Reasons to Hire a Certified Licensed Appraiser
Every year, thousands of people in California buy, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions require a mortgage or loan from a lender. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation websites or other processes that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal, almost all lenders still need a local expert licensed appraiser because the risks are incredibly high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy. Every year, thousands of people in California buy, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions require a mortgage or loan from a lender. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation websites or other processes that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal, almost all lenders still need a local expert licensed appraiser because the risks are incredibly high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy.
LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL?
REMEMBER who has the final determination of value in a Purchase Transaction when a LOAN is involved! AN APPRAISER!!
Richard Wolfe has appraised over 5,000 properties in his vast 25+ years in the real estate industry. He has been hired by all of the various parties involved in these type of transactions including RE agents, brokers, buyers, sellers, attorneys, CPA's, etc. Many Real Estate agents & brokers have sought out his professional opinion on both the buyer's and Seller's side of these transactions. RE Agents are not typically professionally trained, educated or licensed to value properties in the same manner as experienced, licensed appraiser. The price per SF method is the typical tool that RE agents use in valuing properties. While this is one general tool or method of valuing a property, there are many other methods, guidelines, practices and approaches to value that a licensed appraiser is educated and trained to perform and analyze that are not taught or required when obtaining a RE agent license. An EXPERIENCED and KNOWLEDGEABLE appraiser can invaluably help either party involved in the transition make a more informed decision when it comes to current market value from a lender or banks perspective.
BUYERS - Don't OVER PAY for that Property!!!
Whether you decide to buy the property on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, an EXPERIENCED and KNOWLEDGEABLE certified licensed RE appraiser can help you make a better educated decision regarding what to pay. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the property sells for or what you pay for it. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to perform the appraisal service that is right for you and your desired needs.
We perform a detailed examination of the various contributors of value as well as those that may detract from value. We are experts in knowing how long houses are on the market and the other varying factors that contribute to a properties overall value. We also have the lenders perspective on value since the majority of purchase transactions require an appraisal from a licensed appraiser. We offer several different appraisal products that vary in scope of work depending on the situation or purpose and intended use. So, getting a professional appraiser's opinion of value or value range is a trusted way to make an educated and informed decision on what to pay for a home you are interested in buying.
SELLERS - Sell Your Home Quickly at the Right Price
Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraiser can help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to perform the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.
We thoroughly examine the different factors that can contribute to value such as levels of remodeling or lack of, usable lot size, amenities such as a pool, ADU, etc. We are experts in analyzing the varying factors and improvements that contribute value and how the market is currently reacting those factors and/or improvements. So, getting a professional appraisers opinion of value or value range is a trusted way to decide what an appropriate list price is for your home so you don't come up selling short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily length of time. An appraiser can also analyze and determine the potential high end value range range in case you home goes into multiple offers and you are deciding what offer to take especially if there is an appraisal contingency as part of the offer.
Settling a DIVORCE???? Get an UNBIASED opinion of value from Certified Licensed Appraiser!!!
A divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the home, and it can be an especially heartbreaking experience for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Westside Appraisal Services so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the situation.
If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair and "unbiased" assessment.
Trustworthy Estate Liquidation
The death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the utmost degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.