Looking for an appraisal company near me in Houston, TX? There are many factors you need to consider when making your decision. Not all appraisal companies are created equal, and not everyone will offer the same services or value.
Here are seven things you should consider when hiring a professional appraiser:
1. What type of appraisal services do they offer?
There are many different types of appraisals, from real estate to antiques. Make sure the appraisal company you’re considering offers the type of appraisal you need.
For example, if you need a real estate appraisal, ask about their experience in appraising Houston-area properties. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or reviews from previous clients, either. A reputable appraisal company will be more than happy to provide you with references.
In short, you need to make sure the appraisal company you’re considering is experienced in the type of services you need. Otherwise, you could end up with an inaccurate appraisal.
Check out the Better Business Bureau website to see if there have been any complaints lodged against the company.
2. Are they licensed and insured?
Any reputable appraisal company should be licensed and insured. This protects you in case of any errors or accidents during the appraisal process.
Be sure to ask for proof of insurance and licensing before you hire an appraisal company. Otherwise, you could be left liable for any damages that occur.
It’s also worth checking to see if it’s a member of any professional organizations, such as the National Association of Realtors or the American Appraisal Institute.
These membership organizations require their members to adhere to a code of ethics, so you can be sure you’re getting a reputable and reliable service.
Checking for these qualifications will help ensure you get an accurate appraisal.
3. How long have they been in business?
The length of time a company has been in business is always worth considering. If it has been around for a while is more likely to be reputable and have a good track record.
On the other hand, a newer business may be more eager to please and offer lower rates. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which is more important to you.
4. Do they have any complaints against them with the Better Business Bureau(BBB)?
As mentioned before, the BBB is a great resource for researching any business.
You can check to see if there have been any complaints lodged against them, and how they were resolved. This will give you a good idea of what to expect if you chose to work with them.
Keep in mind that even the best companies will have a few complaints against them. It’s how they respond to those complaints that are most important.
If you see a pattern of unresolved complaints, it’s best to steer clear of that company. At the end of the day, you need to feel confident in the appraisal company you choose.
5. What is their turnaround time?
When you’re hiring a home appraiser, be sure to ask about their turnaround time. This is the amount of time it will take for them to complete the appraisal and get it back to you.
Some companies may be able to do it within a few days, while others may take a week or more. It all depends on their workload and the complexity of the appraisal.
Be sure to ask about their turnaround time before you hire them. This way, you’ll know how long you need to wait for the appraisal.
And if there’s any chance it will take longer than expected, be sure to ask about that as well. No one wants to be left in the dark about when they’ll receive their appraisal.
6. What is their fee structure?
When you’re considering an appraisal company, be sure to ask about its fee structure. Some companies charge by the hour, while others charge a flat rate.
Some may even offer discounts for multiple appraisals or for referrals. Be sure to ask about all of this before you hire them.
You need to be clear on what you’re being charged and why. Otherwise, you could be in for a nasty surprise later on.
At the end of the day, you want to be sure you’re getting a fair price for the appraisal.
Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices before you make your decision.
7. Can I get my money back if I don’t like the appraisal value?
This is a question you should always ask before hiring a professional appraiser. Some companies will offer a money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with the appraisal value.
Others may not be so generous. Be sure to find out what the policy is before you hire them.
You don’t want to be stuck with a report you’re not happy with. And you definitely don’t want to be out of pocket for it.
Conclusion
When you’re hiring an appraisal company, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure they are reputable and have a good track record.
You can do this by checking for membership with professional organizations and looking for complaints with the BBB
You should also ask about their turnaround time and fee structure. Be sure you’re clear on what you’re being charged and why.
And finally, always ask if you can get your money back if you’re not happy with the appraisal value. By following these tips, you can be sure you’ll find the best appraiser for your needs.
Have any other questions about hiring an appraisal company in Houston, TX? You can reach out to us.
Need an appraisal? Contact Houston House Appraisal today for all your residential appraisal needs!