Divorce Appraisal Costs in Missoula, Montana (2026)
If you're going through a divorce in Missoula and need to determine the value of your marital home, understanding appraisal costs is crucial for budgeting during an already stressful time. The pricing for residential appraisals in Missoula varies based on property type, complexity, and the appraisal provider you choose.
VA Fee Schedule Pricing for Montana
According to the VA Denver Regional Loan Center fee schedule (effective December 1, 2021), the standard appraisal fees for Montana properties are:
- Single Family Home: $875
- Condominium: $875
- Manufactured Home: $925
- 2-4 Unit Multi-Family: $1,050
- Turnaround Time: 21 business days
These rates represent the baseline costs for VA-approved appraisals across Montana, including Missoula. Note that Yellowstone County is designated as a "High Demand County" with elevated pricing ($1,000 for single-family homes), but Missoula County follows the standard Montana pricing structure.
Private Market Appraisal Costs in Missoula
While the VA fee schedule provides government-backed loan pricing, private divorce appraisals in Missoula may differ. Current market rates for 2025-2026 show:
- Standard Single-Family Home: $600-$900
- Base Fee (Some Providers): Starting at $495 for homes within Missoula city limits
- Complex or Executive Homes: $725-$1,025 depending on size, features, and location
- Rural Properties: Higher fees due to travel time and limited comparable sales data
Factors That Affect Divorce Appraisal Pricing
Several variables can increase the cost of your divorce appraisal in Missoula:
- Property size and square footage: Larger homes require more time to measure and evaluate
- Property condition: Homes with deferred maintenance or unique defects need additional documentation
- Location: Rural properties outside city limits typically cost more due to travel time and fewer comparable sales
- Complexity: Custom-built homes, historic properties, or homes with unique features require specialized analysis
- Rush orders: Expedited appraisals needed for urgent court deadlines may incur premium fees
- Special amenities: Properties with pools, guest houses, extensive acreage, or commercial components require additional assessment time
Why Divorce Appraisals Differ from Traditional Appraisals
Divorce appraisals serve a specific legal purpose—equitably dividing marital assets. Unlike refinance or purchase appraisals, divorce valuations must withstand legal scrutiny and potential challenges from opposing counsel. The appraiser must provide a defensible opinion of value based on thorough market analysis and documentation.
For divorce proceedings, both parties typically agree on a neutral, certified appraiser to avoid disputes. The appraisal report becomes part of the court record and helps attorneys, mediators, and judges determine fair property division.
Budgeting for Your Missoula Divorce Appraisal
Based on current 2026 data, most Missoula homeowners should budget $600-$900 for a divorce appraisal of a standard single-family residence. If your property has unique characteristics—such as significant acreage, custom features, or is located in a remote area—expect costs toward the higher end of this range or potentially above $1,000.
Working with a certified residential appraiser experienced in divorce valuations ensures your appraisal report meets legal requirements and provides the documentation necessary for your settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
Timeline Considerations
The VA fee schedule indicates a 21-business-day turnaround for Montana appraisals. However, private appraisers may offer faster service depending on their workload and your specific needs. If you're working under court-imposed deadlines, communicate your timeline requirements upfront and ask about rush fee options.
Understanding these costs and factors helps you plan effectively during your divorce proceedings and ensures you receive a credible, court-ready property valuation for fair asset division.