A clear guide to the appraisal process for sellers in Tustin, Irvine, North Tustin, Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Orange.

If you’re planning to sell your home in Orange County, one key step in the process is the home appraisal. It’s something every seller hears about, but not everyone fully understands.

The appraisal can feel intimidating—it’s the official value your buyer’s lender will rely on. But with a little preparation and the right perspective, you’ll know what to expect and how to set yourself up for success.

Here’s a breakdown of what happens during a home appraisal, and how it affects homeowners across Tustin, Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, and North Tustin.

1. What Is a Home Appraisal?

A home appraisal is a professional, unbiased estimate of your home’s fair market value, conducted by a licensed appraiser.

For buyers using a mortgage, lenders require this step to ensure the loan amount matches the home’s value. For sellers, it’s a checkpoint that can either smoothly confirm your sale price—or spark negotiations if it comes in low.

2. Who Orders the Appraisal?

The buyer’s lender orders the appraisal once your home is in escrow. The seller doesn’t get to choose the appraiser, but you will be notified when it’s scheduled. Typically, appraisals take place within the first two weeks after acceptance of the offer.

3. What Do Appraisers Look At?

Appraisers focus on three main areas:

• Condition of the home – maintenance, updates, safety issues

• Features & amenities – number of bedrooms/baths, lot size, garage, pool, upgrades

• Comparable sales (“comps”) – recently sold homes in your neighborhood

In North Tustin, for example, larger lots and single-level layouts often boost value. In Irvine, appraisers look closely at model matches in the same HOA tract.

4. How Long Does It Take?

The onsite visit is usually 30–60 minutes. The appraiser will take measurements, photos, and notes. The full report may take a few days to a week, depending on workload.

5. How to Prepare Your Home

A tidy, well-presented home makes a difference. While appraisers are trained to be objective, small details can affect perception.

Quick prep tips for sellers:

• Tidy landscaping and front entry for curb appeal

• Highlight recent upgrades (new roof, HVAC, remodeled kitchen)

• Ensure all utilities and systems are functional

• Provide a list of improvements with costs and dates

6. What If the Appraisal Comes In Low?

If the appraisal is lower than the agreed purchase price, three things can happen:

1. Buyer pays the difference out of pocket.

2. Seller and buyer renegotiate the price.

3. Parties cancel the contract if no agreement is reached.

Your Realtor can help you challenge an appraisal if comps were missed, but most lenders rely on the appraiser’s report.

7. What If the Appraisal Meets or Exceeds Value?

Great news—that means your deal is on track. Most lenders will clear this condition, and you’ll be one step closer to closing.

Final Thoughts: Appraisals Don’t Have to Be Stressful

The home appraisal is just one step in the selling process, but it plays a critical role in moving your deal forward. With preparation and guidance, sellers in Tustin, Irvine, North Tustin, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Orange can navigate the appraisal process with confidence.

Thinking about selling? I’d be happy to walk you through the entire process—from preparing for showings to handling the appraisal—with a clear plan to maximize your home’s value.

Sources

• California Association of Realtors – Appraisal Guidelines

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – What Is a Home Appraisal?

• Fannie Mae – Understanding the Appraisal Process

• Redfin – Home Appraisals Explained