After your offer is accepted — congratulations! — your lender will order a home appraisal to confirm the property’s fair market value. This step protects both you and your bank, ensuring you’re not overpaying for the home. An appraisal is performed by a licensed professional who compares your property to similar recent sales in the area. They consider factors like square footage, location, upgrades, and condition. In Cincinnati, appraisers also weigh neighborhood characteri