Have appraisal questions in Ontario? Below you’ll find answers to the most common residential and commercial appraisal questions from our certified appraisers serving communities across Ontario.
We are proud to serve clients across a wide range of communities throughout Ontario. Our coverage areas include Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ottawa, Kingston, Brockville, Belleville, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Hamilton, Barrie, Carleton Place, and Northern Ontario. With four offices strategically located across the province, we are well-positioned to provide timely, accurate, and locally informed appraisals no matter where your property is situated. Our appraisers have deep knowledge of their respective regional markets, ensuring that every valuation reflects the most current and relevant local data. If you are unsure whether we service your specific area, do not hesitate to contact us — we are happy to confirm coverage and connect you with the right appraiser for your location.
The cost of an appraisal depends on a variety of factors and is not a one-size-fits-all figure. The first consideration is whether the appraisal is for a residential or commercial property, as each requires a different scope of work — residential appraisals are typically completed using a form report, while commercial appraisals generally require a more detailed narrative report. The type of property is another key factor, as a standard detached home, a multi-unit residential building, and a commercial property each carry different levels of complexity. Finally, location plays a role, as properties in more remote or rural areas of Ontario may require additional time and resources to appraise compared to those in urban centres. Because every property and situation is unique, we encourage you to contact us directly for a quote. Our team will be happy to assess your needs and provide you with an accurate fee for your specific appraisal.
The length of the appraisal process depends on the scope and complexity of the assignment. The physical inspection of the property can take anywhere from as little as 15 minutes to approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the type and size of the property being appraised. However, it is important to understand that the inspection itself is only a small portion of the overall scope of work. The majority of an appraiser’s time is spent in the office conducting in-depth research, market analysis, and due diligence to support a well-reasoned and defensible valuation. As a result, the turnaround time for the completed appraisal report varies depending on the complexity of the assignment. When you request a quote from us, we will advise you of the expected turnaround time so you know exactly what to expect from the process. If you require a faster turnaround, simply let us know when requesting a quote.
For Full Appraisal, the Appraisal Institute of Canada defines INSPECTION as “A non-invasive visual observation, site visit, walk-through, or viewing of a property.” There are situations where interior and/or exterior inspections are not possible as of the effective date of the Report. For example:
Preparing your property for a home appraisal starts with addressing any outstanding deficiencies throughout the home. Appraisers are required to report on what they see, so visible issues will be noted in the report and can negatively impact your valuation. Patch and repair any holes or damaged drywall, repaint any areas where the paint is peeling, chipped, or worn, and take care of any repairs you have been putting off. Most importantly, fix any signs of water damage — whether it is a stain on a ceiling, a leak on a foundation wall, or moisture in the basement. These are the types of deficiencies that raise red flags for appraisers and can significantly affect your home’s assessed value. Once the deficiencies are addressed, do a general tidy-up and declutter the space so the appraiser can move through and inspect all areas of the home easily. While cleanliness is not a major factor in the appraisal, ensuring every room, the basement, and the garage are accessible is important. It also helps to have documentation on hand for any renovations or major improvements you have made, such as permits, receipts, or records of upgrades to the roof, HVAC, or kitchen. Well-documented improvements can support a stronger valuation.
The bottom line: fix what is broken, address what is visible, and let the condition of your home speak for itself.
Usually between 20 to 45 minutes for residential and longer for commercial.
Yes, we provide appraisals for matrimonial and divorce settlements. These types of appraisals are an important part of the asset division process and require a high level of accuracy and professionalism. When reaching out for a quote, it is important to let us know whether you require a current market value appraisal, a retrospective appraisal (valued as of a specific date in the past), or both. This distinction is essential in order for us to fully understand the scope of the assignment and provide you with an accurate quote and turnaround time. If you are unsure which type of appraisal applies to your situation, our team is happy to guide you in the right direction.
A retrospective appraisal estimates market value as of a past date, commonly required for:
Determining the value of a commercial property is a more complex process than a standard residential appraisal, and it requires a thorough analysis of multiple factors. In accordance with professional appraisal standards, a minimum of two approaches to value are considered in every commercial appraisal assignment. Commercial properties are primarily valued using the Income Approach, which analyzes the income-generating potential of the property — taking into account factors such as rental income, vacancy rates, operating expenses, and capitalization rates. This approach reflects how investors and the market typically assess the value of income-producing real estate. Depending on the nature of the property, additional approaches such as the Sales Comparison Approach or the Cost Approach may also be applied to support and corroborate the final value conclusion. Because every commercial property is unique, the specific methodology used will vary based on the property type, its use, and the purpose of the appraisal. We encourage you to request a quote and speak directly with one of our appraisers, who will be able to walk you through the approach best suited to your property and assignment.
No. Appraisals must remain independent, impartial, and objective.
Only the authorized client and authorized users may rely on the report unless a Letter of Reliance is issued.
Yes, please contact the appraiser for details.
Yes, please contact the appraiser for details.
Yes, please contact the appraiser for details.