: In addition, create a simple list of any improvements you’ve made. For example, include a new kitchen or updated roof, along with the year they were installed.

 

What Happens if the Appraisal Comes in Low?

But what happens if the appraisal value is lower than the sale price? While this can be stressful, you do have options.

  1. Check for Mistakes: First and foremost, read the report with your agent to look for any errors. For instance, check the square footage or the number of bedrooms.
  2. Ask for a Review: Second, if you find a clear mistake, your agent can ask the appraiser to reconsider the value with new information.
  3. Negotiate the Price: Another option is to negotiate. The buyer and seller can agree to a new price, or perhaps the buyer pays the difference in cash.
  4. Get a Second Opinion: Lastly, in some cases, the lender might agree to order a second appraisal from a different person.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does a home appraisal cost in San Francisco?

A: The cost for a standard home appraisal in San Francisco is usually between $600 and $1,000. However, it can cost more for larger or more complex properties.

 

Q: Do I need to be there for the appraisal?

A: You don’t have to be, but it can be helpful. For one thing, being there allows you to answer any questions the appraiser might have about your home.

 

Q: How long is an appraisal good for?

A: Generally, lenders consider an appraisal to be valid for about 90 to 120 days. After that, you may need a new one because the market can change.

 

Work with a Local Expert for a Smooth Process

In short, a San Francisco home appraisal usually takes 7 to 14 business days. However, your own timeline can change based on your property, the market, and how well you prepare.

Ultimately, the best way to handle the appraisal process is to work with an experienced real estate agent. A local expert can help you get ready, connect you with trusted appraisers, and, most importantly, guide you through any challenges.

Ready to start your sale or refinance? Then contact a local real estate expert today to ensure a successful transaction.


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