Pricing
How much does a home appraisal cost in North Georgia?
Private home appraisals from Simmons Appraisals start at $450. Larger homes, lakefront, acreage, and date-of-death assignments are quoted individually, so the fee matches the work. Call (706) 318-8345 or send the basics below and we’ll confirm the fee and timing, usually the same business day.
What affects the cost of a home appraisal
- Size and complexity. A large custom home or a property with outbuildings takes more inspection and research time than a standard house.
- Lakefront and acreage. Lake Lanier waterfront, rural, and acreage properties need more comparable-sale research and field work. See Lake Lanier appraisals.
- Type of assignment. A date-of-death appraisal values the home as of a past date, which adds work. See estate appraisals.
- Location. We serve Hall, Forsyth, Dawson, Pickens, parts of Cherokee and Gwinnett, and North Fulton. Distance can affect the quote.
- Your deadline. Most reports are delivered within 2–4 business days of inspection. Tell us your date when you ask for a quote.
Who pays for a home appraisal?
If you’re buying or refinancing with a mortgage, your lender orders the appraisal and chooses the appraiser. Federal appraiser-independence rules don’t let borrowers hire their own for a loan, and the cost typically reaches you through the lender’s fees.
Everything else you can order directly: estate, divorce, pre-listing, and pre-purchase. That is a private home appraisal, and we confirm the fee up front.
Is a private home appraisal worth it?
It depends on what’s riding on the number. Pricing a listing? An independent value keeps you from guessing. See pre-listing appraisals and our answer to should you get an appraisal before selling your house.
Settling an estate or a divorce? You need a USPAP-compliant, court-defensible report, and our estate and divorce pages cover what that involves.
Home appraisal near me: where we work
Chris Simmons is a Georgia Certified Residential Appraiser (CR#338575) based in Gainesville, with 13+ years and 5,000+ appraisals across North Georgia. Chris performs every inspection personally.
We serve Hall, Forsyth, Dawson, and Pickens counties, parts of Cherokee and Gwinnett, and North Fulton, including Gainesville, Cumming, Dawsonville, Canton, and Buford.
Why Simmons Appraisals
- Georgia Certified Residential · CR#338575
- BBB Accredited Business · A+ Rating
- 5,000+ appraisals across North Georgia
- Most reports delivered in 2–4 business days
- USPAP-compliant, court-defensible reports
- Chris performs every inspection personally
- Trusted by attorneys, lenders, and homeowners
What clients are saying
5.0 · 12 Google reviews →“Chris provides high quality appraisal work with competitive turn times. He is very knowledgeable on local markets. Would highly suggest Chris for any appraisal needs.”
“I was curious about the value of our Forsyth County home after all the fluctuations over the last several years. Chris was very professional, explained the whole process, and was detailed and thorough in the report. Highly recommend.”
Frequently asked questions
How much does a home appraisal cost?
Private appraisals in North Georgia start at $450. Larger, lakefront, acreage, and date-of-death assignments are quoted individually.
How long does a home appraisal take?
Most reports are delivered within 2–4 business days of inspection.
Can I hire my own appraiser for a mortgage?
No. Your lender orders and chooses the appraiser for a loan. Private appraisals cover estate, divorce, pre-listing, and pre-purchase needs.
What do I need to get a quote?
The property address, property type, the reason for the appraisal, and your deadline.
Should I get an appraisal before selling my house?
It can help, especially if you’re pricing without an agent or your home is unusual. See our pre-listing appraisals page.
Free quote
Get your exact fee, usually the same day.
Send the property address, property type, what the appraisal is for, and the date you need it. We’ll confirm the fee and timing before any work begins.
Private appraisals from $450. Larger, lakefront, acreage, and date-of-death assignments are quoted individually.
Getting a mortgage or refinancing? Your lender orders that appraisal and chooses the appraiser. Everything else — estate, divorce, pre-listing, pre-purchase — you can order directly.