NEWS TIPS - 5 Things to Look for in a Property Appraiser

NEWS TIPS - 5 Things to Look for in a Property Appraiser. Homeowners who are seeking a property appraiser often ask "How do I choose a real estate appraiser to use?" When selecting a property appraiser, keep in mind:

Always make sure a property appraiser licensed or certified by the state to conduct real estate appraisals. While state licensing and / or certification is not always an indication of quality, which ensures that an individual has met certain standards and been authorized to perform property appraisals. Some states do not require licensing to perform real estate appraisals. You should not use the services of any professional who is not licensed or certified.

Do not be afraid to ask an appraiser for a copy of your license. A good appraiser will readily provide this documentation. Copies of licenses are requested by mortgage brokers and loan officers. Once you get a copy of the license is a good idea to consult with the government agency that issued the document to make sure the license is active and in good condition.

Many excellent real estate appraisers carry a professional title. The best known are the designations of the industry PACU, SRA and MAI. These designations are issued by the Appraisal Institute. These appointments demonstrate the commitment of appraiser continuing education and ethical standards. Often the standards required for these appointments than those established by state licensing / certification requirements.

Ask the real estate appraiser what percentage of their work is carried out in the neighborhood where the property is located. Appraisers who do a lot of his work or live in a particular area often have a thorough knowledge of property values ​​in that area. It is also more likely to know how "neighborhood variables" such as school districts and fire departments affect the property values ​​in the area.

Finally, find out if the property appraiser has experience performing evaluations of consumers instead of real estate professionals. Mortgage brokers and loan officers have very different needs of homeowners. An appraiser who understands the needs of homeowners are more likely to help you learn about the assessment process and answer any questions you may have on the road.