U.S. Mortgage Index

Who pays for a home appraisal?

Short answer

The homebuyer usually pays for the appraisal that a mortgage requires. Fannie Mae says the parties can instead agree that the seller will cover that fee. The charge is often collected before closing or included with .

Full explanation

Fannie Mae's homebuyer FAQ says the buyer is typically responsible for the appraisal used with a mortgage. That is common practice, not a rule that always assigns the cost to one party. In some transactions the buyer and seller negotiate so the seller pays the appraisal.

The fee is often collected up front or added to closing costs. Who pays, and when the money is due, can differ by contract and local custom. Check the written Loan Estimate and the purchase agreement rather than assuming a single payer is universal.

Sources reviewed

Last reviewed

September 10, 2026