Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What do you charge?

Answer: It depends on the service and your needs. I can tell you that we have the most competitive pricing in the area

Q: What is your turn around time?

A: Usually we can complete an appraisal between 24 and 48 hrs.

Q: How long is an appraisal good for?

A: It depends on the use for the appraisal. Usually lenders only allow an appraisal to be several months at best. For private use an appraisal can be used for a longer period. Keep in mind that with these challenging times value can change every few months.

Q: Why didn't you use the house down the road in the appraisal?

A: Appraiser must follow strict guidelines when using comparable sales. For example: they must be of the same style, usually the GLA (Gross Living area) must be within 500sqft. Or 20%.

Q: Is basement rooms included in GLA?

A: We are not allowed to use basement rooms in GLA unless they are 100% above ground. We can give rooms below grade certain

Q: What is my property worth?

A: There is quite a bit of research that goes into determining a value. We do are best to use home that have sold within 6 months, with the same style, GLA (Gross living area) and room count. We take this information and with adjustment to the comparables determine a value.

Q: What type of properties do you appraise?

A: We can appraise all types of residential real estate. Everything from land to multi-Families, mixed use and or course single family homes.

Q: Do you appraise personal property?

A: Real estate appraising is a specific field. As people who appraiser personal property such as boats, cars, jewelry are specific and trained in those areas. There are websites that you can go to and find appraiser's who do personal property.

Q: I am buying a house can I use you to do the appraisal?

A: Normally a lender will only accept appraisals from appraisers on their appraisal list. Many times they can add an appraiser on request. Some Lenders will allow you to find your own appraiser. Either way chances are yes!

Q: How can I protect myself when buying a home to make sure the value is there?

A: Usually when you are financing a home the lender will only lend if the property value is confirmed by the appraisal. If however there is no lender than a clause can be added to the purchase and sale agreement. For example: Sale to subject to an appraisal acceptable to the buyer's. You may want to consult a real estate agent or attorney for the specific contract content.

Q: When do I pay for an appraisal?

A: Normally appraisal is paid for either on initial inspection or when the appraisal is complete. This is something that can be negotiated between the parties.

Q: What can my appraisal be used for?

A: Depends on your needs. An appraisal can be used when buying of selling a home. Tax abatements. Sometimes a homeowner wants to know what to put their property on the market for. A buyer may want an appraisal to know what to offer for a property. Appraisals can be used for divorces, estate sales, Highest and best use, Tax purposes or maybe someone just wants to know what there property is worth