Asset Real Estate Services has answers to "Frequently Asked Questions"

Asset Real Estate Services is always willing to talk to you about any questions you might have about appraisals or real estate in El Paso and El Paso County. Feel free to contact us today.

What is an appraisal?
Describe what an appraiser does
Why would a person request services from Asset Real Estate Services?
How is an appraiser different than a home inspector?
My agent performed a CMA for me. Is that the same as an appraisal?
What are the contents of an appraisal report?
Once the appraisal has been delivered, what assurance is there that the value conclusion is accurate?
How difficult is it to become certified?
Who do appraisers work for?
Where does Asset Real Estate Services get the data used to estimate values in El Paso County or other areas?
What can a full appraisal do for me?
What exactly is PMI and how can I get rid of it?
How do I get ready for the appraiser?
Define "Market Value"
Who actually owns the appraisal report?
How can I get the most ROI out of home improvements?



What is an appraisal?   (Go to list of  questions)

An appraiser provides an evaluation that leads to an opinion of value. This opinion or estimate is concluded through the use of a formal process that typically utilizes three "common approaches to value". One of the methods is the Cost Approach - which is how much capital would be required to replace the improvements, minus physical deterioration and other factors, then adding the land value. Another of the approaches is the Sales Comparison Approach - which involves making a comparable analysis to other similar properties within a close vicinity which have recently sold. The Sales Comparison Approach is commonly the most definitive and best indicator of a liklely sales price 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 would bring in.

Describe what an appraiser does   (Go to list of  questions)

An appraiser produces a fair and credible opinion of market value, to be used in making real estate transactions. Appraisers exhibit their expert conclusions in appraisal reports.


Why would a person request services from Asset Real Estate Services?   (Go to list of  questions)

There are many reasons to purchase an appraisal with the usual reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. A few other reasons for getting an appraisal include:
  • To obtain a loan.
  • If you would like to reduce your property tax burden.
  • To build a case for a homeowner's equity and remove PMI.
  • To challenge high property taxes.
  • If you need to settle an estate.
  • To provide you a leg-up when purchasing real estate.
  • To determine an honest price when selling your home.
  • To ensure parties are provided just compensation in eminient domain cases.
  • Government agencies such as the IRS require an appraisal on every house.
  • If you ever find yourself in a lawsuit.
For a more detailed description of the appraisal process click here.


How is an appraiser different than a home inspector?   (Go to list of  questions)

The appraiser is not a home inspector and he or she does not do a complete home inspection. A third-party home inspector will inspect the structure of the property, from the roof to the foundation. Commonly, a home inspection report will explain the amenities and the necessities of the house: air conditioning (weather permitting), electrical services, the condition of the heating system, the plumbing; then the structural capacity of the home such as the attic, accessible insulation, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, then the foundation, basement and other visible structures.

My agent performed a CMA for me. Is that the same as an appraisal?   (Go to list of  questions)

Frankly, it's night and day. What the CMA depends on are superficial trends. Appraisals use similar sales which are valid resources. The appraisal report will also include neighborhood and construction prices. The CMA will provide a non-specific figure. An appraisal delivers a defensible and carefully documented opinion of value.

But the biggest difference is the person behind 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. The appraisal is created by a licensed, certified professional who has made a career out of valuing properties. Moreover, the appraiser is an unbiased voice, with no conditional interest in the value of a home, unlike the agent, whose income is tied to the value of the home.

What are the contents of an appraisal report?   (Go to list of  questions)

Each report should reflect a supported value opinion and must document the following:
  • The client and whose purposes the appraisal is to serve.
  • The intended use of the report.
  • The appraisal's purpose.
  • The type of value reported and a definition of that value.
  • The effective date of the appraisal.
  • Relevant property attributes, including: location, physical attributes, legal attributes, economic factors, the real property interest valued, and non-real estate items included in the valuation, such as personal property, items that are more or less permanently installed and even intangible factors.
  • Any 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 considered while working up the appraisal.
For a more detailed view of the work that goes into an appraisal report click here: Sample Appraisal Report


Once the appraisal has been delivered, what assurance is there that the value conclusion is accurate?   (Go to list of  questions)

In the documentation of an appraisal, each appraiser must see to it that each of the items below are covered:
  • That the information analysis implemented in the appraisal was appropriate.

  • Whether individually or collectively, there were no critical errors contained in the report, nor any relevant details left out.

  • That appraisal services were done in a careful and conscientious fashion.

