An appraisal is the estimation of a home’s current market value. A licensed appraiser completes this estimation, which is calculated by comparing the recent sales of homes in the area as to the property that is being appraised. This is required by mortgage lenders to be sure that the money they are lending to a new homeowner or a current homeowner is a fair amount for the home. The lenders want to be sure that the buyers are not overpaying for the property. This is to protect the lender. If the borrower stops making payments on the home and the lender needs to sell it, the lender wants to be sure it can recuperate the amount owed on the loan.