7 Tips for Choosing the Right Home & Residential Real Estate Appraisal Service

July 17, 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction

Choosing the right home and residential real estate appraisal service is an important decision for any property owner. It is important to take the time to research and understand the process in order to get the best results. This article will discuss 7 tips to help you on your search for the best possible appraisal service. You will learn about the credentials and experience of the appraiser, the service area and fees, the type of appraisal requested, and much more.

Research Credentials and Experience

When you’re looking for a home or residential real estate appraisal service, it’s important to research the credentials and experience of the appraiser. It’s important to look into the appraiser's specialties, the state or other governing bodies that they are certified in, and the educational qualifications they have achieved. Additionally, if the appraiser is registered or qualified (or both) they should be able to provide proof of this. Finally, it is a good idea to review the appraiser’s prior experience appraising residential real estate in the particular geographic market. Gather these credentials and make sure your appraiser is experienced and knowledgeable in order to ensure that you get the best service possible.

Consider Service Area and Fees

When selecting a home or residential real estate appraisal service, it is important to consider the service area and fees. Since it’s not ideal to travel for long distances for an appraisal, it’s important to check if a particular appraisal company will work in your area. Many companies feature an extensive service area that they cover, and even those who do not, may be willing to accommodate your needs depending on the situation. Make sure to ask about this when researching different appraisal services. When it comes to fees, it can vary tremendously from company to company. While there’s no standard rate across the home appraisal industry, doing a quick search online and in local directories may help you narrow down the appraisal services that fit your budget. Consider the complexity of the appraisal as well, as more complex items, such as flood appraisals and foreclosures, may be subject to different fees. Getting an accurate quote from the appraisal company is important to ensure you receive a full picture.

Understand the Type of Appraisal Requested

Choosing the right appraisal service starts with understanding the type of appraisal you need. There are generally two types of appraisals used for residential real estate: a buyer/investor appraisal and a lender appraisal. A buyer/investor appraisal is used when a property is being sold and the buyer requires a professional opinion of the value of the property. A lender appraisal is commonly required when mortgages are refinanced or home equity loans are initiated. The type of appraisal you need also depends on the property type and geography. Some properties may require specialized appraisal services, such as airport properties or those with inadequate access or unique environmental features. Additionally, certain geographic areas may require additional examination or specialized qualifications for any appraiser. Make sure to confirm the appropriate qualifications and types of appraisals with the appraisal service you are considering. Understanding the appraisal type and property requirements ensures you are receiving a quality, accurate appraisal for your real estate needs.

Gather Feedback from Clients

Who have Used the Service. Gathering feedback from clients who have used the service is one of the most important steps in choosing the right home and residential real estate appraisal service. It's essential to hear from people who have first-hand experience in working with the service to get the most accurate appraisal. Talk to friends, family and neighbors who have gone through the process to get a better idea of how it went, and research online to find more detailed reviews from past customers. Ask the appraisal service for client references and try to talk to them as well, as it could be very informative and helpful in making the right decision. It is important to take all feedback with a grain of salt, as not all experiences are the same, but understanding other people's stories can give a better understanding of the appraisal service. Taking time to compare and review feedback from multiple sources will allow you to choose the right home and residential real estate appraisal service for your needs.

Learn How to Communicate During the Appraisal

Process When on the hunt for a trustworthy appraisal service, understanding effective communication is key. It’s important to express your unique needs, expectations, and questions prior to engaging the service’s services. Our experts suggest taking the time to evaluate the appraisal service’s communication style and having a plan for talking through all the details. To ensure you and the appraisal service have a clear line of communication prior to the appraisal process, ask questions like “what is your means of communication?” Additionally, you can check to see if the company offers a customer care help line. The appraisal service should be able to make themselves available and willing to answer any questions you may have. Doing your due diligence when it comes to communication ensures that both the appraiser and you are in agreement on the process and any anticipated results -- no surprises!

Ask About Appraisal Procedures

When it comes to choosing the right home or residential real estate appraisal service, ask about their appraisal procedures. It is important to ensure that your appraisal is accurate, thorough and truthful, and you can do that by asking questions about the procedure. Find out if they use the latest appraisal technology and methods, as well as which standards of appraising they adhere to. Ask about their team of appraisers and their qualifications as well. It is also helpful to inquire about the estimated timeline of the appraisal process and when you can expect to receive results. Any reputable appraisal service should be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with all the information you need to make an educated decision.

Look for Quality Appraisal Reports

. When considering a residential real estate appraisal service, it’s extremely important to research their quality. You’ll want an appraiser who can produce clear, accurate reports that contain all of the details needed for the mortgage process. Research the appraiser to make sure they have accreditation from organizations like The Appraisal Foundation and The Appraisal Institute. Have any of their past reports been held up in court? Look for appraisers that have a track record of reliable reports. Good home appraisal services should be able to provide clear, understandable reports that contain solid reasoning for why they came to their conclusion. Their reports should be constructed in a way that condenses a large amount of data into an easy to read report. If the report is written in complex language or too technical, it may be a sign the appraiser either doesn’t have enough experience or lacks the proper understanding. Make sure the reports are up to date too, you’ll want to make sure they are following the most recent version of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

Conclusion

By following these 7 tips, you should have a better understanding of how to choose the right home and residential real estate appraisal service. To make sure you get the best possible appraisal, you should consider using AppraiseItNow for all your appraisal needs. Their experienced team can help you get the most accurate and reliable appraisal possible.

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