Appraisal Quality has answers to "Frequently Asked Questions"

• The client and whose purposes the appraisal is to serve.
• The intended use of the report.
• The appraisal's purpose.
• The type of value reported and a definition of that value.
• The effective date of the value opinion.(Sometimes this is in the past or maybe the future for new construction!)
• Characteristics of the property that have a bearing on the value, including: location, physical description, legal attributes, economic attributes, the property rights valued, and non-real estate items included in the valuation, such as personal property, items that are more or less permanently installed and even intangible items.
• All known easements, restrictions, encumbrances, leases, reservations, covenants, contracts, declarations, special assessments, ordinances, and other items of a similar nature.
• Division of interest, such as fractional interest, physical segment and partial holding.
• The scope of work used when completing the job.

Once the appraisal has been completed, how can I have confidence that the value conclusion is trustworthy?   (Back to top)

In communicating an appraisal report, each appraiser must see to it that each of the items below are covered:

• The appraisal used an apropos analysis of the information.


• That substantial errors of omission or commission were not committed individually or collectively.


• That appraisal services were delivered in a careful and cognizant manner.


• That a trustworthy, supportable appraisal report was conferred.

To become a state licensed appraiser, we must satisfy intense education and experience requirements that prepare us to produce an unbiased opinion. In addition, appraisers must stick to a stringent industry code of ethics and comply with national standards of practice for real estate appraisal. The rules for working up an appraisal and reporting its results are insured by enforcement of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).


   (Back to top) Regulations regarding licensing and certification are different from state to state. In general, licensing and certification typically translates to many hours of classroom study, tests and real world experience. Once licensed, he or she must then take continuing education courses so the license remains current. To see the specific requirements for any state click here.

Who are an appraiser's customers?   (Back to top)

Most of the time, appraisers are called upon by lenders to render a value opinion on a home involved in a loan transaction. Appraisers also provide opinions in litigation cases, tax matters and investment decisions.

Where does Appraisal Quality get the information used to estimate values in Los Angeles County or other areas?   (Back to top)

One of the most important things an appraiser does is to collect property data. Data can be classified as either Specific or General. Specific data is collected from the property itself; Location, condition, amenities, size and other specifics are documented by the appraiser while on site.

General data is collected from a numerous places. Local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) provide information on recently sold homes that could be used as comparables. Tax records and other courthouse documents reveal actual sales prices in a market. Flood zone data is retrieved from FEMA data outlets, such as a la mode's InterFlood product.

And most importantly, the appraiser gathers general data from his or her collective knowledge gained from creating appraisals for other houses in the same market.

What can a full appraisal do for me?   (Back to top)

Any time the value of your home or other real property is being used to make a significant financial decision, an appraisal helps. If you're selling your home, an appraisal will help you determine a price that maximizes profit and reduces time on the market. When buying, be sure you're not overpaying by commissioning an independent appraisal. If you're engaged in an estate settlement or divorce, it ensures that property is divided fairly. A home is often the single, largest financial asset anybody owns. Without knowing its real value, wise financial decisions are impossible.

My mortgage statement has an item on it for PMI? Can I get rid of that?   (Back to top)

PMI is short for for Private Mortgage Insurance. PMI guards the lender in case a borrower defaults on the loan and the market price of the house is less than the loan balance. Once you can prove the amount you owe on your home is less than 80% of the home's market value, you can make a case to your lender to drop the PMI.

	Is PMI a lineitem in your monthly mortgage payment?Call Appraisal Quality today at (213)590-3241 or send us an e-mail. Documentation of your home's current value could save you thousands.

Should I do anything in advance of the appraisal appointment   (Back to top)

We begin with an inspection of the home. During this process, the appraiser will come to your home and measure it, determine the layout of the rooms inside, confirm all aspects of the home's general condition, and take several photos of your house for inclusion in the report. On the home's interior, make sure it is clutter free and that we can access things like furnaces and water heaters. On the outside, trim any landscaping so we can be free to get an accurate measurement of outside walls.

To help speed things along plus ensure a more accurate report, attempt if possible to have the following items:

• Information on the latest purchase of the property in the last three years.
• Any documents, such as a title policy with information on encroachments or easements encroachments or easements.
• Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo agreements or fees .
• A copy of the current listing agreement and broker's data sheet and Purchase Agreement if a sale is "pending".
• Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property.

Define "Market Value"   (Back to top)

In real estate appraising, Market Value (as opposed to Fair Market Value) is commonly defined as:

"The most probable price (in terms of money) which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby: the buyer and seller are typically motivated; both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in what they consider their best interests; a reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market; payment is made in terms of cash in United States dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and the price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale."

Does the appraisal belong to the bank or the consumer?   (Back to top)

In most real estate transactions, the appraisal is ordered by the lender. Even though it's the buyer that eventually pays for the report, the lender is the intended user. The buyer is certainly entitled to a copy of the appraisal - it's usually included with all the other closing documents - but is not allowed to use the report for any other purpose without permission from the lender.

It's different when it's the homeowner engaging the appraiser for things outside securing a mortgage. In these scenarios, the appraiser may stipulate how the appraisal can be used; for PMI removal, or estate planning or tax challenges, for example. If not stipulated otherwise, the home owner can use the appraisal for any purpose.

I want to get more for my house. Where should I spend money renovating?   (Back to top)

It really depends on the market. For example, putting in an inline humidifier could be nice in arid regions, but completely useless near the coast!

No matter where you go, however, renovating a kitchen is almost always a safe investment. According to one national survey, kitchen remodels returned an average of 88% of the investment. In other words, a $10,000 kitchen remodeling project would add approximately $8,800 to the value of the home. Bathrooms are right up there with kitchens, yielding 85%. On the contrary, something that may not add value would be painting just for the sake of redecorating.