Quick Comparison: Standard vs No-Appraisal
| Factor | Standard Appraisal | No-Appraisal Option |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 14-21 days (includes appraisal) | 7-10 days (faster close) |
| Upfront Cost | $400-$800 appraisal fee | $0 appraisal fee |
| Interest Rate | Standard market rate | Typically 0.25%-0.50% higher |
| Experience Required | All experience levels | Usually 3+ flips in 36 months |
| Credit Requirement | 680+ FICO typical | 700+ FICO typical |
| Best For | Most borrowers, lower rates | Experienced investors, speed priority |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a standard appraisal and why do lenders require it?
A standard appraisal is an independent professional assessment of a property's current market value (as-is) and projected after-repair value (ARV). Most lenders require appraisals to verify that the property's value supports the loan amount and to protect against over-lending.
The appraisal process typically takes 7-14 days from order to delivery and costs between $400-$800 depending on property size, location, and complexity. The appraiser will inspect the property, analyze comparable sales, and provide a detailed report that the lender uses to determine your maximum loan amount.
What is a no-appraisal option and how does it work?
A no-appraisal option (also called an appraisal waiver) allows qualified borrowers to close on a fix-and-flip loan without ordering a formal appraisal. Instead, the lender uses automated valuation models (AVMs), broker price opinions (BPOs), or desktop appraisals to assess property value.
This significantly speeds up the closing process—often reducing timeline by 7-10 days—and eliminates the $400-$800 appraisal fee. However, lenders typically charge a slightly higher interest rate (0.25%-0.50% more) to offset the increased risk of lending without a full appraisal.
Who qualifies for no-appraisal fix-and-flip loans?
No-appraisal options are typically reserved for experienced investors with proven track records. While criteria vary by lender, most require:
Experience
3+ successful flips in past 36 months
Credit Score
700+ FICO (vs 680+ for standard)
Liquidity
Strong cash reserves (6+ months)
Track Record
No recent foreclosures or defaults
Zeus Commercial Capital works with multiple lenders who offer no-appraisal options with varying qualification criteria. We'll evaluate your profile and match you with the lender most likely to approve your deal.
Should I choose standard appraisal or no-appraisal?
The right choice depends on your priorities, experience level, and deal timeline. Here's how to decide:
Choose Standard Appraisal If:
- •You're a newer investor (0-2 flips completed)
- •You want the lowest possible interest rate
- •Timeline isn't urgent (14-21 days is acceptable)
- •You want independent validation of ARV
Choose No-Appraisal If:
- •You're an experienced investor (3+ flips)
- •Speed is critical (competitive market, time-sensitive deal)
- •You want to save $400-$800 upfront
- •You're confident in your ARV analysis
How does Zeus help me choose the best option?
Zeus Commercial Capital maintains relationships with 100+ fix-and-flip lenders, each with different appraisal policies, qualification criteria, and pricing structures. We don't just offer one option—we shop your deal across our entire network to find the best fit.
Market Expertise
We study the markets and know which lenders offer the best terms for your specific deal profile
Cost Analysis
We calculate total cost of capital (rate + fees + time) to show you the true economics of each option
Timeline Optimization
We match your closing deadline with lenders who can deliver on time, every time
💡 You invest, we do the rest! We're investors ourselves—we know the process inside and out, on both sides of the table.
What if I don't qualify for no-appraisal today?
If you don't meet the criteria for no-appraisal options yet, don't worry—most investors start with standard appraisals and graduate to no-appraisal options after completing a few successful flips.
Focus on building your track record with 2-3 successful flips, maintaining strong credit (700+), and keeping healthy cash reserves. Once you've established yourself, Zeus can help you access no-appraisal options for faster closings on future deals.
In the meantime, standard appraisal loans still offer competitive rates, high leverage (90-95% LTC / 70-75% ARV), and 100% rehab financing—everything you need to build your portfolio.