What is the primary purpose of a property appraisal?

The primary purpose of a property appraisal is to estimate the market value of a property. An appraisal provides an objective assessment of a property's worth based on various factors, including location, condition, comparable sales, and current market trends. This valuation is crucial not only for buyers and sellers in understanding what a property is worth but also for lenders when determining how much to lend for a mortgage.

The appraisal process involves a detailed analysis performed by a licensed appraiser who compiles data and arrives at a fair market value that reflects what the property would likely sell for in an open market transaction. This ensures that all parties have a reliable figure that informs decisions regarding buying, selling, or financing a property.

Other choices, while related to aspects of real estate transactions, do not capture the primary intention of an appraisal. For example, negotiating a sales price is often a result of the appraisal but is not the purpose of the appraisal itself. Preparing a property for sale involves curb appeal and staging, and assessing property taxes involves a different process oriented toward understanding property tax obligations rather than market value.