Getting your home appraised is an essential step when preparing to sell, and it’s critical to get the best value possible. Nearly 6 million homes sold in the United States in 2022, and getting top dollar for your home is the goal when competing with other homes for sale. Hiring residential appraisal services is the best way to determine your home’s value.
Your home appraiser will look at several factors to determine your home’s worth, which will benefit you when selling or refinancing. Choosing an appraiser with experience and knowledge to work with will make determining your home’s value a walk in the park.
Thankfully, you’ve found the perfect resource to learn what to look for when seeking appraisal services for your home or property. Continue reading to find an excellent home appraiser and discover your house’s value today!
What Do Residential Appraisal Services Look For?
It is crucial to understand what residential appraisers look for when visiting your home and determining its value. The condition of the house and property is one of the most significant factors determining value. The materials used to build the home and its state will affect its habitability.
The property’s age is another factor they’ll consider when assessing its value. New and old homes have pros and cons, though newer homes often have higher property values.
The property’s location also plays a role in assessing value. The proximity to schools and the crime rate will determine if your home increases or drops in value. Damage and signs of pest infestation are problematic when discovered by the appraiser.
Any improvements you’ve made to the home will be factored in when determining what your home is worth. The home’s size is an essential factor as well. You deserve to recoup some value from your kitchen and bathroom remodel.
Tips for Hiring a Home Appraiser
There are several things to look for when hiring an expert and getting an appraisal for your home. Your due diligence will ensure you hire a reputable appraiser to provide an honest home valuation. It’s the first step toward buying, selling, or refinancing a home.
You’ll be halfway toward selling your home to a First Call Home Buyer. Here’s a look at the tips when hiring residential appraisal services.
- Qualifications
The professional’s qualifications are the first criteria to check before hiring a home appraiser. Use the internet to research the options and contact the appraisers who stand out. Ask them to email you a list of their qualifications to learn more about their experience and abilities.
Look for information about where they got their education and licensing. The two licenses to look for are the Certified General Real Property Appraiser and Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser licenses. You can make a hire with peace of mind if you find appraisers licensed with either of those options.
- References
References are another effective way to get an appraisal for your home. A quality appraiser should have several references they can put you in contact with. These references are valuable resources when narrowing your options.
Contact the references for their thoughts and feelings about working with the home appraiser. It’s wise to ask if their service was up to code. Combine the references with online customer reviews to create a shortlist of appraisal options.
It’s wise to wait to hire residential appraisal services. Hiring the first appraiser you’ve contacted reduces your opportunity to explore all options and find the best fit. Take your time and carefully handle your research to find a home appraiser who provides excellent service at an affordable price point.
- Experience
Experience is valuable to have when getting an appraisal for your house. You’re more likely to get value for your money when hiring an appraiser with years of industry experience in your area. It’s also helpful to look at the appraisal service’s past accomplishments within the industry.
Five years of experience is a good rule of thumb when considering hiring. An appraiser with expertise in your area will be more familiar with the local real estate market and provide an accurate appraisal of your property value.
Ask each question you find relevant to the appraiser. Find out if they work for appraisal services or as an independent contractor. It’s also beneficial to find out if they work full-time or part-time.
- Timeline
Ask how long the appraisal process takes when comparing your options. An ideal turnaround time for an appraisal is two to three days. Hiring an appraisal service that takes weeks to respond to your home’s value is a poor investment of your hard-earned cash.
- Specialization
Consider the appraiser’s specialization when comparing your options and hiring an expert for home appraisal. Hiring an appraiser with expertise in commercial buildings is a poor fit for your needs as a homeowner. Residential appraisal services focus their knowledge on apartments, condominiums, and homes.
If you’re selling a home, hire an appraiser that focuses on appraising homes. The same principle applies if you’re selling an apartment or condo. It’s the best way to judge your property’s market value accurately.
- Cost of Services
The cost of services is the last thing to compare when narrowing your options. You’ll want to ask how much the service costs after qualifying the appraiser and ensuring they fit your needs. The price will vary depending on the services you require when appraising your home.
You’ll get what you pay, but most appraisal services are affordable. Beware of services charging an arm and leg to schedule a home appraisal. Find a company or appraiser that provides excellent services at an affordable rate.
Schedule Your Residential Appraisal Today
Scheduling an appointment with residential appraisal services is an excellent step toward purchasing, selling, or refinancing a home. Find a licensed appraiser with years of experience in the industry and expertise in homes rather than condos or apartments. Use references and reviews to narrow your options and compare the cost of each service to get the best value.
There are several things to do when preparing to buy, sell, or refinance a home. Read our Home and Real Estate blog content for the best tips and advice for your real estate needs!