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Accurate Valuation & Consulting has answers to "Frequently Asked Questions"

Accurate Valuation & Consulting is always more than happy to reply to any questions you might have about appraisals or real estate in Tarrant County. Contact Accurate Valuation & Consulting today to learn how we can help you with your specific valuation problems.

What is an appraisal?
What does an appraiser do?
What are the reasons a person would need your services?
How is an appraisal different than a home inspection?
Is an appraisal the same as a comparative market analysis(CMA)?
What does the appraisal report contain?
Once the assignment has been completed, what guarantee is there that the value conclusion is trustworthy?
What does it mean for an appraiser to be licensed?
Who employs appraisers?
Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate values in Tarrant County or other areas?
Why do I need a professional appraisal?
My mortgage statement has an item on it for PMI? Can I get rid of that?
How do I get ready for the appraiser?
How does an appraiser define "Market Value"?
Does the appraisal belong to the bank or the consumer?
Which home renovations add the most to the price?



What is an appraisal?   (Go to list of  questions)

An appraisal is an inspection allowing the appraiser to come to an opinion of value. The appraiser will typically use a number of "approaches," typically three, to conclude the estimation of market value. One of the processes is the Cost Approach - which is what it would cost to replace the improvements, minus physical deterioration and other factors, then adding the land value. The Sales Comparison Approach deals with searching for comparable properties in close proximity and discerning value based on making a comparison of those homes to the house in question. Being the most common approach, the Sales Comparison Approach is generally the most accurate and best indicator of market value for a residence. The Income Approach is generally used for figuring out the market value of income-producing properties based on what an investor would pay based on the amount of income a property produce.

What does an appraiser do?   (Go to list of  questions)

An appraiser offers a fair and credible opinion of market value, to be used in making real estate transactions. Appraisers show their conclusions in appraisal reports.


What are the reasons a person would need your services?   (Go to list of  questions)

There are many reasons to order an appraisal with the usual reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. Other reasons for obtaining an appraisal include:
  • If you are applying for a loan.
  • To reduce your property taxes.
  • To demonstrate a homeowner's acquired equity and remove insurance.
  • To challenge improperly assessed property taxes.
  • If you need to settle an estate.
  • To provide you an edge when purchasing real estate.
  • To figure out an honest price when putting your home on the market.
  • To protect your rights if your property is being taken by means of eminent domain in a condemnation case.
  • Because a government agency such as the IRS requires it.
  • If you are ever involved in a civil case.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of the process involved in getting an appraisal.


How is an appraisal different than a home inspection?   (Go to list of  questions)

Home inspectors do not come to an opinion of value and are not appraisers. The purpose of a home inspection is to investigate the structure of the house from foundation to top. The usual home inspector's report will include an evaluation of the integrity of the house's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, attic, and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

Is an appraisal the same as a comparative market analysis(CMA)?   (Go to list of  questions)

To be honest, they have nothing in common. The CMA uses market trends to generate most of their business. Appraisals use similar sales which are valid resources. Area and construction prices are also a priority in an appraisal. A CMA delivers a "ball park figure." Being a documented and carefully investigated opinion of value, appraisals are defensible and stand up in legal situations.

The person creating the report is hands down the most significant difference between a CMA and an appraisal. Real estate agents produce CMA's, and they don't always know the whole market or bear specific competence when it comes to home valuation. A certified, state licensed professional who made a career on valuing real estate in and around Tarrant County creates the appraisal. Likewise, the agent has a vested interest in the property's selling price - their commission - whereas the appraiser is bound by a code of ethics to accept a previously agreed upon sum for work they perform, regardless of their outcome.

What does the appraisal report contain?   (Go to list of  questions)

The main purpose of an appraisal report is to let the reader know the value of the real estate in question, and depending on the scope of the report, one will customarily see the following:
  • Who engaged the appraiser and other intended users.
  • The intended use of the appraisal.
  • The appraisal's purpose.
  • The type of value reported and a definition of the value reported.
  • The effective date of the appraisal.(Sometimes this is in the past or maybe the future for new construction!)
  • Pertinent property characteristics, including: location, physical description, legal attributes, economic attributes, the property rights in question, and non-real estate items included in the valuation, such as personal property, permanent equipment installations and even intangible considerations.
  • All known easements, restrictions, encumbrances, leases, reservations, covenants, contracts, declarations, special assessments, ordinances, and the like.
  • Division of interest, such as fractional interest, physical segment and partial holding.
  • What was included in the activity of completing the job.
For a more comprehensive look at what goes into an appraisal report click here: Sample Appraisal Report


Once the assignment has been completed, what guarantee is there that the value conclusion is trustworthy?   (Go to list of  questions)

In the documentation of an appraisal, each appraiser must make sure of the following:
  • The appraisal contained an apropos analysis of the information.

  • That significant errors of omission or commission were not committed individually or collectively.

