6 Best Residential Real Estate Property Appraisal Software Tools [2024 Comparison]

Real Estate Bees’ editorial team asked a number of industry-leading real estate appraisers to share their expertise on the best residential property valuation tools  to help our readers make a more educated purchase decision when researching available solutions.

With the help of the experts, we identified the best  free and paid real estate appraisal software tools and evaluated their features, plans, and pricing information. Visiting retailers of the listed products by clicking links within our content may earn us commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation for the inclusion of products and/or services in our consumer guides. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about our review and rating process.

— Kimberly Anderson, Senior Creative Editor at Real Estate Bees

Anow is one of the best real estate appraisal software programs designed as both residential and commercial real estate valuation software.

This top-notch residential real estate appraisal management software offers a CRM platform that allows appraisers to manage their entire appraisal process in one place.

With Anow, appraisers can easily track orders, communicate with clients, and assign tasks to team members.

It also offers other capabilities such as an innovative scheduling feature, reporting and analytics, as well as an online real estate appraisal app for mobile devices.

Features

MailNow

MailNow allows appraisers to send appraisal reports directly to clients via email.

You can use this feature to create and upload appraisal orders in PDF format, complete with customizable email templates that include the client’s contact information, a subject line, and a message body.

This feature also has delivery confirmation capability that lets users track email statuses.

Payment Scheduler

This feature keeps track of unpaid invoices, ensuring that users can easily monitor overdue payments and promptly follow up with clients.

Additionally, the software alerts users to pending invoicing tasks and appraisal report completion statuses.

Custom Workflow

The Custom Workflow feature enables appraisers to create and manage customized workflows tailored to their specific appraisal process.

Appraisers can create stages and steps that reflect tasks relevant to their appraisal process. They can then assign tasks to team members and monitor them within the workflow.

Plans and Pricing

Anow offers three plans: Essentials, Grow, and the Accelerate.

The Essentials plan costs $49 per month, or $468 per year. It includes features like custom workflows, unlimited support, unlimited file storage, and more.

The Grow plan costs $129 a month, or $1,188 annually. It includes all the features of the Essentials plan, plus unlimited custom reports, a branded customer portal, and more.

The Accelerate plan costs $399 per month, or $3,588 annually. It includes everything in the Grow plan, as well as additional features to schedule appraisal and client fees, extract PDF XMLs, and set automated order lifecycle rules.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Streamlined workflow. Anow streamlines appraisal workflow by offering a centralized platform that helps appraisers manage orders, track progress, assign tasks, and communicate with clients and team members all in one place.

• Customization and flexibility. Anow provides appraisers with the flexibility to customize the software to meet their unique needs. Appraisers can create custom workflows, define stages and steps, and set up notifications and reminders.

• Mobile accessibility. Anow offers a mobile app that allows appraisers to view their appraisal orders, update statuses, communicate with clients, and conduct property inspections using their mobile devices.

Cons

• Learning curve. Appraisers and their team members may require some time to understand and adapt to the software’s features and functionalities.

• Cost. The cost of using Anow can be a consideration for smaller appraisal businesses or individual appraisers. While the software provides valuable features and tools, some businesses may find the $49 per month subscription fee high compared to other options on the market.

• The mobile app needs improvement. Several users have complained about the limited functionalities of the mobile app. A few users also reported app crashes during an appraisal.

Integrations

• MailNow
• DAV (Duplicate Address Verification)
• TOTAL
• UWM Appraisal Direct

HouseCanary is a leading residential real estate appraisal software created for real estate appraisers, lenders, and other professionals.

This platform offers advanced valuation tools and data analytics solutions for UAD appraisals.

One of HouseCanary’s unique features is its AI-powered Automated Valuation Models (AVMs), which use machine learning algorithms to estimate property values quickly and efficiently.

In addition to AVMs, HouseCanary offers other capabilities such as market insights, customizable appraisal reports, and access to public data reports.

Features

Agile Evaluation

This is an innovative appraisal product that combines the accuracy of a full appraisal with the speed and cost-efficiency of an AVM.

With this feature, users can leverage HouseCanary’s AVM to quickly generate an accurate property valuation. The valuation is then reviewed and certified by a licensed appraiser.

The agile evaluation includes information on condition-informed AVM value, price forecast, months of supply, FEMA flood zones, and more.

Property Explorer

This feature provides users with property data and visualization tools to help them make informed decisions.

