Get the Real Value of a Property From a Home Appraiser in Puyallup WA

 No matter which side of the home buying transaction you are on, buyer or seller, hiring an experienced, competent home appraiser in Puyallup WA is a must. For the seller, a home appraiser will assess your residential property’s value so that you don’t set a sale price that is either too low or too high. An appraiser can provide this same information to the buyer as well, so that they can make an informed decision when making an offer on a home.

What does a home appraiser do?

When you hire a home appraiser, he or she will do a thorough walk-through inside and outside of the home. They look at the exterior structure of your home – foundation, roof, siding, etc… They will also note any leaks, cracks or other type of damage. They will also look at the plot of land on which the home sits. The landscaping, drainage, and condition of the front and back yard are noted.

Inside the home, an appraiser will examine the condition and quality of the walls, floors, windows, doors, etc… They will note any permanent fixtures in the home like major appliances and plumbing and lighting fixures. Any amenities and / or upgrades, such as central heating and air conditioning, detached garage, smoke detectors, security system, or swimming pool are noted as well.

Armed with this information, plus information about the value of other residential properties in the same neighborhood, the home appraiser will then be able to make an accurate assessment of the home’s value.

What should you look for in a residential appraiser?

Whether you are buying or selling a home in Pierce County, here are four things you should look for when hiring a residential appraiser in Olympia, WA:

1.      ALWAYS make sure the appraiser is licensed or certified by the state to perform real estate appraisals. While licensing and certification isn’t a guarantee of quality service, it does ensure that the appraiser has met certain standards and is authorized to perform property appraisals.

2.      DON’T be afraid to request a copy of the appraiser’s license or certification. A professional appraiser should have no problem with this request. Once you receive a copy, it is a good idea to check with the issuing agency to make sure that the license is still active and in good standing.

3.      ASK the appraiser what percentage of his or her work is done in the neighborhood where the home is located. Appraisers who do a lot of their work in a particular area often have a deeper knowledge of property values in that area. They are also more likely to know how things like school districts and fire departments affect the property values in the area.

4.      FIND OUT if the appraiser has experience performing home appraisals for consumers as opposed to real estate professionals as they have distinctly different needs than homeowners or home buyers.

The important thing is to find a residential appraiser who understands the needs of both buyers and sellers and who is open, honest, and willing to educate you about the appraisal process and answer any questions you might have along the way.