Appraisal Fee Calculator

• Base component = (Property Value × Base Rate) + Fixed Base
• Subtotal = Base component × Property Multiplier × Complexity Multiplier × Region Multiplier
• Rush fee = Subtotal × Rush %
• Travel fee = Travel Miles × Per‑Mile Rate
• Total before discount = Subtotal + Rush fee + Travel fee + Add‑ons
• Final estimate = clamp(Total before discount − Discount, Min Fee, Max Fee)

1. Enter your property value and loan amount for context.
2. Select loan and property types that match your case.
3. Choose complexity, region level, and expected turnaround.
4. Add travel miles and any add-ons, if applicable.
5. Press Submit to view the result above.
6. Use CSV or PDF buttons to export your estimate.

What the estimate represents

Appraisal fees usually bundle field inspection, market research, comparable selection, adjustments, reconciliation, and lender delivery requirements. This calculator starts with a base component tied to property value, then applies practical multipliers for property type, report complexity, and local cost level. These levers approximate how many hours the assignment may require and how scarce qualified appraisers can be in a given market. Use it to avoid underestimating closing costs before you request a formal appraisal quote.

Loan program and review effects

Loan programs can change documentation standards and review friction. Conventional files often follow streamlined lender panels, while FHA, VA, and jumbo loans may trigger additional checks, condition notes, or underwriting questions. The model reflects that through different base rates, but you can still stress-test scenarios by raising complexity or selecting faster turnaround. If a lender requests revisions, an appraisal update add-on can represent the extra report work required after repairs or new information.

Timeline pressure and rush pricing

Turn time is a major pricing driver in practice. Rush and urgent delivery compress scheduling, reduce flexibility, and may require weekend appointments or after-hours analysis. The calculator adds a percentage surcharge to the subtotal rather than a flat charge so that expensive, complex properties carry a larger time premium. If you are shopping multiple lenders, compare standard versus rush timelines to see whether timing pressure materially changes your estimated fee.

Travel, access, and market coverage

Travel is frequently overlooked, especially for rural parcels, unique homes, or low-transaction neighborhoods where comparable sales are spread out. The travel input estimates mileage reimbursement and also stands in for access constraints such as gate codes, long driveways, and limited daylight inspection windows. Pair travel miles with the land or multi-family property type when your assignment is likely to require broader market coverage and additional comparable verification.

Discounts, floors, and planning use

Discounts are sometimes available through lender promotions or volume relationships, but the final amount still tends to stay within a realistic floor and cap. The floor protects against estimates that ignore minimum professional effort, while the cap prevents overly large numbers when inputs stack aggressively. Treat the output as a planning range: validate with your lender’s fee sheet, then export the estimate for your budget worksheet and closing checklist.

1) Is the appraisal fee refundable if the loan is denied?

Usually not. The appraiser still performed work and delivered a report. Some lenders may credit a portion, but policies vary widely.

2) Does a higher down payment reduce the appraisal fee?

Not directly. Fees are driven by property type, complexity, and local workload, not your down payment. Some loan programs may influence review requirements.

3) Why do condos sometimes cost less than single-family homes?

Condo reports can be faster when comps are plentiful and the unit is standard. However, unique units or limited sales can still raise complexity.

4) When should I choose an appraisal update add-on?

Use it when repairs, new evidence, or lender conditions require a revised report. It commonly follows renovation work or condition-related lender requests.

5) What travel miles should I enter?

Enter round-trip miles from the appraiser’s likely base to the property. If unsure, estimate from the nearest city where appraisers typically operate.

6) How accurate is this estimate compared with lender quotes?

It is a planning tool, not a quote. Use it to compare scenarios, then confirm with your lender’s fee sheet and local appraiser availability.