Users can use this feature to search for properties by using different criteria. Once they select a property, they can access an overview of it, including characteristics, transaction history, and tax records.

Users can also compare similar properties by using this feature. Reports can be delivered in CSV, PDF, or online.

Rental Explorer

HouseCanary’s Rental Explorer feature provides neighborhood-level market data and accurate value calculators for Single-Family Rental (SFR) real estate investors.

It uses proprietary rental and home valuation models to support investment decisions.

Users receive a rental report, rental value distribution estimates, and a rental value forecast to help them make informed choices.

ComeHome

ComeHome is a customer engagement platform that allows lenders and real estate agents to provide their clients with tools for finding ideal homes in their price range.

Users can also use this feature to access comprehensive property details, including photos, neighborhood information, public records, valuations, and more.

Plans and Pricing

HouseCanary doesn’t provide pricing information on its website. But based on online reports, a report costs $10, and users have to order reports in groups.

There are discounts available for bulk orders.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Advanced valuation tools. HouseCanary offers advanced valuation tools that use data analytics and machine learning to provide reliable estimates.

• Ranking system. HouseCanary’s standout feature is its ability to rank comparable properties on a scale of 1 to 100. This ranking system simplifies the process of comparing properties.

• Rental comps. By providing rental estimates alongside traditional valuation data, HouseCanary’s appraisal tool offers a more comprehensive presentation of both cash flow and appreciation potential.

• Futuristic home valuation forecasts. HouseCanary uses home price indices and AVMs built by data scientists. The platform can predict home values up to 36 months in advance.

Cons

• Low number of reviews. Despite HouseCanary being one of the best real estate appraisal software tools around, it is one of the least reviewed. Prospective users may need to do more research about the tool.

• Low focus on appraisers. While real estate agents and appraisers will find the platform very useful, HouseCanary was built specifically for real estate lenders and real estate investors.

Integrations

• LendingWise
• Mercury Network

As a nationwide residential property valuation tool, ValueLink makes vendor management easier, allowing users to set vendor coverage areas and track license and E&O expiry directly within the system.

ValueLink was designed to streamline the entire appraisal process, from order creation to report submission.

The platform’s unique features include automatic email notifications, which keep users informed about the progress of their orders.

In addition, it has powerful search capabilities that make it easy to track and manage appraisal orders.

Features

CrossCheck

This feature allows lenders, appraisers, and reviewers to verify the accuracy of appraisal reports.

Users can run their appraisal reports through automated checks to identify errors and inconsistencies in the reports.

Users can also create custom rules or specific requirements, and assign scores to each report.

Connect

ValueLink Connect is a unified platform that allows appraisers to manage their orders and connects them to over 150 appraisal management companies and lenders.

Users can accept, manage, and deliver orders to their clients by using Connect, all at no cost, streamlining the appraisal process.

Fee Tables

This feature allows users to manage appraisal fees for clients and appraisers. It enables them to send invoices, calculate commissions, and keep track of receivables, payables, and more.

You can also use this feature to set default fees for your company’s products. The Fee Table feature allows you to efficiently manage appraisal fees.

Custom Appraisal Types and Statuses

This feature lets users create and manage their own appraisal types and statuses to fit their company’s workflow and specific needs.

Users can also edit or delete an appraisal type if it’s no longer needed.

Plans and Pricing

There is no public information on ValueLink’s pricing. Users will have to book a demo with a member of their sales team to get this information.

The Connect platform is free of charge but only accessible to ValueLink Core subscribers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful automation features. The platform offers more automation tools than its competitors. CrossCheck helps users ensure quality and compliance throughout the appraisal process. The reporting engine allows building real-time reports that can be scheduled for automated delivery, streamlining the reporting process, and keeping stakeholders informed on time.

• 30-day free trial. Users can access this platform for 30 days without paying, and there are no binding long-term contracts.

• Robust integrations. ValueLink’s appraisal tool integrates with over 70 leading loan origination systems (LOS), order management platforms, and valuation technology products, making it efficient to manage appraisal orders.

Cons

• Learning curve. ValueLink may have a learning curve. Users need time to familiarize themselves with the interface, features, and workflows to maximize its benefits.

• Cost considerations. Some users have complained about ValueLink’s high subscription prices.

Integrations

• FNC
• Ecompass
• Mercury Network
• AppraisalPort
• LenderX
• Calyx
• FICS
• Connect by ValueLink
• Clear Capital
• ACI

Spark for Appraisers is a market-specific appraisal solution designed to deliver the best results for each unique market.

