|
5 Things to Look for in a Property Appraiser
by: Mary Collins
When it comes to finding a real estate appraiser, many attorneys don't know what to look for. Mary Collins of Find-Appraisers.com describes 5 things to look for in a property appraiser.
Attorneys who are seeking a property appraiser often ask “How should I choose which real estate appraiser to use?” When selecting a property appraiser, keep the following in mind:
Always make sure a property appraiser is licensed or certified by the state to perform real estate appraisals. While state licensing and/or certification isn’t always an indication of quality, it ensures that an individual is has met certain standards and been authorized to perform property appraisals. Some states do not require licensing to perform real estate appraisals. It is unwise to use the services of any professional who is not licensed or certified.
Don’t be afraid to ask an appraiser for a copy of their license. A good appraiser will readily provide this documentation. Copies of licenses are commonly requested by mortgage brokers and loan officers. Once you get a copy of their license, it’s a good idea to check with the government agency which issued the document to ensure the license is active and in good standing.
Many excellent real estate appraisers carry a professional designation. The most widely known industry designations are SRPA, SRA and MAI. These designations are issued by the Appraisal Institute. These designations demonstrate an appraiser's commitment to continuing education and ethical standards. Oftentimes, the standards required to obtain these designations exceed those set forth by state licensing/certified requirements.
Ask the real estate appraiser what percentage of their work is performed in the neighborhood in which the property is located. Appraisers who do a lot of their work or live in a particular area often have a deep knowledge of property values in that area. Additionally, they are more likely to know how “neighborhood variables” such as school districts and fire departments affect the property values in the area.
Lastly, find out if the property appraiser has experience performing appraisals for attorneys as opposed to real estate professionals. Mortgage brokers and loan officers often have different needs than attorneys. An appraiser who understands the needs of attorneys is more likely to provide what you're seeking.
|
About The Author
Mary Collins currently works for http://www.find-appraisers.com and is a consultant with experience in the real estate industry. She and the staff at Find-Appraisers.com are focused on helping consumers and real estate professionals quickly find licensed/certified property appraisers in any county across the United States.
This article was posted on March 16, 2004
|
For more information and articles on real estate see Real Estate Articles From Resources For Attorneys or for other lifestyle resources and articles see Lifestyle Resources From Resources For Attorneys. If you are searching for a real estate broker or agent, please see The Real Estate Brokers Directory From Resources For Attorneys.
The opinions, statements and information contained and expressed in the foregoing article are solely those of the author. No position for or against, agreeing with or disagreeing with anything contained in said article is taken by Resources For Attorneys.com
or The Lifestyle Directory From Resources For Attorneys.com. We do not assume or accept any liability for the use of the information contained herein. This article is published solely as a service to attorneys, lawyers and the internet community. Anyone who does not accept this disclaimer is not authorised to read or use this article in any way.
about resources for attorneys resources for attorneys home submit an article
report bad links contact us
Page Set Up ©Copyright 2004 Resources For Attorneys.com. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
|
