Belize Real Estate  Links  
Real Estate Information

5 Things to Look for in a Property Appraiser


Homeowners who are seeking a property appraiser often ask "How should I choose which real estate appraiser to use?" When selecting a property appraiser, keep the following in mind:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mary Collins currently works for http://www.find-appraisers.com and is a consultant with experience in the real estate industry. She and the staff at Find-Appraisers.com are focused on helping consumers and real estate professionals quickly find licensed/certified property appraisers in any county across the United States.


MORE RESOURCES:

Fed judge blocks changes in Neb. real estate rules
BusinessWeek
A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of new rules governing Nebraska's real estate industry. US District Judge Joseph ...
Industry of the Month: Real Estate ProfessionalsFoster Folly News
Calif. broker sues over new Neb. real estate rulesKMPH Fox 26

all 77 news articles »



Dark Passages: Real Estate noir
Los Angeles Times
That means, like a lot of dwellers of the five boroughs, I spend a disproportionate amount of time thinking about real estate, whether griping about ...

and more »


Kansas City Star

SEC says Wylys used money to buy art and Aspen real estate, make charitable ...
Washington Post (blog)
The Wylys spent nearly $100 million of the proceeds from their offshore stock sales to purchase real estate in the United States . ...
Wylys charged in fraud caseAspen Daily News

all 619 news articles »


Home sellers are unhappy with real-estate firms
MarketWatch
More sellers are dissatisfied with their real-estate companies these days, griping mostly about the marketing of their home and some of the other services ...
Homebuyers More Satisfied, But Sellers Less SoKiplinger.com

all 4 news articles »


iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate Index Fund In Review: Shares Trading 19.70 ...
Comtex Smartrend
iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate Index Fund (NYSE:IYR) is currently trading 19.70% above its May 6th low of $43.16. Investors are looking to ...
Chinese Real Estate: How to Enjoy the Year-End RallyInvesting Daily

all 27 news articles »



Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Announces Monthly Distribution
MarketWatch (press release)
NEW YORK, Jul 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc. (CONSOLIDATED:NRO) has announced a distribution ...

and more »


MiamiHerald.com

UF study: BP oil spill adds to uncertainty about Florida's real estate market
University of Florida
The BP oil spill threatens to swamp a shaky Florida real estate industry that had been bottoming out because of repeated economic blows, ...
Real Estate WoesUniversity of Florida
Gulf Coast Homes to Take Lesser HitHousing Predictor

all 28 news articles »


Real estate broker speaks on Norfolk explosion
WHDH-TV
A condominium unit explosion in Norfolk was a close call for the real estate broker who had sold that unit, as she was on the property when it exploded on ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map | Colorado Log Homes | Homes for Sale in Denver Metro
© 2006