By interviewing residential real estate appraisers in the area, Spark tailors its methods to suit the specific needs and characteristics of the local market, ensuring accurate and relevant appraisal outcomes.

What sets Spark apart from other appraisal tools is its comprehensive data analysis. Instead of merely mapping fields, Spark analyzes all the data offered by your MLS to provide the most accurate and reliable results.

Spark for Appraisers can save you up to 60 minutes per report by automatically filling out your grid, entire prior transfer history, 1004MC, charts, and more.

True Footage acquired the platform in 2022.

Features

Data Import

This feature streamlines real estate appraisal report writing by integrating data sources directly into the platform.

With this feature, real estate appraisers can search for and select the specific property data they need for their report.

They can then automatically populate the selected data into the appropriate fields in their report.

The data import feature also offers other capabilities, including data verification and customizable data sources.

Trend Analysis

Spark allows users to gather property data and customize parameters from various sources.

They can then access aggregated property data in visually appealing graphs and charts.

You can compile and download these charts and analyses via the Market Conditions report generated in your digital workfile.

Cost Approach

This feature helps appraisers estimate the cost of replacing or reproducing a property, minus depreciation.

It also allows you to calculate total property value, land value estimation and perform a host of other calculations.

Plans and Pricing

This platform offers different packages tailored to different users and data sources. The platform also offers free trial usage for up to 12 reports.

The A la mode user package costs $14 for a 4-pack (4 reports), $47 for a 16-pack (16 reports), and $49 per month for unlimited use.

ACI and Nexus integrations are priced from $12 to $48 per month for a limited subscription (at $3 per report) and $49 per month for unlimited use.

Pricing for Appraise-It Pro users starts at $12 per month for a limited subscription and $49 per month for unlimited use.

ClickFORMS users pay $12 per month for limited usage of the Spark platform and $49 per month for unlimited use.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• User-friendly interface. Spark for Appraisers features a user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate. There is also a proactive support team and lots of training materials for first-time users.

• Customizable report templates. The software provides customizable report templates, allowing appraisers to tailor appraisal reports to specific requirements or regulatory standards.

• Transparent pricing. Users are not locked into yearly plans. Spark allows users to pay per use or subscribe to an unlimited monthly plan.

Cons

• Not available in every area. Although Spark aims to provide its services to a wide range of users, there are some limitations on its coverage. Spark’s services aren’t available in some suburbs and cities across the US.

• No project management or task management features. The software does not include project management features such as task tracking, organization, and collaboration.

Integrations

• Mercury Network
• AppraisalPort
• ClickFORMS
• TOTAL by a la mode
• ACI
• Appraise-It Pro

DataMaster is an advanced residential real estate appraisal management software designed specifically for appraisers, by appraisers.

DataMaster offers a range of powerful features and capabilities tailored to streamline the appraisal process.

One of DataMaster’s unique features is its data sourcing flexibility. Users can choose to obtain their data from various sources, such as public records, their MLS, or even their own measurements.

This versatility allows appraisers to select the most accurate and relevant data for their specific appraisal needs, ensuring reliable and high-quality reports.

Features

Plat Maps

DataMaster allows users to easily access and integrate plat maps from public records into their reports.

Upon enrolling, users receive their first 10 plat maps for free, and subsequent maps are available at a cost of $0.87 each.

Neighborhood Analysis

This feature offers comprehensive insights into neighborhood trends, characteristics, and changes.

It gathers data from various sources, such as the MLS and public records.

Appraisers can then customize the parameters for their neighborhood analysis, and access the aggregated data in 28 unique graphs.

CompTracker

CompTracker allows users to track the prior use of comparable sales and facilitates data-sharing among appraisers.

This allows appraisers to inspect each other’s comments and values on past comps, promoting collaboration and consistency in the appraisal process.

Plans and Pricing

DataMaster offers a 30-day free trial for new users. The platform offers three plans: Property Search, Single User, and Express.

The Property Search plan costs $9 per month for an unlimited number of properties. It includes features like Search by MLS, APN or Address.

It also allows users to quickly aggregate property data from public records throughout the US.

The Express plan costs $49 per month. It includes features like Subject Property Info, Comparables Grid, as well as Market and Neighborhood Analysis.

The Single User plan costs $89 per month for unlimited properties.

