The questions we hear every week.

An appraisal is an unbiased, formally presented opinion of a property's value. To determine the current market value, a certified appraiser assesses various aspects of the home, such as its size, condition, features, and location. They also consider comparable sales data of similar properties in the area to arrive at an accurate valuation. WesTech's professional valuation expertise provides our clients with a sound basis for making real estate decisions such as buying / selling a home or refinancing a mortgage.

Residential appraisals in BC generally range from $395 to $595, according to the Appraisal Institute of Canada. However, exact costs depend on your specific property type, location, and the purpose of the report. At WesTech, our competitive pricing reflects the complexity of each assignment. Simply share your property address and why you need the valuation, and we will provide a clear, flat-fee quote before any work begins.

An independent appraisal gives you a defensible number for financing or refinancing, for setting or testing a list price, for separation and family law, for probate and estate settlement, for capital gains and tax filings, for foreclosure and litigation, or simply for your own peace of mind before you commit. A market estimate is an opinion; a signed appraisal report is documented evidence that lenders, lawyers, accountants and courts can rely on.

No. An appraisal is a professional estimate of a home's value, while a home inspection is a detailed evaluation of a home's structure and mechanical systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, etc.). An appraisal does take a home's structure and systems into account, but in less detail than a full inspection.

An appraiser's inspection will, at the minimum, be thorough enough to: adequately describe the real estate in the appraisal report; develop an opinion of highest and best use, when such an opinion is necessary and appropriate; and make meaningful comparisons in the valuation of the property.

Greater Vancouver, the North Shore, the Tri-Cities, Richmond, Delta, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and the rest of the Lower Mainland, from our North Vancouver and Langley offices.

Your appraisal is built from the home's location, condition, size and access to amenities; recent sales data from the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS); public records and BC assessment data; and the appraiser's own experience in that market. The process usually involves two of the three common approaches to value:

You do not necessarily need to be home. It doesn't have to be the homeowner or tenant, as long as someone is there on the day of the appraisal to let our appraiser in, that works completely fine.

Usually 30 to 60 minutes for a typical home. We measure, photograph and note condition, layout and upgrades.

A WesTech appraiser will arrive at your home, introduce themselves, and present a business card. The appraiser will appraise the property to confirm the living area, establish the floor plan, assess the condition and quality of finishes, determine the effective age, and take interior and exterior photos. You will also be asked a few quick questions about any updates, renovations, or property features.

You can help streamline the process by making sure all areas of the home are fully accessible. If you have tenants, please ensure they are aware of the visit so the appraiser can access all necessary rooms without delay.

If the appraisal was ordered through an AMC/broker: The appraiser will research and send the file to the bank usually within 1 business day, depending on the complexity of the appraisal. After this point the lender/broker will contact the client to proceed with the lending process.

If you ordered the appraisal directly through WesTech Appraisal Services Ltd.: Depending on the complexity of the case, your appraisal will be emailed to you between 1 and 5 business days. Hard copies will also be provided. During the process, the appraiser will keep you informed about the status of the report. Please feel free to contact WesTech with questions at any time.

WesTech has no reservations about providing a copy of our report if instructed to do so. Appraisal Standards require “client confidentiality” and unfortunately, only the “client/party or parties who engaged” the appraiser for the specific assignment are privy to the appraisal report. Appraisals ordered by a banker, broker, Appraisal Management Company, or such may be released to the homeowner if their own internal policy permits.

So what does that really mean? Unfortunately, even though you may have paid for the report we are bound by our appraisal standards and may not be able to provide a copy. In the case of a private appraisal, WesTech Appraisal Services Ltd. will deliver the report to you and may stipulate how the appraisal can be used (i.e. asset management, estate planning, tax purposes, etc.) based on your requirements.