Real Property Appraisal
An appraisal of real property is the act or process of developing an opinion of value rendered by a professional appraiser. In preparing an appraisal, the appraiser, through research into appropriate
market areas; assembly and analysis of market data; knowledge and experience, seeks to provide objective, impartial, and unbiased opinions of values for properties being appraised. Appraisers
provide assistance to those who own, manage, sell, lend money and invest in real property.
Appraiser Qualification
Real estate appraisers play an important role in our society and provide various services to their clients. Appraisers develop opinions of value for various types of property and are
often key players in decisions involving real estate. In the U.S. appraisers must complete minimum state licensed or certification requirements in order to
provide valuation services to federally regulated lenders. Some appraisers have gone a step further in advancing their careers and increasing their knowledge by becoming members of appraisal
organizations. Organizations like the Appraisal Institute, American Society of Appraisers and National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers provide support, and
education leading to designations that go beyond state requirements. Like most professions, appraisal practice is governed by standards of conduct. Standards of appraisal practice
are set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) developed by The Appraisal Foundation.
Appraiser Services
Depending on experience, competency and knowledge, an appraiser may be able to provide an appraisal for the following intended uses:
Some key questions to ask when hiring an appraiser
Listed below are a few questions that may help when deciding to use an appraiser.
It should be noted that compensation for completing an assignment is not contingent upon the development or reporting of a predetermined value or direction in value that favors the cause of the client, the amount of the value opinion, the attainment of a stipulated result, or the occurrence of a subsequent event directly related to the intended use of the appraisal.