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BUYERS GUIDE
How to Find a Property Appraiser
by Brian Austin
When it comes to finding a real estate appraiser, many
homeowners don't know what to look for. This article describes
5 things to look for in a property appraiser.
1. Always make sure a property appraiser is licensed
or certified by the state to perform real estate appraisals.
While state licensing and/or certification isn’t
always an indication of quality, it ensures that an individual
is has met certain standards and been authorized to perform
property appraisals. Some states do not require licensing
to perform real estate appraisals. It is unwise to use
the services of any professional who is not licensed or
certified.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask an appraiser for a copy
of their license. A good appraiser will readily provide
this documentation. Copies of licenses are commonly requested
by mortgage brokers and loan officers. Once you get a
copy of their license, it’s a good idea to check
with the government agency which issued the document to
ensure the license is active and in good standing.
3. Many excellent real estate appraisers carry a professional
designation. The most widely known industry designations
are SRPA, SRA and MAI. These designations are issued by
the Appraisal Institute. These designations demonstrate
an appraiser's commitment to continuing education and
ethical standards. Oftentimes, the standards required
to obtain these designations exceed those set forth by
state licensing/certified requirements.
4. Ask the real estate appraiser what percentage of
their work is performed in the neighborhood in which the
property is located. Appraisers who do a lot of their
work or live in a particular area often have a deep knowledge
of property values in that area. Additionally, they are
more likely to know how “neighborhood variables”
such as school districts and fire departments affect the
property values in the area.
5. Lastly, find out if the property appraiser has experience
performing appraisals for consumers as opposed to real
estate professionals. Mortgage brokers and loan officers
have distinctly different needs than homeowners. An appraiser
who understands the needs of homeowners is more likely
to help you learn about the appraisal process and answer
questions you may have along the way.
About the Author
Brian Austin is the owner of How To Do Guide , an informational
website about various types of howtos. The site has informative
articles and the latest finance news. |
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