faq
Nova Scotia Assessment Appeal FAQ
What is HomeIQ, in plain English?
HomeIQ is a plain English “IQ test” for your home. We combine recent comparable sales with local market context to estimate your home’s current value, explain what is driving it, and highlight what could increase its value over time. The Snapshot is just the free preview. The Full HomeIQ Report goes deeper with more comparable sales, tighter support, and clearer next steps.
What is your definition of "Value"?
Value is the most probable price the property would sell for on the effective date, in an open and competitive market, after reasonable marketing time, with a willing buyer and willing seller, acting knowledgeably and without undue pressure, assuming a normal cash equivalent transaction. Then immediately scope it down for the Snapshot In this Snapshot, value is an estimated range derived primarily from recent comparable sales and high level property inputs. It is not a full appraisal and is not intended for lending, litigation, or any purpose that requires a CUSPAP compliant appraisal report.
Is this a formal appraisal?
No. It is not a formal appraisal for lending, court, or legal purposes. It is an informational report prepared by a qualified local appraiser using market evidence.
Which option should I choose?
Start with the free Snapshot if you want a fast value range and the main drivers. Choose the Full HomeIQ Report if you want the tightest conclusion we can provide without an inspection, including deeper analysis and more detail.
What do you need from me?
Your property address and your email. If you want the result to be more accurate, add anything unusual or important about the home, upgrades, condition issues, views, lot quirks, and anything that makes it better or worse than typical.
How fast do I get my report?
Snapshot is delivered within 24 hours. Full HomeIQ Report is delivered within 48 hours.
Who prepares the report?
A local certified appraiser with geographic competence and experience valuing properties in your area.
What do I get in the free Snapshot?
Two recent comparable sales, a clear value range, a short explanation of the key value drivers, zoning and permitted uses, and a short neighbourhood snapshot.
What do I get in the Full HomeIQ Report?
A tighter value conclusion with deeper support, more detailed comparable analysis, an adjustment grid, and added sections like highest and best use and renovation value adds, where relevant.
How accurate is it without an inspection?
It is as accurate as you can reasonably get without someone coming through the property. If condition, upgrades, or layout are major value drivers, the range will be wider unless you provide good details and photos.
What is HomeIQ best used for?
Pricing decisions, refinance planning, renovation planning, estate and separation planning, buying or selling preparation, and general clarity on value without booking a full appraisal.
Can I use this for financing or legal purposes?
Usually no. Lenders and courts typically require a formal appraisal with an inspection and a specific intended use statement.
What if there are not many comparable sales?
We can still provide a range, but it may be wider. Rural areas, unique homes, and slow markets naturally have less data.
Can I order this for a property I do not own?
Yes, if you can provide basic details and enough property info to complete the analysis. If you cannot, we may decline and refund.
What areas of Nova Scotia do you cover?
All of Nova Scotia, as long as we can obtain enough market evidence for the property type and area.
What is your refund policy?
If we miss the promised delivery window for what you purchased, you can request a refund. If you receive the report, refunds are generally not offered because the work is completed, but we will correct factual errors.
How do you handle my documents and privacy
We use your documents only to complete the report. We store them securely and delete them after a defined period.