What to Look for in an Orlando Appraiser
When it comes to buying or selling a home in the Orlando area, one of the most important people involved in the process is the appraiser. The Orlando appraiser offers the experiences, knowledge and skills to properly evaluate the property and provide a good appraisal for its value. The conclusion of the appraiser sets the baseline for the value of the home from which an informed price can be set.
However, while appraisers are independent parties who have no vested interest in the home itself, they are still human beings that may make mistakes or errors in judgment which may translate into thousands of dollars being lost because of a faulty appraisal. In order to ensure that your appraisal process is the best possible, you will need the services of the best Orlando appraiser.
The Five Things to Look for in an Orlando Appraiser
Here are the five aspects you will need to see in the appraiser you choose in the transaction of buying or selling your home. While even the best appraisers can make mistakes, they are far less likely to occur if you get the right one.
Education & Training: The better the education and training, the better the appraiser will be. Look to see if they received their education at recommended places such as the Appraisal Institute (AI) which is arguably the most respected. Otherwise, places such as the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) or Independent Fee Appraisers are good substitutes.
Experience: Although the number of years of experience is not too important, it is a good indicator of just how reliable an Orlando appraiser should be. Since their reputation in terms of providing good services is a big part of why they are hired, an appraiser who has 10 years or more of experience with this as their primary form of employment is a good indicator that they must be doing something right.
Qualifications: Naturally, the proper appraiser must have all the appropriate licensing and qualifications necessary to hold the position. This is the minimum requirement for any Orlando appraiser and must be verified before viewing their other attributes.
Area Knowledge: While good appraisal skills carry over in all areas of the country, an appraiser that has worked in the Orlando area for some time will have advantages. They will know far more about the local real estate market, historic trends and the type of things to look for or pay more attention to when appraising a home.
References & Reviews: Virtually every appraiser has references they will have for you to demonstrate the quality of their services. While references are important, keep in mind that like any good business person they will only tell you about the ones who really enjoyed their work. If you can, find reviews of their services from customers and see if there is a pattern either good or bad that indicates the quality of their work.
Once you have looked over these five aspects of the Orlando appraiser, you should then check their fees and see which one offers the best services for the lowest price so that you can get the most for your investment.