Users get all the Express plan features, plus unlimited access to MLS photos, advanced analysis tools, CompTracker, and comprehensive customer support.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Automated data extraction. DataMaster’s automated data extraction capabilities allow appraisers to quickly import property information, comparables, and market data from multiple sources. This saves time and reduces manual data entry errors, improving efficiency and accuracy.

• Advanced data analysis tools. The software offers advanced data analysis tools, including a regression analysis tool. These tools enable appraisers to perform in-depth statistical analyses and make informed valuation decisions based on market trends, adjustments, and other factors.

• Customizable report generation. DataMaster is a software program that allows appraisers to generate professional appraisal reports by using customizable templates. The program automates the inclusion of data, photos, maps, and other relevant information in reports, saving time and ensuring consistency in report formatting.

Cons

• High learning curve. DataMaster appraisal software may be difficult to learn, especially for first-time users.

• Missing data. Data on tax records and MLS information occasionally do not transfer, leading to inconsistencies in appraisal reports.

• Poor customer service. Some users have reported issues with problem resolution, and in some cases, the support team stopped responding to their inquiries.

Integrations

• Bright MLS
• MLSListings Inc.
• Stellar MLS
• CoreLogic Public Records
• ATTOM Data Solutions
• RealQuest (by CoreLogic)
• Bradford ClickFORMS
• Narrative1
• a la mode Titan

Zestimate is one of the most popular web based real estate property valuation software tools designed for residential real estate appraisers and real estate professionals.

While Zestimate does not provide an official appraisal report, it is some of the best free real estate appraisal software around.

The platform was updated in 2019 to incorporate the value of updated fixtures like bathroom and kitchen remodels and real-time listing price changes.

One of Zestimate’s key features is its proprietary algorithm. This analyzes large amounts of data to estimate the market value of residential properties in the United States.

Zestimate also offers other capabilities, including insights into historical value trends and real-time data from for-sale homes.

Features

Computer Vision

With its 2019 upgrade, Zestimate incorporated advanced machine learning models to analyze photographs of a property and include real-time visual improvements into its price estimates.

The Zestimate is made more accurate by incorporating visual cues about a home’s quality, its list price, time on market, and listing description.

With the latest upgrade, estimates are also updated in real time based on market trends and seasonality.

Historical Value Trends

The historical value trend feature allows users to see how a property’s value has changed over time.

It allows users to analyze market trends and transaction data to gain insights into past home values.

This feature also provides a visual representation of the data to enable users to track and understand market dynamics.

Zillow can provide up to a 10-year historic fair market value for properties, based on relevant comps.

Estimated Sales Range

The Estimated Sales Range feature on Zillow provides a predicted range for a home’s sale price, including low and high estimated values.

This range offers context about the Zestimate’s accuracy and can vary based on unique home factors or available data.

Rent Zestimate

Rent Zestimate estimates a property’s monthly rental price by using a proprietary formula. It considers public property data and comparable local properties listed for rent.

The tool generates both current and historic Rent Zestimates, allowing users to track changes in rental prices over time.

Plans and Pricing

Zestimates are free and easy to obtain. Users can simply visit Zillow’s website and enter a property address to obtain a Zestimate instantly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Real-time updates. As new data becomes available, the algorithm adjusts the estimated home values accordingly. These updates can include recent home sales and changing market conditions.

• Wide coverage and data availability. Zestimate covers most residential properties in the United States. It uses public records, tax assessments, and user-submitted data to generate estimates.

• Free to use. As a free tool, Zestimate allows users to evaluate a home’s value without incurring additional expenses.

Cons

• Potential inaccuracy. Zestimate claims a median error rate of 6.9% for off-market listings and 1.9% for active listings on Zillow. But the error rate can easily fall above these averages. Homes with unique features or architectural styles may have a wider estimated sales range due to lack of comparable data. Also, in regions with less data available, the estimated sales range may be wider as the Zestimate algorithm has less information to work with.

• Not a substitute for a real appraisal. While the algorithm has improved over time, it still has limitations in accounting for specific factors that may affect a home’s value. For example, the Zestimate may not accurately reflect a home’s condition, recent renovations, or unique features that could significantly impact its market value.

Integrations

• Zillow

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About the Author:

With over 20+ years of experience in real estate investment and renovation, Brian Robbins brings extensive knowledge and innovative solutions to the HouseCashin team. Over the years Brian has been involved in over 300 transactions of income producing properties across the US. Along with his passion for real estate, Brian brings with him a deep understanding of real estate risks and financing.