Houston Appraisal Services, Inc. has answers to "Frequently Asked Questions"

Houston Appraisal Services, Inc. is more than happy to reply to any inquiries you might have about appraisals in Mary Esther and Okaloosa County. Feel free to contact us today.

Define the term "Appraisal"
What does an appraiser do?
Why would I need services from Houston Appraisal Services, Inc.?
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?
After completing the report, how can I have certainty that the value indicated is valid?
How difficult is it to become certified?
Who hires Houston Appraisal Services, Inc.
Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate values in Okaloosa 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"?
Once complete, who actually owns the appraisal report?
How can I get the most ROI out of home improvements?



Define the term "Appraisal"   (See list of FAQ's)

The appraisal process is an estimation that produces an opinion of value. There are three "common approaches to value" which assists the appraiser conclude this opinion or estimate. One of the processes is the Cost Approach - which is how much it would cost to replace the improvements, minus physical deterioration and other factors, plus the land value. Another of the processes is the Sales Comparison Approach - which concerns finding a comparable analysis to other similar properties within a close vicinity which have recently sold. The Sales Comparison Approach is normally the most definitive and best indicator of value for a residential property. The Income Approach is primarily used for finding the market value of income-producing properties based on what an investor would pay based on the amount of capital a property produce.

What does an appraiser do?   (See list of FAQ's)

An appraiser produces an unprejudiced and well substantiated assessment of market value, often in the context of a real estate purchase. Appraisers show their findings in appraisal reports.


Why would I need services from Houston Appraisal Services, Inc.?   (See list of FAQ's)

There are a lot of reasons to obtain an appraisal with the usual reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. Other reasons for obtaining an appraisal report include:
  • To get a loan.
  • To lower your property taxes.
  • To show a homeowner has 30% equity and remove Primary Mortgage Insurance.
  • To fight high property taxes.
  • If you need to settle an estate.
  • To give you a negotiating tool when purchasing a home.
  • To determine the most probable price when listing your home.
  • 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 lawsuit.
If you need more information regarding the appraisal process, please click here.


How is an appraisal different than a home inspection?   (See list of FAQ's)

Appraisers do not do provide house inspections and are not home inspectors. An inspection is a third-party investigation of the available structure and appliances of a house, from the top to the bottom. For the most part, a home inspection report will discuss the amenities and the requirements of the home: air conditioning (weather permitting), electrical functions, the condition of the heating system, the plumbing; then the structural capacity of the home such as the attic, exposed insulation, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, then the foundation, basement and visible structures.

Is an appraisal the same as a comparative market analysis(CMA)?   (See list of FAQ's)

Simply put, it's like comparing Shakespeare to reality TV. The CMA utilizes market trends to conduct most of their business. The appraisal depends on similar proven comparable sales. Area and building values are also a priority in an appraisal. A CMA delivers a "ball park figure." Delivering a defensible and careful analysis, an appraisal will give a clear opinion of value.

But the largest differentiator is who's doing the report. 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, Florida licensed professional who bases their livelihood on valuing homes in and around Okaloosa County creates the appraisal. Likewise, the agent has something at stake since they get a commission based on the property's selling price - their commission - whereas the appraiser is bound by a code of ethics to accept a previously agreed upon fee for work they perform, regardless of their outcome.

What does the appraisal report contain?   (See list of FAQ's)

The main objective of an appraisal document is to let the reader know the value of the real estate in question, and depending on the scope of the report, you'll usually see the following:
  • Who engaged the appraiser and whose purposes the appraisal is to serve.
  • How the appraisal is supposed to be used.
  • The appraisal's purpose.
  • The type of value contained and a definition of the value reported.
  • The effective date of the value opinion.(Sometimes this is in the past or maybe the future for new construction!)
  • Characteristics of the property that have a bearing on the value, including: location, physical characteristics, legal attributes, economic factors, the property rights valued, and non-real estate items included in the appraisal, such as personal property, items that are more or less permanently installed 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.
  • The scope of work used while working up the assignment.
For a more detailed look at what goes into an appraisal report click here: Sample Appraisal Report

After completing the report, how can I have certainty that the value indicated is valid?   (See list of FAQ's)

In communicating an appraisal report, each appraiser must make sure of the following:
  • That the information analysis implemented in the appraisal was suitable.

