An appraiser, per the definition of The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal 5th Edition, is “One who is expected to perform valuation services competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective” while an appraisal is “the act or process of developing an opinion of value.”
Real estate appraisers fall into two categories, residential and commercial. A residential appraiser will either hold the license of a Licensed Appraiser or Certified Residential Appraiser. A commercial appraiser will hold the license of a Certified General Appraiser.
A residential appraiser can appraise any residential structure consisting of 4 or less residential living units (four unit, tri-plex, duplex and single family residence) in addition to a variety of vacant land parcels.
A commercial appraiser can appraise any residential or commercial property that may include, but not limited to, single family homes, any vacant land parcels, residential subdivisions, multi-unit apartment complexes, gas stations, standalone office buildings, mixed-use residential/commercial properties, industrial warehouse, lumber yards, mobile home parks, hospitals, convenience stores, hotel, land taking for eminent domain, condemnation for public use, water parks, athletic stadiums, conservation easements, agricultural lands, dairy facilities, butcher houses, banks, grocery stores, restaurants, crematories, parks, race tracks, gravel pits, quarries, tree farms, and any other physical structures regardless of the size, age, condition, value or location.
Selecting the right appraiser is as key as selecting the right banker. Finding the right appraiser may be a tricky endeavor as most of us are not familiar with a real estate appraiser until we purchase our first home or make our first investment.
#1 Way to find a real estate appraiser: Use a search engine
The easiest way to find any appraiser is through an online search engine such as google, yahoo or bing. Simply type in your home city and state along with the type or appraiser you need, which is dependent upon the property you would need appraised. For instance, “Middleton Wisconsin Commercial Appraiser.”
#2 Way to find a real estate appraiser: Visit your bank
The next best and possibly less complicated route would be to talk with the closest bank to the property in which you need appraised. Walk right in and ask for the names of three appraisers in which the bank has on their approved appraisers list.
#3 Way to find a real estate appraiser: Online Appraiser Directory
If you are like the vast majority of individuals and will be utilizing a lending institution, the bank or credit union will take care of the entire appraisal process for you. Most lending institutions will be utilizing these site to source their appraisers. Masters-Hall Appraisal is listed though both of these online directories and ready to serve our Clients.These sites are www.appraiserusa.com and appraisal institute.
Let us know if you have other ways of finding the appraiser that meets your needs!