Frequently Asked Questions
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Most appraisals usually take approximately 3-5 business days AFTER inspection. This will also depend on workload and complexity of the assignment.
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An appraiser provides an unbiased opinion of value of a property based on current market conditions, quality, condition, site, comparables sales, and any adverse/beneficial views.
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The opinion of value that is provided at the time of the report is an “as-is” report. This means that the opinion is at that moment in time.
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An appraiser will need access to the entire house and exterior. Any out buildings or fixed structures will need to be open as well. The house does not need to be spotless, but should be presentable so that the appraiser can determine quality and condition.
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PMI is Private Mortgage Insurance. This is dictated by your lender and it typically found when your Loan to Value is at a certain percentage. Sometimes a lender will accept an appraisal for a property so that the borrower can alleviate the PMI. Check with your lender for more info.
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A CMA is a quick tool that realtors and appraisers utilize to see different comparables in the area. A CMA is a very high level view of properties that are for sale and have sold. This gives ranges of values. An appraisal is a very in depth analysis of the subject property and comparables that are the best comparables at the time of the appraisal. The appraisal takes into consideration quality, condition, site size, site location, gross living area, amenities, and any external factors that would impact a value. Appraisers have to be certified through the state and go through rigorous education requirements and a lengthy apprentice process before they become an appraiser. Realtors have significantly less education requirements and do not require any training before they are licensed.
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Data is collected and analyzed utilizing the MLS (multiple listing services), previous appraisals, brokers, builders, and other agents. Our goal is to get the best and most accurate information so that we can provide the most accurate opinion of value.
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There are different levels and types of appraisers. The levels are licensed appraiser and certified appraisers. A certified appraiser is a level up from a licensed appraiser and requires more training and education. A certified appraiser is able to appraise more complex properties (multi unit, waterfront, multi-million dollar properties). A general appraiser can appraise everything from planes, antiques, cars, and houses. There are also appraisers that specialize in residential and commercial. These require a different skillset. An appraiser must be competent before accepting any assignment.
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Typically six months would be a good rule of thumb. It will also depend on how that market is shifting.
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No. An appraiser needs to see these things in person. A residential appraiser can do a “desktop” appraisal which does not require an in person inspection. But is typically not recommended.
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Whomever the “client” is. Typically the lender orders that appraisal and pays the appraiser directly. This is considered their appraisal and the appraiser agrees to only provide this to the lender.
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Cost, turn time, years experience.
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A real estate appraisal is the process of determining the fair market value of a property, typically conducted by a certified appraiser OR licesed appraiser.
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Real estate appraisals are necessary for various reasons, including buying or selling a property, refinancing, estate planning, tax protest, financial reviews, divorce, and property tax assessments.
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Appraisers assess factors such as property location, condition, size, recent sales of similar properties, improvements, and market trends.
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The duration varies based on property size and complexity. There are two segments to an appraisal – the appraisal inspection and typing the report. The appraisal inspection includes an on site inspection that measures the property to get an accurate gross living area, note any adverse or beneficial views, note quality/condition, and any deferred maintenance that would impact the overall market value. This process take about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the size and layout of the house. The report is the second segment and take a couple of hours to find adequate comparables, analyze the market, and make adjustments to identify the opinion of value. Call us now to learn more!
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A divorce appraisal is conducted during divorce proceedings to determine the fair market value of marital property, including real estate.
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A divorce appraisal ensures that marital assets, like real estate, are divided equitably between the spouses during the divorce settlement and fair market value is obtained.
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Yes, certified appraisers can serve as expert witnesses in divorce proceedings to testify about property valuations.
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The appraiser inspects the property, conducts research, and prepares a detailed report outlining the property’s value and the methodology used to determine it.
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Yes, each spouse has the right to obtain their own appraisal to ensure a fair and equitable property division. Call us no to learn more!
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Yes, we provide estate appraisals to determine the value of real estate assets for estate planning and settlement purposes.
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Appraisal costs vary based on property size, complexity, and location. We provide free estimates and competitive pricing. Call us now!
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To schedule an appraisal, contact our appraisal company via phone or email. We’ll discuss your specific needs and arrange a convenient time for the appraisal.
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Yes, I am a certified appraiser that specializes in residential appraisals. There are different levels of appraisers – appraiser trainee, licensed appriaser, certified appraiser, and general appraiser. General appraisers can appraise everything from antiques, planes, commercial buildings, residential buildings, and government entities. Certified appraisers are typically specialized in either residential real estate or commercial and there is no limit to what they can appraise. Licensed appraisers can only appraise non complex 1-4 unit residential properties with a transactional value less than $1 Million and complex 1-4 residential units with a transaction value less than $400,000.
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The turnaround time varies but typically ranges from a couple days to about a week, depending on the complexity of the appraisal and current demand. If there is a need for a rush, then those can be accommodated depending on the situation. Call us now to learn more!
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