What is an Appraisal? Appraisals and appraisal contingencies are standard parts of most real estate transactions and the home-buying process. A real estate appraisal is often conducted when purchasing a home and getting a mortgage. It ensures that you pay the fair market value for a property. Appraisal is a requirement of mortgage lenders before they provide financing. They want to ensure that the asset they're lending against has sufficient equity. The home appraisal establishes a value base...