Who Usually Pays For An Appraisal?

On a home purchase, the buyer usually pays for the appraisal. The lender requires it and chooses the appraiser, but the fee is normally charged to the borrower, either up front or at closing.

Buying or refinancing a Charlotte home

The appraisal protects the lender by checking that the home supports the loan. The borrower typically pays the fee as part of the loan costs. It is generally not refundable once the appraisal is done, even if the sale falls through. A seller can agree to cover it as part of a negotiation, but that is the exception.

VA loans in Mecklenburg County

The VA publishes a fee schedule for loan appraisals in each county. For Mecklenburg, the schedule effective May 1, 2026 lists $800 for a single-family home or condominium. See our cost article for the full table. That is a program fee, not our private price.

When the appraisal is not for a loan

An estate, a probate filing, a divorce or a tax matter has no lender behind it. Who pays is something you agree with the other people involved, usually with an attorney, before you order. In a divorce that means deciding who engages the appraiser and who may rely on the report. Our services pages explain each case.

Not sure which kind of appraisal you need? Call (980) 580-7007 and tell us what the number is for.