Things to Consider When Hiring an Appraiser

A home appraisal is a necessary step when purchasing or selling a home as it provides an independent and unbiased assessment of a property’s value. However, real estate appraisal is a profession like any other. Some appraisers are efficient and knowledgeable, while others leave clients dissatisfied. It’s up to you to check if a property appraiser is reputable before hiring them. Word of mouth, online testimonials and other resources can help you to identify the right appraiser.

Below are some things you should consider.

Communication skills

Does the appraiser answer questions in a timely manner? Are they willing to provide clarity where necessary? An open line of communication shows how important a client is to a property appraiser.

Credibility

It is essential to check if a real estate appraiser is trustworthy. An excellent place to start is by inquiring if the appraiser is a member of good standing with the Appraisal Institute of Canada.

Online presence also lends credibility to an appraiser. Can you find a profile of the appraiser on their company’s website? What do past clients say in the reviews on their Google business listing and other third-party review sites? Does the company post monthly market updates on their website or social media platforms? It would be remiss of you not to check an appraiser’s online presence before hiring them.

Confidentiality

You need an appraiser who upholds the pertinent laws while handling clients’ appraisals. Do they keep client information and appraisal details private? Is this reflected in their employer’s core values? A single breach of confidentiality indicates that the appraiser may be untrustworthy in all aspects of the process.

Quality of work

An indication of incompetence should be a deal-breaker. An efficient property appraiser will provide top quality reports based on several factors such as location, proximity to desirable amenities, special features and the general condition of the house. A Vancouver property appraiser, for instance, should be very familiar with the neighbourhoods in the city. They should be able to place a value on the property based on the aforementioned factors along with the prices of recently sold properties in an area.

Professionalism

Another thing to consider when hiring an appraiser is professionalism. Their office, telephone, email conversations and website should all be businesslike. They should be courteous and helpful and they should provide excellent customer service. Reviews online will give you an idea of what to expect.

Time management skills

A real estate appraiser will score major points if they respect your time. Before hiring, inquire about their turnaround time for an appraisal report. It should take no more than a week for an appraisal report to be completed.

Impartiality

Bias has no place in an appraisal. Top property appraisers should pride themselves on being objective, even if they have personal opinions regarding the property or the parties involved. They should only use solid facts and forecasts to assess the value of a property.

Price

You’ll need to check the fee for a real estate appraiser before you hire them. Also, be sure to shop around to get a sense of what an appraisal should cost. By doing this, you’ll be able to check if the cost is fair.

Appraisers in Vancouver

Are you trying to find a reputable property appraiser in Vancouver? Contact us at Adlaw Appraisals. Our appraisers are equipped to assist if you are buying or selling property in Vancouver. They have sound knowledge of the market and will analyze the facts and figures to formulate accurate reports.

Order an appraisal online or call us if you have questions about our services.