Robert WebbWe initially thought that appraisals were only needed when buying a house. But when we had to request for a refinancing, and another one for insurance, we knew we needed a proper valuation and a detailed report.
Good thing Vancouver has the best appraisal firms—those that really know the market, and are willing to guide us through the whole process (as someone who just doesn’t know a thing about appraisals).
So if you’re selling your home, or just need to know the current value of your property, we’ve made a list of the most reliable firms we’ve found in the city. Keep reading to find your perfect match.
How much does an appraisal cost in Vancouver?
In Vancouver, a standard appraisal for a single-family home may start at $300. Meanwhile, a commercial appraisal may start at $1,000.
1. Adlaw Appraisals
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google review | 4.6/5 |
| Total reviews score | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Range of services | 4.8/5 |
| Detailed reports | 4.9/5 |
| Clear breakdown value | 4.9/5 |
| Provides similar listings | 4.9/5 |
| Availability | 4.9/5 |
| Flexible scheduling | 4.9/5 |
| Quick turnaround on final reports | 4.9/5 |
| Experience | 4.7/5 |
A few months ago, we were looking for a firm that could help us with refinancing. Since we couldn’t skip our 9 to 5 work, we needed someone that could help us juggle the paperwork while ensuring we meet the bank’s deadline.
Someone from work recommended Adlaw Appraisals, telling us how efficient they were even while handling multiple transactions. And we’re glad we gave them a try.
We were honestly ready to do back-and-forths and frequent calls, but we were surprised that they were able to respect our busy schedule. They made sure to get all the details from us during the initial call.
And while they’re only open until Saturday, you can trust them to adjust their schedule for whenever you’re available. So if you can only allot time on a Sunday, or even on a holiday, they can definitely make time for you.
During the site visit, they were able to pinpoint small renovations that we did almost ten years ago. It really shows that they really take their time in inspecting the entire property to get the most accurate value.
And true enough, they’re really fast when it comes to providing the final report. We also cross-checked the value with the recent sales around our area.
The report is also well-written, so if it’s your first time getting your home refinanced or appraised, you’ll love that the report is easy to understand.
Easy-to-use systems and payment methods
“Adlaw Appraisals were great to work with. They were super responsive and clear in what the steps were and followed up promptly. Their systems and payment methods were clear and easy to use. The entire team I communicated with were super personable, friendly and professional. Highly recommend and will definitely call them if ever needed again in the future.”
Bruce Nollert, Google Review
Always helpful and supportive to its clients
“My go-to for client files hands down! Always helpful, supportive and going the extra mile for their clients. So professional and every single person at every level and position at Adlaw is amazing. Every question I ask as a Broker has been attended to in the best possible way. Incredible resource and wealth of info with this company. They feel like old friends <3 Thank You Adlaw & Staff – – can’t be me without you!”
2. Aedis Appraisal
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google review | 4.6/5 |
| Total reviews score | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Range of services | 4.7/5 |
| Detailed reports | 4.5/5 |
| Clear breakdown value | 4.5/5 |
| Provides similar listings | 4.5/5 |
| Availability | 4.5/5 |
| Flexible scheduling | 4/5 |
| Quick turnaround on final reports | 5/5 |
| Experience | 4.5/5 |
When our parents transferred the house to our name, we had to finalize a few legal steps first, and that included getting an official property appraisal.
Since we didn’t know anything about paperwork, we asked for reliable firms around and found Aedis Appraisals.
Even if they’re dealing with a lot of clients, they were still able to schedule us within that week. We even got a call a day before their actual visit just to confirm if our schedule is still pushing through.
We actually needed that call reminder, as we forgot to block it off our calendar. So if you’re like us who love getting gentle reminders then you’ll love that Aedie Appraisals are always on top of things.
During the inspection, the appraiser took his time to go around the property, carefully checking all corners too. Make sure you’re at home during the inspection as they will probably ask a few questions here and there.
We also suggest preparing a list of renovations or possible upgrades done over the year, just to get the proper value of your home.
The best thing about dealing with this appraisal firm is that they handed us the report within a day. And we were even more surprised to see a clear and comprehensive report, which didn’t take them days to fulfill!
Efficient throughout the entire process
“I had a great experience with this appraisal company as I used them for buying a bakery in Chilliwack. Jason was incredibly quick and efficient throughout the entire process. The appraisal they provided was very accurate and met all my needs perfectly. Their professionalism and attention to detail really stood out. I would definitely recommend them to friends and colleagues looking for reliable and timely appraisal services.”
Agrim Uppal, Google Review
Report can be completed in one day
“We are extremely happy with the appraisal service from Aedis Appraisals. Jason and Henry were great to deal with. They prepared well prior to the visit, which was conducted quickly and punctually. And then the report was completed within one day. The report itself is comprehensive, clear and fair. It is exactly what we were seeking. THANK YOU!”
Tim Hardie, Google Review
3. Gobin Appraisals
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google review | 4.5/5 |
| Total reviews score | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Range of services | 4.5/5 |
| Detailed reports | 4.6/5 |
| Clear breakdown value | 4.6/5 |
| Provides similar listings | 4.6/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 |
| Flexible scheduling | 5/5 |
| Quick turnaround on final reports | 5/5 |
| Experience | 4.6/5 |
If you’re looking for a firm that can accommodate rush refinancing and appraisal requirements, then we highly recommend Gobin Appraisals. Here, you can get your full residential appraisal report in less than 24 hours.
