Should You Be Present For A Home Appraisal During Divorce?

Before deciding whether to attend a divorce appraisal, discuss access and attendance with your attorney and the appraiser. Follow the arrangements for your actual case.

Understanding Your Options

The appraiser’s value analysis considers property condition, relevant sales and market evidence. You may be able to provide property information without attending in person; confirm the arrangements before the visit.

When Attending Makes Sense

Consider being present or at least communicating with the appraiser if:

Significant improvements: Recent renovations, repairs, heating/cooling equipment, electrical work or a finished basement may not be obvious. Provide dates and supporting records.

Your Home Has Unique Characteristics: Does your property have special features that might not be obvious? Custom built-ins, high-end finishes, or energy-efficient upgrades deserve mention.

Answering property questions: Being available can help clarify the home’s condition and history.

When Staying Away Makes Sense

Reasons to discuss providing information remotely include:

Protecting Your Interests Without Being There

If you will not attend, you can still provide useful property information:

Prepare a Property Information Sheet: Document all improvements, repairs, and unique features with dates and costs. Include receipts when possible.

Provide Photos: High-quality images of recent upgrades or special features can be submitted ahead of time.

Ask whether a brief call is appropriate before or after inspection to answer factual property questions.

The Bigger Picture: Choosing the Right Appraiser

Confirm with your attorney how the appraiser should be selected and how information should be shared.

Keep the information factual and arrange reliable access. Attendance alone does not establish the accuracy of a value conclusion.