Finding the best appraiser
Just a brief message to help folks seeking a good appraiser. Often we need an appraiser, when we are dealing with strong emotional times for our family, or other loved ones. It may be hard to think effectively. Print this out, and keep it in a safe place, like with your checkbook, so you can refer to it for family or friends, when they are in need.
Three main things to keep in mind:
- Have a local appraiser help you find the best distant appraiser. Even tho it may be out of state or far away, they know what to look for, and can help you when you need some expertise.
- Look for an appraiser with legal or litigation experience. Sometimes the situation ends up in dispute, or in court, or in mediation. Even among family members. Retaining the best quality professional costs a bit more, but can save you weeks, months, even years, in settling the issues.
- Try to call a few appraisers, and get turnaround times, and fee quotes, but do not shop by price. Some may be prickly, others, might be too busy this week, but can help you in a week or two. Questions to ask can include:
- How long have you been doing appraisals?
- Can you tell me about your last legal appraisal?
- Do you do many Divorce/Estate/Date of Death appraisals?
Hopefully this can get you the best quality, that will save you time and future costs, down the road. If you have any other questions, be sure to call me at 310.505.5916.
James Ebert
