If you’re selling a home in Tampa, the appraisal is one of the most important — and often misunderstood — steps in the transaction. As Tampa real estate experts with over 40 years of combined experience, we’ve guided hundreds of sellers through this moment, and one thing we can confidently say is this: understanding the appraisal process can help you avoid stress, delays, and unexpected surprises.
At The Lewkowicz Group, we don’t just prepare our sellers for an appraisal — we actively help position your home for the strongest possible outcome.
What Is a Home Appraisal, Really?
A home appraisal is an independent, professional opinion of your home’s market value. The lender orders it to ensure the property is worth the agreed-upon purchase price. While buyers and sellers may be emotionally invested, appraisers focus on data, trends, and comparable sales.
In Tampa’s fast-moving and highly localized market, this distinction matters. A home in South Tampa, Westchase, or Seminole Heights can appraise very differently than a similar home just a few miles away. This is where local expertise becomes critical.
When Does the Appraisal Happen?
For most transactions, the appraisal is ordered after the buyer and seller are under contract. In Tampa, this typically happens within the first 7–14 days of the contract period. The appraiser will then schedule a brief visit to the property — usually 30 minutes to an hour — to inspect the home.
As sellers, you don’t need to leave during the appraisal, but we generally recommend stepping back and allowing the appraiser to do their job uninterrupted.
What Appraisers Look At
Many sellers assume the appraisal is only about aesthetics. While condition matters, appraisers are primarily focused on:
-
Comparable sales (comps): Recently sold homes similar in size, age, location, and condition
-
Square footage and layout: Accuracy matters more than design trends
-
Overall condition: Major repairs, roof age, HVAC, and structural integrity
-
Location factors: School districts, flood zones, proximity to amenities, and neighborhood trends
-
Market conditions: Inventory levels and recent pricing patterns in Tampa
Fresh paint and staging can help, but they won’t override hard data. That’s why we prepare sellers with realistic expectations from the start.
How We Prepare Sellers at The Lewkowicz Group
One of the biggest advantages of working with Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz is proactive preparation. Before the appraisal ever happens, we:
-
Review recent Tampa-area comps to ensure the contract price aligns with market value
-
Provide the appraiser with a detailed list of upgrades, renovations, and improvements
-
Highlight neighborhood-specific trends that online data may miss
-
Ensure pricing reflects true market demand, not just hopeful numbers
With decades of local experience, we know how appraisals behave in different Tampa submarkets — from waterfront properties to new construction to historic homes.
What If the Appraisal Comes in Low?
A low appraisal doesn’t mean the deal is dead — and in Tampa, it’s more common during shifting market conditions. If this happens, we step in immediately.
Options may include:
-
Renegotiating the price
-
Challenging the appraisal with stronger comps
-
Asking the buyer to bring additional cash
-
Re-evaluating financing strategies
Because we’re deeply involved in every transaction, we’re able to advise you on the best path forward based on your goals — not guesswork.
What Sellers Should Do Before the Appraisal
To set yourself up for success:
-
Make minor repairs (leaky faucets, loose handles, chipped paint)
-
Ensure easy access to all areas of the home
-
Gather documentation of recent upgrades
-
Keep the home clean and presentable, but don’t overthink it
And most importantly, trust the pricing strategy we’ve built together. A well-priced home supported by local data is your strongest appraisal defense.
The Bottom Line
A Tampa home appraisal doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right preparation, local insight, and experienced guidance, it becomes just another step toward a successful closing.
At The Lewkowicz Group, Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz don’t just understand the Tampa market — we live it every day. Our role is to anticipate challenges before they arise and protect your bottom line every step of the way.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to be fully prepared for the appraisal process, we’re always here to help.