What’s great about them is that they can even commit to giving rush appraisals even before the holidays, even under short notice! On top of that, they’ve built such a strong reputation for reliability which led them onto every major lender’s approved list.
And since their lines are open 24/7, you can expect them to answer your calls or texts right away, no matter what time and day you decide to contact them.
During their site visit, we loved how they shared a few insights about how our home compared to other listings. They were able to point out a few upgrades that we did, which led to better pricing too!
Another thing that we liked about them is that they accommodated the last-minute changes on our listing strategy. We’re even more surprised that they were able to send us a revised report first thing in the morning.
However, you should expect that Gobin Appraisals’ strategic consultations could be more costly than its counterparts.
Can accommodate rush appraisal requests
“As a mortgage broker I had a great experience working with Gobin appraisals. A rush appraisal was needed a couple of days before the holidays and with little notice Gobin Appraisals were very quick to view the property and provide a completed appraisal report for the lender and as a result I had happy clients!”
Maureen Young, Google Review
Reasonably priced
“I’ve been working with Gobin Appraisals for over a decade. They are reliable, quick and reasonably priced. They’ve been in the business for a long time and are on all the lender’s approved list. I would fully endorse their services to anyone.”
Micah Verceles, Google Review
4. Cunningham & Rivard Appraisals
Consumer Rating: B
| Google review | 3.8/5 |
| Total reviews score | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Range of services | 4.5/5 |
| Detailed reports | 4.6/5 |
| Clear breakdown value | 4.6/5 |
| Provides similar listings | 4.6/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 |
| Flexible scheduling | 5/5 |
| Quick turnaround on final reports | 5/5 |
| Experience | 4.6/5 |
For those of you who are due for a property’s insurance renewal, then getting an updated appraisal would be the best route to go to. One of the recommended names we’ve been hearing is Cunningham & Rivard Appraisals.
We were actually looking for strata-specific requirements, and we were surprised that they were very much familiar about this area. We loved how they were able to determine the building age, including the material breakdown of our property.
You’ll love that they will coordinate well with the one in charge. In our case, they were able to properly coordinate with our property manager, ensuring that they double-check all the building specifications for the insurance coverage.
Another thing that we liked about them is that they have an online form which makes coordination much easier. If it’s your first time coordinating with them, you can just fill out the online request form and wait for a few hours to get a confirmation call.
Expect them to ask more questions during the discovery call. However, we don’t recommend them if you’re in a hurry as it might take them almost two weeks before they could arrange an initial property visit.
We also noticed that the final reports lacked a few details. So if it’s your first time, we suggest requesting for a detailed report, or maybe ask someone who’s more familiar to double check the report for you.
Responds to client’s request in a timely manner
“As a mortgage professional with over twenty years of experience, I have worked with many appraisal companies. Brandon McKeachie from Cunningham and Rivard has been one of the best. He is a true professional with clear communication and responds to your request in a timely manner. I highly recommend working with Brandon and Cunningham and Rivard.”
Ben Choe, Google Review
Quick appraisal
“Fast (appointment booked for the next day) and appraisal was completed a day later. Very professional. Definitely recommended 👍”
Kent Vaesen, Google Review
5. BC Auto Appraisals
Consumer Rating: A
| Google review | 5/5 |
| Total reviews score | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Range of services | 4/5 |
| Detailed reports | 4.4/5 |
| Clear breakdown value | 4.7/5 |
| Provides similar listings | 4/5 |
| Availability | 4.7/5 |
| Flexible scheduling | 4.7/5 |
| Quick turnaround on final reports | 4.7/5 |
| Experience | 4.8/5 |
Okay, you might think you just clicked on a new blog, but appraisals aren’t just for properties—yes, cars need them too! That’s why we decided to include BC Auto Appraisals on our list of the best ones in Vancouver.
If you also have an old vehicle sitting in the garage for quite a while, then you may also consider getting a proper valuation for insurance, or in our case, a possible resale.
What’s great about this appraisal firm is that everyone in their office seems to know all about cars. As someone who just knows how to drive, I really appreciated getting enough information about my vintage car.
They’re also open the entire week, so we were able to get an appraisal on short notice one Sunday afternoon.
During the appointment, we loved how they checked all the details. You can also expect them to explain all these factors, so you get a better understanding of the current market value.
We also saved on re-printing necessary documents, as we only had to go to the online portal and upload details and pictures before they appraised the vehicle.
So if you’re pressed with time, or just not around Vancouver at the moment, they can still remotely appraise your car for you.
Moreover, we were so grateful how these guys pulled off a better sale—we even saved over $1,500 on transfer tax, which was really a plus in our books!
Quick revert to calls
“I called BC Auto Appraisals to inquire about a vehicle appraisal in support of an ongoing negotiation with ICBC. Speaking with Chris I received a way more solid advice and support than I could have ever anticipated. It was Immediately obvious I was speaking to the right person. Chris returned my calls promptly and provided guidance and support that resulted in a better than expected result that satisfied both ICBC and myself. Big thanks to Chris and his team!”
Robert Libby, Google Review
Fast appraisal process
“Super easy and convenient took some photos submitted them online and that was it. Honestly I though it was super expensive but it cost less than $105 taxes included whole process took around 3 hours. Ending saving me a couple thousand$$$ in taxes”
Jermaine Thomas, Google Review