  • That appraisal services were provided in a careful and conscientious manner.

  • That a believable, substantiated appraisal report was communicated.
There are intense classroom and experience requirements that must be met in order to achieve the status of "licensed appraiser" in Texas. Likewise, appraisers must follow a meticulous industry code of ethics and respect national standards of practice for real estate appraisal. The guidelines for carrying out an appraisal and reporting its results are insured by enforcement of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).


   (Go to list of  questions) Regulations regarding licensing and certification are different from state to state. In general, licensing and certification is commonly associated with many hours of classroom study, tests and experience working under a supervisory appraiser. Once an appraiser is licensed, he/she must then complete continuing education courses in order to keep the license up to date. To see the specific requirements for any state click here.

Who employs appraisers?   (Go to list of  questions)

Mortgage lenders are an appraiser's typical customer, using their services to ensure real estate involved in a mortgage transaction is enough to cover a loan balance in the case of default. Attorneys and CPAs also retain the services of appraisers for divorce and estate settlements.

Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate values in Tarrant County or other areas?   (Go to list of  questions)

One of the most important things an appraiser does is to compile data. Data can be described as either Specific or General. Specific data is taken from the home itself; Location, condition, amenities, size and other specifics are gathered by the appraiser during an inspection.

General data is received from a many places. Local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) have data on recently sold homes that might be used as comparables. To double-check actual sales prices, we use items in the assessor's office and other public documents that are usually online nowadays. Flood zone data is gathered from FEMA data outlets, such as a la mode's InterFlood servers.

And most importantly, the appraiser assimilates general data from his or her past experience in doing assignments for other properties in the same market.


Why do I need a professional appraisal?   (Go to list of  questions)

If you're involved in some sort of financial decision and the value of your home is relevant, you'll want a full appraisal. If you're selling your home, an appraisal assists you in setting the most appropriate price. If you're buying, it makes sure you don't overpay. For people settling an estate or divorce, an appraisal from Accurate Valuation & Consulting is the best documentation to ensure assets are split up properly. A house is often the single, largest financial asset anybody owns. Don't make decisions in the dark with a professional appraisal.


My mortgage statement has an item on it for PMI? Can I get rid of that?   (Go to list of  questions)

PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance. This additional policy takes care of the lender if a borrower doesn't pay on the loan and the value of the property is less than the loan balance. Once you can prove the amount you owe on your home is less than 80% of the home's market value, you can make a case to your lender to drop the PMI.

Has your home value appreciated since you first purchased? Contact Accurate Valuation & Consulting today at 817.244.8828. You may be able to cancel your Private Mortgage Insurance premium.

How do I get ready for the appraiser?   (Go to list of  questions)

The first step in most appraisals is the property inspection. During this process, we will come to your home and measure it, determine the layout of the rooms inside, confirm all aspects of the home's general condition, and take several photos of your house for inclusion in the report. On the home's interior, make sure it is clutter free and that we can find our way to things like furnaces and water heaters. On the outside, trim any landscaping so we can be free to get an accurate measurement of outside walls.

To help speed things along as well as ensure a more accurate report, attempt if possible to have the following items:
  • A plot plan or survey of the house and land (if available).
  • A list of any personal property that is part of the home and you intend to be sold with the home, such as an oven, or a washer and dryer, if applicable.
  • Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
  • A copy of the current listing agreement and broker's data sheet and Purchase Agreement if a sale is "pending".
  • A list of "proposed" improvements when the property is being appraised "as complete".

How does an appraiser define "Market Value"?   (Go to list of  questions)

In real estate appraising, Market Value is commonly defined as:

"The most probable price (in terms of money) which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby: the buyer and seller are typically motivated; both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in what they consider their best interests; a reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market; payment is made in terms of cash in United States dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and the price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale."



Does the appraisal belong to the bank or the consumer?   (Go to list of  questions)

For mortgage transactions, the lender orders the appraisal, either directly or through a third party. While the buyer pays for the report as part of the closing costs, the lender retains the right to use the report or any information contained within. The buyer is certainly entitled to a copy of the appraisal - it's usually bundled with all the other closing documents - but is not allowed to use the report for any other purpose without permission from the lender.

The exception to this rule is when a home owner engages an appraiser directly. In these scenarios, the appraiser may stipulate how the appraisal can be used; for PMI removal, or estate planning or tax challenges, for example. If not noted otherwise, the home owner can do whatever they want with the appraisal.


Which home renovations add the most to the price?   (Go to list of  questions)

This really depends on where the home is. For example, if you live in a cold region, insulated windows can be a real plus. But they aren't as attractive in a warm-weather climate.

As a rule, the best ROI from renovating a home comes in the kitchen. One recent study revealed that putting $20,000 into a kitchen remodel would add about $17,500 to the value of the home - or about an 88% return on investment. Bathrooms were second, returning 85%. On the contrary, work that may not add value would be painting just for the sake of redecorating.