Getting a house appraised for free typically means obtaining an estimate of your home’s value rather than a formal, legally recognized appraisal. Here are the main ways to get a free home value assessment:
Free Home Appraisal Options
1. Online Home Value Estimators (Automated Valuation Models)
- How it works: Enter your address into online tools, and they use algorithms to compare your property to similar homes in your area, analyzing public records, recent sales, and sometimes user-submitted data.
- Examples: Zillow’s Zestimate, HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator, Redfin’s home value estimator, and tools from major banks like Bank of America, Chase, and PennyMac.
- Accuracy: These tools provide a good starting point but are less precise than professional appraisals. Median error rates are around 2.4% for listed homes and 7.49% for off-market properties.
- Limitations: Not accepted by lenders for mortgage purposes, but useful for personal planning, selling, or refinancing considerations.
2. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a Real Estate Agent
- How it works: Contact local real estate agents and ask for a CMA. Agents will provide a free estimate of your home’s value, hoping to earn your business if you decide to sell.
- Advantages: More personalized than online tools, as agents consider unique features, recent upgrades, and local market trends.
- Limitations: Still an estimate, not a formal appraisal, but often more accurate than online tools.
3. County or Municipal Property Tax Records
- How it works: Many local governments provide property value estimates online through their tax assessor’s website.
- Advantages: Uses official records and recent sales data.
- Limitations: May not reflect current market conditions or recent upgrades.
Key Points
- Free online appraisals are not official. They are estimates based on available data and are not accepted by lenders for mortgage or refinancing purposes.
- Professional appraisals are required for mortgages. These must be conducted by a licensed appraiser and typically cost between $400 and $800.
- Use free estimates for planning. Free appraisals are best used for setting a sale price, assessing home equity, or planning renovations.
Summary Table
| Method | Cost | Accuracy | Accepted by Lenders | Personal Use |
| Online Home Value Estimator | Free | Moderate | No | Yes |
| Real Estate Agent CMA | Free | Moderate to High | No | Yes |
| County Tax Records | Free | Moderate | No | Yes |
| Professional Appraisal | $400–$800 | High | Yes | Yes |
Steps to Get a Free Home Appraisal
- Use an online home value estimator (e.g., Zillow, HomeLight, Redfin).
- Request a CMA from a local real estate agent.
- Check your county or municipal property tax assessor’s website.
- Compare results and use them for personal planning or as a starting point for selling your home.
For official purposes, such as mortgage lending, you will need a professional appraisal from a licensed appraiser.