Home › Cash Purchase Appraisals
Cash Purchase · Pre Purchase
Appraisals for Cash Home Buyers in Maricopa and Pinal Counties
Paying cash means no lender appraisal. Get an independent, supported opinion of value before you make an offer or close, so you know what the home is worth before you commit your money.
Michael Swart, Arizona Certified Residential Appraiser, License CRA-22344. Based in Chandler; Michael travels to the property. Call 480-254-5171.
No lender means no lender appraisal
When you finance a home, the lender orders an appraisal to protect its loan. When you pay cash, nobody does that check for you. The price you agree to is based on the listing, the seller’s expectations, online estimates and your own research. A pre purchase appraisal gives you an independent, supported opinion of market value before you make an offer or before you close, so you can decide with more than an asking price in front of you and avoid overpaying.
It is useful for owner occupants, investors and family buyers alike, for single family homes, condos and townhomes, manufactured homes, 2 to 4 unit properties and residential land anywhere in Maricopa and Pinal counties.
When to order it
- Before an offer, if the seller or listing agent can give access for an inspection.
- During escrow, before closing, so the report is in hand while you can still make decisions under your contract.
If your contract has an inspection or due diligence deadline, include that date in your request so the timing can be planned around it. Questions about contract terms belong with your agent or attorney.
What an appraisal is, and what it is not
An appraisal is an opinion of market value as of a specific date, developed under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Michael inspects the property, researches comparable sales and market conditions, and explains in writing how the value was reached.
It is not a home inspection. An appraiser observes and reports the condition and features that affect value, but does not test systems, go into attics or crawl spaces, or look for hidden defects. Most cash buyers order both a home inspection and an appraisal.
How it differs from a pre listing appraisal
A pre listing appraisal is ordered by the seller before the home goes on the market. A cash purchase appraisal is ordered on the buyer’s side, for the buyer’s decision. The research is similar, but the client, the intended use and the timing are different, and the engagement letter says so.
Intended use and intended users
Every report is written for a stated intended use, such as “to assist the client in deciding whether to purchase the property for cash,” and for the intended users named in the engagement letter. That might be you, a spouse or business partner, or your attorney. Tell Michael everyone who needs to rely on the report when you request it.
Planning to get a mortgage later?
A private pre purchase appraisal usually can’t be reused for a later mortgage or refinance. Lenders generally must order their own appraisal through their own process. If you plan to finance after buying, expect the lender to order a new appraisal at that time.
Independent, with a fee that never depends on value
Michael doesn’t predict or promise a value before the assignment is complete, and the fee is never contingent on the value reported, on the purchase going through, or on any other outcome. He has no stake in whether you buy.
How It Works
Request, quote, pay, inspect, report
- 1
Request
Use the request form and choose “Cash purchase / pre purchase.” Include your deadline. No payment is collected.
- 2
Quote & Engagement Letter
You receive a written quote and an engagement letter naming the intended use and intended users.
- 3
Pay Before Inspection
After you sign, the inspection is scheduled and a secure payment link is sent. Prefer to pay the appraisal fee in cash? Pay at the inspection.
- 4
Inspection
Michael inspects the property, with access arranged through the seller or listing agent.
- 5
Report
Your report is delivered electronically by the agreed date.
Serving cash buyers across Maricopa and Pinal counties
Michael is based in Chandler and travels to the property anywhere in Maricopa and Pinal counties, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and the West Valley to Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande. Parts of Pima County are also served. See every city and town we serve.
FAQ
Cash purchase appraisal questions
Why get an appraisal if I’m paying cash?
Without a lender, nobody else checks the price against the market for you. An independent appraisal gives you a supported opinion of value before you commit your money.
Is an appraisal the same as a home inspection?
No. An appraisal is an opinion of value. A home inspection evaluates the condition of systems and components. Many cash buyers order both.
Can the appraisal be used later for a mortgage or refinance?
Usually not. Lenders generally must order their own appraisal, so plan on a new appraisal if you finance later.
Can you tell me what the home is worth before I make an offer?
Not without completing the assignment. Michael can’t predict or promise a value in advance, and the fee never depends on the value.
Who can rely on the report?
Only the intended users named in the engagement letter, for the stated intended use. Name everyone who needs to rely on it when you request it.
How do I get access to a home I don’t own yet?
Access is usually arranged through the seller or listing agent. Include their contact details in your request notes.
What areas do you cover?
All of Maricopa and Pinal counties and parts of Pima County. Michael travels to the property.
Related pages
- Pre listing appraisals
- For sale by owner appraisals
- Estate and trust appraisals
- Family law appraisals
- Appraisal cost and timing FAQ
- Home appraisals in Phoenix
- Home appraisals in Mesa
- Home appraisals in Chandler
- Home appraisals in Gilbert
- Home appraisals in Scottsdale
- Home appraisals in Tempe
- Home appraisals in Queen Creek
- Home appraisals in San Tan Valley
- Home appraisals in Apache Junction
- Home appraisals in Maricopa (city)
- Home appraisals in Casa Grande
- Home appraisals in Glendale, Peoria and Surprise
- Every city and town we serve
Michael Swart, Arizona Certified Residential Appraiser, License CRA-22344. MFS Appraisal LLC, 4960 S Gilbert Rd Ste 1-415, Chandler, AZ 85249. 480-254-5171 · [email protected]. No payment is collected when you submit a request.