What to Ask About Before Choosing an Appraiser for Real Estate Lending

July 3, 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction

Making an informed decision when choosing an appraiser for real estate lending is critical to ensure the best results. A qualified appraiser takes into account the current market conditions and the unique characteristics of the home or property being appraised. This article will discuss the important questions to ask before hiring an appraiser for real estate lending, so you can make the best decision for your situation.

What experience does the appraiser have?

When hiring an appraiser for a real estate loan, you should be sure to ask about their prior experience. Specifically, you should determine how long they have been appraising, what type of properties they regularly appraise, and if they specialize in any particular areas. You should also ask if they have received any special certifications or education that may be relevant to the property you are appraising. Furthermore, if the property is located in an area prone to natural disasters, make sure that the appraiser has experience navigating these types of assessments. Experience is a key factor in evaluating an appraiser's potential accuracy and is important to consider when hiring.

Is the appraiser licensed or certified?

An appraiser should always be licensed or certified when it comes to real estate lending. Licensing and certification provide the assurance that the appraiser is not only qualified but also competent in the local market. Licensing and certification are an important step for an appraiser to take in order to be trusted and ensure they practice ethically. Professional certification and licensing will also provide the confidence that the appraiser is up-to-date on the current market. Therefore, before choosing an appraiser for your real estate loan, it is important to ensure they are licensed or certified in your area. Doing so will provide assurance and ensure a reliable appraisal.

Does the appraiser have any specialties?

Yes, many appraisers have specialties or areas of focus that they particularly excel in. It's important to ensure the appraiser you hire is well-versed in the type of appraisal you need. For example, if you're seeking an appraisal for real estate lending, look for an appraiser with the expertise to provide you with an accurate assessment that meets all necessary guidelines. Ask about their experience in the field and the types of properties they've appraised for this particular purpose. Additionally, make sure they're up to date on current regulations and standards for real estate lending appraisals. By ensuring the appraiser has the right expertise for your specific needs, you can trust you'll receive quality results.

What services does the appraiser offer?

When selecting an appraiser for real estate lending, it’s important to ask what services they offer. Different appraisers have different specialities and will be able to offer different services. Common services include residential appraisals, commercial appraisals, land valuation, business valuation, and land conservation value. Some appraisers may also offer specialized services such as tax assessment, estate appraisal, and relocation appraisal. It’s important to make sure the appraiser you select is able to meet your needs and has experience in the services you need them to handle. Ask for a portfolio of their past work and make sure they are qualified to handle the job. Additionally, make sure the appraiser is certified and is up to date with the relevant laws and regulations. Be sure to inquire about the fees they charge as well. Asking the right questions before selecting an appraiser will make sure you get the best services.

What is the appraiser's cost structure?

The cost structure of an appraiser varies depending on the type of appraisal and the size and complexity of the property. The most basic cost structure is a flat fee based on the type of appraisal. For example, a basic home appraisal might cost $400 while a more complex business appraisal might cost $2,500. There are additional factors that may affect the cost structure, such as the market rate for appraisers in the area, the specific complexity of the appraisal, and any additional services like desk reviews that the appraiser may provide. The appraiser should be up front about their cost structure so that you know what you’re getting into before entering into an agreement. The cost structure should also match the value of the services they’re providing.

Does the appraiser provide ancillary services?

Yes, an appraiser can provide ancillary services that can greatly benefit those looking to get a loan for real estate. These services include review appraisals, rent surveys, marketing plans, tax appeals, and other related services. These services can help lenders understand the true value of the underlying asset and develop customized strategies accordingly. Appraisers can also provide extra support throughout the loan process to ensure accuracy and success. Furthermore, if the asset is located in a non-traditional or unfamiliar area, they can provide additional insight and expert advice. Asking an appraiser about ancillary services is a smart move for anyone looking for a full-service appraisal firm.

What type of report format will be provided?

The report format that an appraiser provides to his or her clients will vary depending on what the client needs, as well as the subject property. Generally, a report format will have two main components: an appraisal summary report and an appraisal report. The summary report may include data such as the value estimate of the property, comparison of similar properties, and a property description. The appraisal report offers a more detailed analysis of the property that includes the appraiser's opinion of value, an analysis of income, or an analysis of cost, depending on the type of appraisal being conducted. It is important to understand the differences between these two report formats and to choose an appraiser who can provide the format and level of detail necessary for the assignment.

How long will it take to get the final report?

The time it takes to complete the final report may depend on many factors, such as the size and complexity of the property, the appraiser’s current workload, and the availability of local market data. Generally speaking, you should expect to receive the final report anywhere from three to seven business days. However, if you need the report sooner, you can usually request a rush order, which can be completed in as little as one day. To ensure accuracy, the appraisal process should never be rushed. Be sure to ask your appraiser about their current workload and an estimated completion date before they begin. Also, be sure to plan ahead and consider the time needed for any unforeseen delays that may arise.

What type of communications does the appraiser provide?

When it comes to communication related to your real estate lending appraisal, it's important to ask questions about the type of communication the appraiser can provide. Many of these questions should focus on how much communication the appraiser will provide in a given timeline. Questions to ask include: do they provide verbal status updates? How often do they provide written reports? Are the reports available electronically? How quickly can they have the appraisal back to you? What is their policy on late reports? It's also important to ask if the appraiser can provide an explanation of the appraisal to you verbally. More and more appraisers are providing verbal explanation of their valuations, as it helps to ensure the lender has a clear understanding of the report before making any decisions. Clear communication is key when it comes to an appraisal report. By asking the right questions before hiring an appraiser, you can ensure that the appraiser can provide the communication you need to make the best decision.

What is the appraiser's policy for completing assignments?

The appraiser's policy for completing assignments is an important factor to consider before making any decisions. A professional appraiser should have a strict policy outlining their approach to completing projects and should be able to provide details on their timeline for completion. Questions to consider include: How quickly will the appraiser complete the project? Are there any time guarantees? What is the policy for late submissions? What is the extra fee for project completion delays? An experienced appraiser should be able to answer these questions and provide an estimate on the timeframe for completion. Additionally, it's important to be sure the appraiser provides updates throughout the process to ensure the project is completed on time. Finally, make sure the appraiser's policy includes a mechanism for dealing with discrepancies and errors, as this could cause delays in the project's completion.

Conclusion

Choosing the right appraiser for real estate lending can be tricky. Taking the time to ask the right questions can make all the difference. At AppraiseItNow, we provide comprehensive appraisals to ensure accuracy and reliability, so you can have the confidence you need to make informed decisions. Contact us today to get started.

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