Qualifications

Every appraiser has a qualification sheet that provides background on his/her properties, education, licenses, and certifications. You want to make sure that your appraiser is a state-certified appraiser. A certified appraiser is the highest level of authorization by a state. Licensed appraisers aren’t allowed to appraise complex or expensive properties. The Federal Housing Administration does not accept appraisals from licensed individuals, only certified appraisers.

Service Area

You should look for an appraiser who knows your market area extensively. An appraiser from another county may not be as knowledgeable as a local appraiser. Many appraisers service more than three counties, so it’s important you find an appraiser who focuses on your appraisal needs and specializes in your market area.

Years of Experience

Appraising is a difficult profession to get into. It takes an appraiser about five years of education and working with various properties in order to be successful. Many who are in the industry themselves recommend an appraiser who has 10 or more years of experience.

Additionally, be wary of part-time appraisers. Being that a part-time appraiser has another full-time job, many will accept an assignment for quick cash regardless of their knowledge of the area or the current market trends. A full-time appraiser will be knowledgeable on current on the industry standards.

Property Experience

An appraiser may have a license to do all residential or commercial type properties, however this does not mean they have experience in all types. If you needed to have brain surgery, would you want your eye doctor to perform it? Apply the same logic when hiring an appraiser. They went to school for the same thing, but through experience, all specialize in something different.

References

Ask for recommendations from real estate agents, attorneys, lenders, or accountants. Ask for appraisers who have proven to be reputable. Note that this reference does not relieve you from doing your own personal research on the appraiser.

Fee Charged

Not all products are the same, and not all fees charged will be the same. Commercial real estate differs from residential real estate. While keeping cost in mind, don’t let it overshadow the fact that experience matters. Fees are set by the individual appraiser based on quality, experience, expertise, and the type of home. Like all things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to appraising.