  • The final appraisal report was transparent, legitimate and defensible.
To become a state licensed appraiser, there are intense education requirements as well as real world experience that must be attained. Likewise, appraisers must follow a meticulous industry code of ethics and comply with national standards of practice for real estate appraisal. The guidelines for carrying out an appraisal and reporting its results are insured by enforcement of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).


   (Go to list of  questions) Regulations regarding licensing and certification are different from state to state. However, licensing and certification is commonly associated with many hours of coursework, tests and experience working under a supervisory appraiser. Once an appraiser is licensed, he or she must then complete continuing education courses so the license stays up to date. To see the specific requirements for any state click here.

Who do appraisers work for?   (Go to list of  questions)

Mortgage lenders are an appraiser's typical customer, requiring their services to ensure real estate involved in a mortgage transaction is adequate collateral for a loan. Attorneys and CPAs also retain the services of appraisers for divorce and estate settlements.

Where does Asset Real Estate Services get the data used to estimate values in El Paso County or other areas?   (Go to list of  questions)

Collecting data is one of the primary functions of an appraiser. Data can be classified as either Specific or General. Specific data is from the home itself; Location, condition, amenities, size and other specific data are noted by the appraiser during an inspection.

General data is collected from a number of sources. To find out about recently sold homes to be used as "comps", an appraiser will often use the local Multiple Listing Service. Tax records and other public documents verify actual sales prices in a market. Flood zone data is gathered from FEMA data outlets, such as a la mode's InterFlood system.

And last but not least, the appraiser assembles general data from his or her collective knowledge gained from creating appraisals for other houses in the same market.


What can a full appraisal do for me?   (Go to list of  questions)

An appraisal is a worthwhile whenever the value of your home is pertinent to some financial decision. For those selling a home, you'll want to determine the price that gets you the most profit but doesn't leave your home on the market too long; an appraisal can help with that. When buying, be sure you're not overpaying by commissioning an independent appraisal. If you're engaged in an estate settlement or divorce, it ensures that property is divided fairly. Simply put, a house is often the single, largest financial asset anybody owns. Without knowing its real value, wise financial decisions are impossible.


What exactly is PMI and how can I get rid of it?   (Go to list of  questions)

PMI is the common abbreviation for for Private Mortgage Insurance. This supplemental policy guards the lender in the event a borrower defaults on the loan and the market price of the property is less than the balance of the loan. Once you reach the point where your home's equity plus the amount you've paid is at least 20% of your loan balance, you can have your PMI dropped.

The savings from getting rid of the PMI required when you got your mortgage pays for the appraisal in no time. Nobody is more qualified than Asset Real Estate Services when it comes to analyzing real estate appreciation in El Paso and El Paso County. Contact us today.

How do I get ready for the appraiser?   (Go to list of  questions)

We begin with an inspection of the home. What this entails is the appraiser, after setting up an appointment, personally going through the home - recording the layout of the rooms, taking photos and documenting the general status of its amenities. Is there anything you can do to help? Yes there is! First, be sure the appraiser has easy access to the exterior of the house (gates aren't locked, etc). Trim any bushes and move any items that would get in our way while we measure the structure. Indoors, make sure the appraiser can get to items like furnaces and water heaters.

You can make our visit go faster and improve the quality of the appraisal report by having the following things on hand:
  • A plot plan or survey of the house and land (if readily available).
  • A list of any personal property that will be left behind and sold with the home, such as a oven, or a washer and dryer, if applicable.
  • A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a legal description of the property.
  • Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of Insulation or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).
  • Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo agreements or fees .

Define "Market Value"   (Go to list of  questions)

In real estate appraising, Market Value (as opposed to Fair 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."



Who actually owns the appraisal report?   (Go to list of  questions)

For mortgage transactions, the lender orders the appraisal, either directly or through a third party. While the buyer pays for the report as part of the closing costs, the lender retains the right to use the report or any information contained within. The buyer is entitled to a copy of the report - it's usually included with all the other closing documents - but is not entitled to use the report for any other purpose without permission from the lender.

This rule doesn't apply when a home owner engages an appraiser directly. In these situations, the appraiser may stipulate how the appraisal can be used; for PMI removal, or estate planning or tax challenges, for example. If not noted otherwise, the home owner can use the appraisal for any purpose.


How can I get the most ROI out of home improvements?   (Go to list of  questions)

Like all things real estate, this is dependent on a home's location. For example, while quality appliances are attractive, a $7000 built-in refrigerator won't pay off in a neighborhood of moderately priced homes

No matter where you go, however, renovating a kitchen is almost always a safe investment. 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%. Adding bedrooms and baths can also help the value of your home (when done well) as long as your home doesn't then become overbuilt for your neighborhood in terms of size.