Quick Answer: Do not assume an appraisal ordered for a private home sale can be used for the buyer's financing. Ask the lender about its appraisal requirements and ordering process before paying for work intended to support a loan. The report's intended use and intended users matter. Sharing a copy does not automatically make it suitable for another purpose.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
A buyer and seller may want an independent value when negotiating a private sale. A mortgage lender has its own decision to make and may require its own appraisal process.
Confirm the purpose of each assignment early. This can prevent a useful private report from being mistaken for a financing approval.
What question does a private-sale appraisal answer?
The answer depends on the engagement. A seller may commission a report to help inform a pricing decision. A buyer may seek an independent opinion for a proposed purchase.
Explain the transaction and who expects to use the result before ordering. A report prepared for one party and purpose should not be advertised as universally transferable.
What should the buyer ask the lender?
Ask whether an appraisal is required, who must order it, which requirements apply and whether an existing report can be considered. Obtain the lender's instructions before independently ordering a report for financing.
Different loan programs and lenders can have different processes. A favorable value does not establish that the report, appraiser or transaction meets the lender's requirements.
Can you simply change the name on the report?
Ask the original appraiser what is possible and what the new intended use requires. Do not edit, relabel or present a report as if it had originally been prepared for another client.
A different request may require additional work or a new assignment. The appraiser and lender need to determine the appropriate approach; neither suitability nor acceptance should be presumed.
What if the private and lender appraisals differ?
Start by comparing the assignments, valuation dates, property descriptions and available information. Different results need specific examination, not an assumption that one report is dishonest.
Ask the relevant recipient about its process for factual corrections or review. Keep negotiation decisions and financing requirements distinct. A private appraisal does not guarantee the loan will be approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show the buyer my appraisal?
Check the engagement terms and ask the appraiser about permitted sharing and limitations. Sharing does not establish lender acceptability.
Should a cash buyer order an appraisal?
That depends on the buyer's needs. Explain the intended decision to the appraiser and request a suitable scope.
Does an appraisal set the agreed sale price?
It provides an opinion for the defined assignment. The parties decide their transaction terms.
Discuss Your Appraisal
Discuss your private sale or purchase with Aladdin Appraisal before ordering, and tell us whether financing is involved. Contact Aladdin Appraisal.
Explore the relevant appraisal service.
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Reference
Official reference for the subject discussed. Confirm the requirements applicable to your assignment.
This article offers general preparation information. Confirm the scope and requirements of your assignment with the appraiser and the appropriate legal, tax, lending or property professional.
