| Homeowners who are seeking a property | | | | |
| appraiser often ask "How should I choose | | | | Ask the real estate appraiser what percentage |
| which real estate appraiser to use?" When | | | | of their work is performed in the |
| selecting a property appraiser to use keep | | | | neighborhood in which the property is |
| the following in mind: | | | | located. Appraisers who do a lot of their |
| | | | work or live in a particular area often have |
| Always make sure a property appraiser is | | | | a deep knowledge of property values in that |
| licensed or certified by the state to perform | | | | area. Additionally, they are more likely to |
| real estate appraisals. While state licensing | | | | know how "neighborhood variables" such as |
| and/or certification isn't always an | | | | school districts and fire departments affect |
| indication of quality, it ensures that an | | | | the property values in the area. |
| individual is has met certain standards and | | | | |
| been authorized to perform property | | | | Lastly, find out if the property appraiser |
| appraisals. Some states do not require | | | | has experience performing appraisals for |
| licensing to perform real estate appraisals. | | | | consumers as opposed to real estate |
| It is unwise to use the services of any | | | | professionals. Mortgage brokers and loan |
| professional who is not licensed or | | | | officers have distinctly different needs than |
| certified. | | | | homeowners. An appraiser who understands the |
| | | | needs of homeowners is more likely to help |
| Don't be afraid to ask an appraiser for a | | | | you learn about the appraisal process and |
| copy of their license. A good appraiser will | | | | answer questions you may have along the way. |
| readily provide this documentation. Copies of | | | | |
| licenses are commonly requested by mortgage | | | | Publisher's Directions: This article may be |
| brokers and loan officers. Once you get a | | | | freely distributed so long as the copyright, |
| copy of their license, it's a good idea to | | | | author's information, disclaimer, and an |
| check with the government agency which issued | | | | active link (where possible) are included. |
| the document to ensure the license is active | | | | |
| and in good standing. | | | | Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed |
| | | | in the articles, reviews and other materials |
| Many excellent real estate appraisers carry a | | | | herein are those of the authors. While every |
| professional designation. The most widely | | | | care has been taken in the compilation of |
| known industry designations are SRPA, SRA and | | | | this information and every attempt made to |
| MAI. These designations are issued by the | | | | present up-to-date and accurate information, |
| Appraisal Institute. These designations | | | | we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will |
| demonstrate an appraiser's commitment to | | | | not occur. The , Steve Hoogenakker will not |
| continuing education and ethical standards. | | | | be held responsible for any claim, loss, |
| Oftentimes, the standards required to obtain | | | | damage or inconvenience caused as a result of |
| these designations exceed those set forth by | | | | any information within these pages or any |
| state licensing/certified requirements. | | | | information accessed through this site. |