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    Published May 15, 2025 · Updated September 15, 2026 · The Appraising Group Allentown

    Do Real Estate Agents Pay for an Appraisal?

    An agent’s involvement in a sale does not establish who pays for the appraisal. Confirm the ordering process and payment responsibility for the actual transaction.

  1. If a seller or another party agrees to contribute to the charge, confirm how that arrangement will be handled with the responsible parties.
  2. For an independently requested homeowner appraisal, the engagement should identify the client, payer and payment schedule.
  3. A measurement service or agent’s market analysis is different from an appraisal report. Ask what is being ordered and what its charge covers.

    Summary Table: Who Pays for the Appraisal?

    RequestWhat to confirm
    Purchase or refinanceLender ordering process, charge and payment timing
    Private homeowner requestClient, scope, payer and report recipient
    Contribution by another partyAgreed payment arrangement and responsible contact