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

  • That appraisal services were delivered in a careful and cognizant manner.

  • That a believable, defensible appraisal report was imparted.
To become a state licensed appraiser, we must fulfill considerable education and experience requirements that prepare us to formulate an unbiased opinion. Likewise, appraisers must stick to a meticulous industry code of ethics and comply with national standards of practice for real estate appraisal. The guidelines for developing an appraisal and documenting its results are guaranteed by enforcement of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).


    (See list of FAQ's) Regulations regarding licensing and certification are different from state to state. However, licensing and certification typically translates to many hours of coursework, tests and experience working under a supervisory appraiser. Once licensed, he or she is required to take continuing education courses so that the license doesn't expire. To see the specific requirements for any state click here.

Who hires Houston Appraisal Services, Inc.   (See list of FAQ's)

Mortgage lenders are an appraiser's most likely client, requiring their services to ensure property involved in a mortgage transaction is adequate collateral for a loan. Attorneys and CPAs also hire appraisers for divorce and estate settlements.

Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate values in Okaloosa County or other areas?   (See list of FAQ's)

Gathering information is one of the main tasks an appraiser performs. Data can be categorized as either Specific or General. Specific data is from the property itself; Location, condition, amenities, size and other specifics are gathered by the appraiser during an inspection.

General data is gathered from a variety of places. Local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) have information on recently sold homes that might be used as comparables. To verify actual sales prices, we research tax records and other public documents. Flood zone data is available from FEMA data outlets, such as a la mode's InterFlood servers.

And last but not least, the appraiser assimilates general data from his or her past experience in doing assignments for other houses in the same market.

Why do I need a professional appraisal?   (See list of FAQ's)

An appraisal is a valuable tool anytime the value of your home is pertinent to a financial decision. For those selling a home, you'll want to figure out the price that gets you the most profit but also ensures you don't have to wait too long for a buyer to show up; an appraisal can help with that. When buying, be sure you're not overpaying by getting an independent appraisal. If you're engaged in an estate settlement or divorce, it ensures that property is divided fairly. A house is often the single, largest financial asset anybody owns. Knowing its true value means you can make the right financial decisions.

My mortgage statement has an item on it for PMI? Can I get rid of that?   (See list of FAQ's)

PMI is an acronym for Private Mortgage Insurance. It guards the lender if a borrower defaults on the loan and the value of the home is less than what the borrower still owes on the loan. 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? Call Houston Appraisal Services, Inc. today at (850) 664-0670 to see if you can save money by removing your Private Mortgage Insurance payment.

How do I get ready for the appraiser?   (See list of FAQ's)

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. Is there anything you can do to help? Yes there is! First, be sure we have easy access to the exterior of the house . Trim any landscaping and move any items that would make it difficult to measure the structure. Indoors, make sure the appraiser can easily access items like furnaces and water heaters.

The following items, if available, will help your appraiser to provide a more accurate appraisal in a shorter period of time:
  • Information on the latest purchase of the property in the last three years.
  • Any documents, such as a title policy with information on encroachments or easements encroachments or easements.
  • Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo covenants or fees .
  • Find copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, in the event of a pending sale.
  • A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a legal description of the property.

How does an appraiser define "Market Value"?   (See list of FAQ's)

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."

Once complete, who actually owns the appraisal report?   (See list of FAQ's)

For mortgage transactions, the lender orders the appraisal, either directly or through a third party. Even though it's the buyer that eventually pays for the report, the lender is the intended user. The buyer is entitled to a copy of the appraisal - it's usually included with all the other closing documents - but is not allowed to use the report for any other purpose without permission from the lender.

It's different when it's the homeowner engaging the appraiser for things outside securing a mortgage. In these cases, the appraiser may define the purpose of the appraisal; for PMI removal, or estate planning or tax challenges, for example. If not stated otherwise, the home owner can do whatever they want with the appraisal.

How can I get the most ROI out of home improvements?   (See list of FAQ's)

The added value of a particular amenity truly depends on the local market. For example, putting in an inline humidifier could be nice in arid regions, but completely useless near the coast!

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 are right up there with kitchens, returning 85%. On the contrary, something that may not add value would be painting just for the sake of redecorating.