Simply click the appropriate order button at the top of the home page or the link at the end of each section. You can also call us directly at 919-329-2997.

Yes.  Our pricing is based on the size and complexity involved in fulfilling your request.  Larger homes have more square footage, and more rooms and features requiring more time to complete, therefore resulting in a higher fee.

There are many reasons to obtain an appraisal with the most common reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. Other reasons for ordering an appraisal include:

• To obtain a loan – these appraisals are typically ordered by the lender
• To contest high property taxes
• To settle an estate
• To provide a negotiating tool when purchasing real estate
• To determine a reasonable price when selling real estate

The appraiser is not a home inspector nor does he/she do a complete home inspection.  A home inspection is a third-party evaluation of the accessible structure and mechanical systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The standard home inspector’s report will include an evaluation of the condition of the home’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. The Appraisal is not a home inspection.

Regulations regarding licensing and certification of Real Estate Appraisers vary from state to state. However, licensing and certification is most often associated with many hours of coursework, tests and practical experience. Once an appraiser is licensed, he or she is required to take continuing education courses in order to keep the license current.

The first step in most appraisals is the home inspection. During this process, the appraiser 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. The best thing you can do to help is to make sure the appraiser has easy access to the exterior of the house. Trim any bushes and move any items that would make it difficult to measure the structure. On the inside, make sure that the appraiser can easily access items such the furnace and water heater.

The following Items, if available, will help your appraiser to provide a more accurate appraisal in a shorter period of time:

• Prepare a complete list of any updates, improvements or remodeling, along with your costs and give to the appraiser
• A survey of the house and property
• A deed or title report showing the legal description
• A recent tax bill
• A list of personal property to be sold with the house if applicable
• A copy of the original plans

Taking measurements is a process to determine the gross living area of a home, including all above and below grade square footage. At a minimum, information concerning square footage should include the amount of living space in the dwelling.

Residential properties are valued based on comparable sales of similar properties in the area, as well as  current market conditions. In many cases the value and the sales price are calculated on the square footage. Even small error in the square footage could result in a lower sales price.

To ensure that you get maximum dollar for your clients’ homes, have all of your listings professionally measured.

No, but when they do report square footage to potential buyers, it is imperative that it be accurate. TMLS requires that square footage be reported on all active listings.

None, other than a sketch provide by a licensed certified appraiser whom YOU hired. Tax records are based on builder’s plans, and are generally inaccurate. Previous MLS listings generally take square footage from tax records or other unknown sources. Previous appraisals may or may not be accurate. Unless you know the appraiser and are familiar with the quality of their work, do not use square footage from old appraisals. The property may have undergone significant changes since the last appraisal. If you report that square footage, you are saying it is accurate. Always have your properties professionally measured.

While we just advised you not to rely on previous tax records, MLS or other appraisals to report accurate square footage, it does not mean that you should ignore them. They all can be good guides to determine if the reported square footage passes the sniff test. Look at what the tax records, past MLS listings or even the old appraisal indicates.  If the numbers differs significantly, ask why. Maybe they finished off a bonus room or there’s an unfinished third floor. Maybe they added a bedroom or bathroom. Perhaps what is listed is just wrong. Use them as a guide and if what is reported does not make sense, have the property professionally measured

Photographs and video are the primary means for today’s educated buyer to select homes they would consider for purchase. They will decide in just a few minutes whether or not they want to visit your home for further consideration. Hiring a professional photographer will ensure high quality photos that will display and look great on any device that a potential customer may use to view them.