Finding an Appraisal Firm

So you're looking to get an appraisal carried out to give you an indication of the current market value of your home? You'll need to find a good appraiser: someone you can trust who has the right qualifications, experience and attitude for the job. The following information will help you find the right appraiser by teaching you what you should be looking for.

Firstly, you need to make sure your appraiser is fully registered and licensed. If you wish, you can check this with the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB). This board manages the reporting standards used by registered appraisal firms across the country and sets the standard for national residential appraisals.

You can check your appraiser's qualifications with the Appraisal Qualifications Board, which is the body responsible for examining and registering appraisers. In recent years, many states have started licensing appraisal firms so you may be able to find a local body that can confirm your appraiser is licensed there.

By far the easiest way to source a reputable appraiser is word of mouth. Friends, family and colleagues can point you in the direction of a good appraisal firm if they have had recent appraisals carried out on their homes. If you are purchasing a home, you can also check with your real estate agent, who should be able to put you in touch with an appraisal firm.

If you have exhausted these options, don't be afraid to turn to local telephone and business directories to find appraisal firms in your area. You may also wish to use the internet to find firms online. One of the advantages in sourcing an appraiser in this way is that you will be able to find out what their standard fees are and the types of appraisals they carry out before you commit to anything.