How should an appraiser handle personal property during an appraisal?

In the context of an appraisal, personal property generally refers to movable items that are not attached to the real estate, such as furniture, appliances, or vehicles. When appraising real estate, the focus is typically on the property itself—land and any structures on it—not on personal belongings.

Excluding personal property from the appraisal value is often appropriate unless the appraisal specifically requires that personal property be included. This is particularly true in residential appraisals, where personal property is usually not part of the real estate value determination. By opting for exclusion unless otherwise specified, the appraiser adheres to standard practices and ensures that the evaluation reflects only the real estate, leading to a clearer and more accurate assessment of the property’s market value based on its physical characteristics and location.

When there are instances where personal property needs to be considered—such as when it affects the functionality or desirability of the property—it should be explicitly stated in the scope of work to prevent any ambiguity. Thus, excluding personal property unless specified serves to maintain focus on the real estate and follows standard appraisal guidelines.