The Importance of a Good Appraisal

What is it Worth?of the factors and ask questions until you understand
When we decide to sell a car or some unused itemswhat you have. If you have reason to question the
around the house, we make some kind of judgmentappraisal, ask for another appraiser. Your real estate
as to what we think it might be worth. We may base itprofessional or your mortgage broker can help you
on what we paid for it or what we saw one selling for"get a second opinion." It may cost you more up front,
down the street, but we are the ones making thebut in the long run, it can be well worth the price – in
determination. However, due to the fact that most realpeace of mind, if nothing else.
estate transactions involve securing a loan to completeAn understanding of the market in the surrounding
the deal, a more precise and unbiased opinion of thearea is key to the appraisal process. Identical property
value is normally required. The person who makeslocated in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia
these decisions is known as an appraiser.would appraise different than one located in an area
Appraisers are trained and certified and state licensedthat is not as much of an attraction. Consequently,
professionals that understand the significance of all theOkanagan appraisals would best be done by an
components that determine what a piece of propertyappraiser who knew the area and the real estate
is worth – the residential or commercial appraisal.environment. Likewise, a firm like Caruso Daniels, Inc.,
This price is known as the market value, and that iswould be best suited to carry out Kelowna appraisals
what most lenders use as the basis for the loanthan someone who had not been in the area since
amount. They note the physical characteristics of the1978. While there are a lot of differences between
property such as lot size, building size, condition, andresidential appraisals and commercial appraisals, the
comparison to other similar properties. Other factorssame thing is true. When it comes to knowing what
such as the strength or weakness of the real estateproperty is worth, it is best to deal with people who
market in the area, and neighborhood in which theknow the area.
property is located. These and other factors enter inWhen you are buying or selling property, you have
to the calculation of the current market value of theenough to worry about without being concerned about
property.the accuracy of your appraisals. Deal with a local
Who do I Trust?appraiser with a good reputation among the real
By now, if you are like me, your head is starting to spinestate professionals in the area. Most of all - do your
trying to figure out what all this means. As a realhomework. If you do, you will choose Caruso Daniels,
estate buyer or seller, the most important thing is toInc. for all of your Kelowna and Okanagan appraisals.
understand the appraisal. Take the time to go over all