If this is your first time contracting an appraisal in Costa Rica, knowing what to expect at each stage prevents confusion and delays. This guide explains the complete process step by step in 2026, from initial request to report delivery, with document checklist and typical timelines.
The process in 8 steps
Step 1: Initial contact
Client contacts appraiser (WhatsApp, phone, email) and describes:
- Property type (house, lot, farm, commercial, machinery)
- Location (canton and district)
- Purpose (sale, inheritance, insurance, Hacienda, court)
- Required timeline (standard or urgent)
Time: 5-15 minutes.
Step 2: Quote
Appraiser analyzes case and delivers written quote with:
- Work scope
- Delivery timeline
- Total cost breakdown
- Payment terms
Time: under 24 hours.
Step 3: Acceptance and deposit
Client accepts quote and pays deposit (typically 50% of total). Appraiser reserves schedule.
Time: per client availability.
Step 4: Documentation gathering
Client delivers (digitally or physically):
For real estate:
- Cadastral plan approved by National Cadastre
- Updated registry study (<3 months)
- Ownership certification from National Registry
- Owner’s ID
- Construction permit if recent improvements
- Utility bills (water, electricity)
For machinery:
- Purchase invoices or acquisition document
- Vehicle title (vehicles)
- Maintenance logs if available
- Technical manuals for specialized equipment
Time: 1-7 days (depending on what client has ready).
Step 5: Physical inspection
Appraiser schedules and conducts in-person inspection:
- Area measurements
- Detailed photographs
- Condition assessment
- Documentation verification
- Brief interview with owner
Time: 1-4 hours per size and complexity. Residential: 1-2 h. Farm or commercial: 2-4 h.
Step 6: Technical analysis
Off-site, the appraiser:
- Researches market comparables
- Applies appropriate methodology(ies)
- Performs calculations
- Cross-checks with registry documentation
- Analyzes special factors (risk, zoning, etc.)
Time: part of the 3 to 7 business-day delivery timeline from inspection.
Step 7: Report drafting
Appraiser drafts report with complete structure:
- Identification
- Technical description
- Applied methodology
- Market analysis
- Calculation memorandum
- Photographs
- Conclusions
- Attachments
Time: analysis and drafting, together, are completed within those 3 to 7 business days.
Step 8: Delivery and support
Appraiser delivers signed report (PDF + physical if applicable). Offers support for:
- Clarifications to notary, court, or insurer
- Amendments if requested
- Data verification
Time: delivery on completion day + ongoing support until final acceptance.
Complete client checklist
Before contracting, ensure you have:
- Clear appraisal purpose
- Current cadastral plan (or gather from National Cadastre)
- Updated registry study (<3 months)
- Ownership certification
- Owner and spouse ID if applicable
- Coordinated physical access to property
- Availability to accompany appraiser on inspection (recommended)
- If improvements: construction permit and plans
- Recent utility bills
- For machinery: invoices, titles, maintenance logs
Typical total timelines
| Scenario | Delivery timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard residential with ready docs | 3-7 business days from inspection |
| Residential with pending docs | 3-7 business days once documentation is complete |
| Commercial with complex inspection | 3-7 business days from inspection |
| Multi-lot agricultural farm | 3-7 business days once all lots are inspected |
| Probate with multiple assets | 3-7 business days once documentation is complete |
| Urgent (court or insurer) | 48-72 h, with surcharge |
Add to this the time it takes to gather documents (step 4) and schedule the visit.
What can delay the process
- Missing registry documentation: unapproved plan, old study
- Unregistered improvements: forces municipal management
- Property inaccessibility: rural zones without clear access
- Cadastral discrepancies: when plan doesn’t match reality
- Unavailable client for clarifications
- Appearance requests (judicial cases)
FAQ
Does the appraiser go alone or should I accompany? Can go alone if authorized access, but we recommend accompanying to answer property history questions.
How much advance payment? Typically 50% advance and 50% on delivery. Urgent may be 100% advance.
Can I see the report before paying balance? Normally yes: appraiser delivers draft or prior PDF before final balance.
What if I disagree with the value? You can request review or clarification. Appraiser must ground with comparables and methodology. In material disagreement, an independent second appraisal can be commissioned.
Can I accelerate the process? Yes, with urgent service in 48 to 72 hours, with a surcharge. See our specific urgent appraisal blog.
Conclusion
In a well-executed appraisal process in Costa Rica, the report is delivered 3 to 7 business days after inspection for standard cases. Having documentation ready, coordinating access, and maintaining communication with the appraiser are the keys to prevent delays. Díaz Peritajes offers a clear and transparent process from quote to delivery, with nationwide coverage from Pérez Zeledón and Curridabat. Quote: WhatsApp +506 7272-7270.