Appraisers covering Los Angeles County, Orance County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County  

 
Appraisals for Single Family Residences, condominiums, small units, large apartments
Order an appraisal on line, fast turn around time Certified Appraisers, Full service real estate appraisals
Certified Appraiser Network

Site Menu
Order an Appraisal
Fee Schedule
Cities We Cover
Current Turnaround Time
About Certified Appraisers
Your Service Benefits
Approved Lender Fee Panel List
Resumes & References
Appraisal Articles & Info
Contact Us

Want On-Line Status On Your Existing Orders?
View Sample Appraisal Status
New Client Register
Client Login

Real Estate and Appraisal Information for Southern California
Current Real Estate News
Appraisal Articles & Info
My Appraisal Status

 

 

 

 

How to choose a professional real estate appraiser

By Steve Miller

#1)  Are you licensed in this State?

A key question to ask, prior to hiring an appraiser, is whether or not he or she is licensed. Also find out what type of license the appraiser has. Trainee? Standard License? Certified? General License? Two of these levels, Licensed and Certified Residential Real Estate Appraisers, may appraise real estate subject to limitations regarding the type of property and value. A Certified General Real Estate Appraiser is a comprehensive level of licensure which qualifies the appraiser to appraise any and all types of properties.   A Trainee may need to have the appraisal signed by a standard/certified/ or general license.

#2) Do you have experience with my type of  property?

Professional appraisers value property with independence and objectivity. Look for an appraiser who has experience in appraising properties similar to the property you want appraised. You can do this by reviewing the appraiser's job history, resume or other information which shows his or her work experience.  

#3) Do you have experience in my community?

Though an experienced appraiser should theoretically be able to appraise property anywhere, if he has the proper market data sources and is familiar with your community, his or her job will be easier and potentially more accurate 

#4)  How long have you been a licensed appraiser?

#5)  Can I have a copy of your resume and references? 

Check references or recommendations from financial institutions and government bodies for whom the appraiser has performed appraisal services.

#6)  What market data sources do you use?

This question is important!  Deriving an accurate market value for your property is not simply based on the appraisers experience and knowledge.  It's also based on his market data, that is the sources he uses to come up with 'comps' that is comparable sales.  A good appraiser will have in-house at least two data sources...one  from public records and the other from MLS (Mulitple Listing Service).  The latter is what real estate agents utilize, and serve as a necessary 'cross-reference' to the standard public records information.  If the appraiser says he 'doesn't need' another source beyond public recods (such as MLS), we suggest using another appraiser! 


Select Another Appraisal Article

Certified Appraiser Network
Real Estate Appraisal Articles & Information

Contact us for your real estate appraisal requirements.

Real Estate Appraisals in Southern California
Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside,
San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.