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