How to Find a Home Appraiser During a Divorce

Selling, buying, or refinancing a home takes time, and things become even more complicated when you’re dealing with a divorce. Finding a property appraiser in Toronto should be one of the first things on your to-do list. Don’t know where to start? Don’t panic. This short guide outlines everything you need to know.

Finding a divorce property appraiser in Toronto

The process of choosing an appraisal service is simple—you can simply look for someone online. However, there are a few extra steps to keep in mind when you’re going through a divorce:

Divorce means you’ll have to split the property between two parties. Luckily, some property appraisers specialize in this situation, and they can quickly determine the value of your home based on your date of separation or filing.

• Ask your appraiser if they’ve dealt with similar issues in the past, and someone without the proper experience can potentially lead to more problems.
• Start by asking your attorney for a referral; they might have a few contacts they’ve worked with in previous cases. If that’s not possible, you can ask friends, family, or a reliable appraisal company.
• Lastly, look for a designated CRA or an AACI with the Appraisal Institute of Canada.

Preparing your home before a property appraiser arrives

Before contacting an appraisal firm, you’ll first need to prepare your property to ensure so you can address any issues immediately.

Deal with simple fixes first, such as a faulty cabinets or a ruined paint job. The better your home’s condition, the more likely it is for the appraisal company to give you a reasonable price.

If you have extra time, make sure to give your home’s exterior some attention. A few upgrades to your landscape can go a long way. Plus, it would be even better if you give your property a deep clean—scrub down the walls, shampoo your carpets, and wipe down your windows.