How Long Does a San Francisco Home Appraisal Take? (2025 Guide)

Author: Ms San Francisco Real Estate | Last Updated: October, 2025

If you are buying or selling a home in San Francisco, you will eventually need a home appraisal. It’s a key step because it determines the property’s official market value. This value, in turn, impacts your financing and the final sale price.

In a fast market, of course, every day counts. For that reason, many people ask: how long does an appraisal take?

Generally, a San Francisco home appraisal takes 7 to 10 business days. This clock starts when the appraisal is ordered and ends when the final report is ready. However, this timeline can sometimes change.

Therefore, this guide will explain the appraisal timeline, show what can cause delays, and give you clear tips to keep your home sale on track.

What Is a Home Appraisal?

Essentially, a home appraisal is a fair and professional opinion of a home’s value. A licensed appraiser provides this opinion after inspecting the property.

For lenders, this step is crucial. Specifically, it confirms the home is worth the loan amount they are providing. In addition, an appraisal helps sellers set a smart and fair asking price. Ultimately, in a city like San Francisco where home values change quickly, an accurate appraisal is vital for any deal.

The Appraisal Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The 7-to-10-day timeline is broken down into a few simple stages. So, here is what you can expect.

Step 1: Ordering and Scheduling (1–3 Business Days)

First, the lender orders the appraisal after a purchase agreement is signed. Then, an Appraisal Management Company (AMC) finds a local appraiser. Finally, the appraiser will contact the homeowner or agent to schedule a visit.

Step 2: The On-Site Inspection (1–2 Hours)

Next, the appraiser visits the home to do a walkthrough. During this visit, they will:

Measure the home to confirm its square footage.
Check the home’s overall condition, both inside and out.
Note the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Look for any recent upgrades or major repairs.
Take photos to include in their report.

Step 3: Researching Similar Homes (3–5 Business Days)

After the inspection, the appraiser does their research. In fact, this is often the longest part of the job. They look for “comps,” which are similar homes sold recently in the same neighborhood. Using this data, they then compare these comps to your home to find its fair market value.

Step 4: Creating the Final Report (1–2 Business Days)

Lastly, the appraiser puts all their findings into a detailed report. This official document includes photos, property details, and the final value. The report is then sent to the lender to be reviewed.

What Can Slow Down an SF Appraisal?

While 7-10 days is normal, some things can certainly extend the timeline.

Complex Homes: For example, unique properties like multi-unit buildings or historic homes in Noe Valley need more work. As a result, they can take longer to appraise.
A Busy Market: Also, the time of year matters. During busy seasons like spring and summer, for instance, more people are buying homes. This creates a backlog for appraisers and consequently leads to delays.
Finding an Appraiser: In other cases, it can be hard to find an appraiser who specializes in certain SF neighborhoods like Pacific Heights.
Getting Inside: Finally, if a tenant or homeowner isn’t available, it can be hard to schedule the inspection. This, of course, can slow down the whole process.

4 Tips to Speed Up Your Appraisal

Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to avoid delays.

Get Your Home Ready: First, make sure the home is clean and easy to walk through. All rooms and closets should be accessible. Also, check that the lights and water are working.
Gather Your Paperwork: To help the appraiser, put together a simple folder for them. For instance, include a list of recent home improvements (with dates and costs) and any HOA documents.
Be Flexible: When the appraiser calls to schedule, respond quickly. In short, offering flexible times can help you get an earlier appointment.
Partner with a Good Agent: An experienced agent knows what appraisers need. Because of this, they can help prevent problems and make sure communication is smooth.

What if the Appraisal Value Is Too Low?

An appraisal that comes in below the sale price can be worrying. If this happens, however, don’t panic. The good news is that you usually have several options:

The Buyer Pays the Difference: For example, the buyer can choose to pay the difference in cash at closing.
The Seller Lowers the Price: Alternatively, the seller might agree to lower the asking price to match the new value.
You Meet in the Middle: In many cases, the buyer and seller simply negotiate a new price they both agree on.
Challenge the Report: Furthermore, if you find clear mistakes in the appraisal, you can ask for a “Reconsideration of Value.” For this to work, however, you need to point out specific errors.
Cancel the Deal: Finally, if your contract has an appraisal contingency, the buyer has the right to walk away and get their deposit back.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much does a home appraisal cost in San Francisco?

Typically, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,000 for a standard appraisal in San Francisco. The cost can be higher, however, for larger or more complex homes.

2. Who pays for the appraisal?

The lender orders the appraisal, but the buyer pays for it as part of their closing costs. If you are refinancing, on the other hand, you pay for it yourself.

3. Does the seller see the appraisal report?

Because the buyer pays for it, they legally receive a copy. The seller, however, does not get a copy automatically but can ask the buyer for one.

4. What do appraisers look for?

Appraisers look at the facts, not your furniture. In other words, they focus on things like the home’s condition, square footage, layout, and any permanent upgrades in the kitchen or bathrooms.

Get Through Your Appraisal with Confidence

In conclusion, a San Francisco home appraisal usually takes 7 to 10 business days. However, by being prepared, you can help make the process smooth and fast. Ultimately, understanding these steps allows you to move forward in your real estate deal with confidence.

With over 20 years of experience, the team at Ms. San Francisco Real Estate helps clients navigate this market. We offer expert advice, free home value reports (CMAs), and full appraisal support.

So, whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing, work with a team that truly knows San Francisco.