Langston Professional Services has answers to "Frequently Asked Questions"

Langston Professional Services is always ready to address any inquiries you might have about appraisals in Sequim and Clallam County. Contact us today to learn how we can help solve your specific valuation problems.

Define the term "Appraisal"
Describe what an appraiser does
What are the reasons someone would require a real estate appraisal?
How is an appraiser different than a home inspector?
What is the difference between an appraisal and a comparative market analysis (CMA)?
What does the appraisal report contain?
Once the report is done, what guarantee is there that the value indicated is trustworthy?
How difficult is it to become certified?
Who are an appraiser's customers?
Where does Langston Professional Services get the data used to estimate values in Clallam County or other areas?
How can a licensed appraiser help me?
What exactly is PMI and how can I get rid of it?
Should I do anything in advance of the appraisal inspection
How does an appraiser define "Market Value"?
Does the appraisal belong to the bank or the consumer?
I want to get more for my house. Where should I spend money renovating?



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

The method of performing an appraisal report deals with an investigation which leads to an opinion of value. The appraiser will use a several "approaches," typically three, to come to the estimation of market value. One of the processes is the Cost Approach - which is how much capital would be required to replace the improvements, minus physical deterioration and other factors, plus the land value. The most common approach in finding the value of a house is the Sales Comparison Approach which deals with figuring a comparison to comparable properties nearby. The Sales Comparison Approach is normally the most accurate and best indicator of a liklely sales price for a residential property. The third approach is the Income Approach, which is the best method in appraising income producing properties - it deals with estimating what an investor would pay based on the money produced by the property.

Describe what an appraiser does   (See list of FAQ's)

An appraiser provides a professional, unbiased determination of market value, in the support of real estate transactions. Appraisers show their expert conclusions in appraisal reports.


What are the reasons someone would require a real estate appraisal?   (See list of FAQ's)

There are a lot of reasons to get an appraisal from Langston Professional Services with the most common reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. A few other reasons for getting an appraisal include:
  • If you are applying for a loan.
  • If you would like to lower your property tax obligations.
  • To show a homeowner has 30% equity and remove PMI.
  • To contest improperly assessed property taxes.
  • If you need to settle an estate.
  • To give you an edge when purchasing a home.
  • To figure out the most probable property value when putting your home on the market.
  • To ensure parties are provided just compensation in eminient domain cases.
  • Because an official agency such as the IRS requires it.
  • If you ever find yourself in a civil case.
For a more extensive explanation of the appraisal process click here.


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

The appraiser is not a home inspector nor does he/she do a comprehensive home inspection. A third-party home inspector will investigate the structure of the house, from the roof to the bottom. The usual house inspector's report will contain an evaluation of the integrity of the property's heating systems, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, attic, and accessible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

What is the difference between an appraisal and a comparative market analysis (CMA)?   (See list of FAQ's)

To be honest, they share nothing in common. The CMA depends on vague trends in the market. An appraisal utilizes comparable sales that can be proven by public record. Also, the appraisal verifies other factors like condition, area and building prices. All a CMA does is generate a "ball park figure." Delivering a defensible and careful analysis, an appraisal will give a clear opinion of value.

The credentials of the person creating the report is frankly the most significant difference between a CMA and an appraisal. A CMA is created by a real estate agent who may or may not have a true grasp of the market or valuation concepts. The appraisal is created by a licensed, certified professional who makes a living out of valuing properties. Moreover, the appraiser is an independent voice, with no conditional interest in the property's value, unlike the agent, who gets a commission based upon the value of the home.

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

The main objective of an appraisal report is to let the reader know the value of the real estate in question, and depending on the scope of the report, one will customarily see the following:
  • Who engaged the appraiser and other intended users.
  • The intended use of the report.
  • The reason for the assignment.
  • Precisely what "value" attribute is being reported and what that value means.
  • The effective date of the appraisal.(Sometimes this is in the past or maybe the future for new construction!)
  • Pertinent property characteristics, including: location, physical characteristics, legal attributes, economic attributes, the real property interest in question, and non-real estate items included in the valuation, such as personal property, trade fixtures and even intangible factors.
  • 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.
  • What was included in the process of completing the appraisal.
For a more in depth view of all that goes into an appraisal report click here: Sample Appraisal Report


Once the report is done, what guarantee is there that the value indicated is trustworthy?   (See list of FAQ's)

In communicating an appraisal report, each appraiser must ensure the following:
  • The appraisal used a suitable analysis of the information.

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

  • That appraisal services were not rendered in a careless or negligent manner.

  • The final appraisal report was transparent, sound and conclusive.
There are intense education and on the job experience requirements that must be adhered to in order to achieve the status of "licensed appraiser" in Washington. Likewise, appraisers must obey a stringent industry code of ethics and observe national standards of practice for real estate appraisal. The tenets for developing an appraisal and documenting its results are insured by enforcement of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).


   (See list of FAQ's) Licensing and certification is achieved through coursework, tests and practical experience. Once an appraiser is licensed, he/she must then complete continuing education courses so that the license doesn't expire. To see the specific requirements for any state click here.

Who are an appraiser's customers?   (See list of FAQ's)

Most of the time, appraisers are called upon by mortgage lenders to render a value opinion on property involved in a loan transaction. Attorneys and CPAs also hire appraisers for asset division and estate settlements.

Where does Langston Professional Services get the data used to estimate values in Clallam County or other areas?   (See list of FAQ's)

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

General data is received from a variety of sources. To find out about recently sold homes to be used as "comps", we typically use the local Multiple Listing Service. Tax records and other public documents verify actual sales prices in a market. Appraisers routinely need to report when a property is in a flood zone, and that information is retrieved from a FEMA data outlet such as a la mode's InterFlood product.

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


How can a licensed appraiser help me?   (See list of FAQ's)

Any time the value of your home or other real property is being used to make a significant financial decision, an appraisal helps. For those selling a home, you'll want to figure out a 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 commissioning an independent appraisal. If you're engaged in an estate settlement or divorce, it ensures that property is divided fairly. A home 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?   (See list of FAQ's)

PMI is an acronym for Private Mortgage Insurance. It protects the lender in the event a borrower defaults on the loan and the market price of the home is lower than the loan balance. 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.

Has your home value appreciated since you first purchased? Contact Langston Professional Services today at 3605820714 to see if you can cancel your Private Mortgage Insurance premium.

Should I do anything in advance of the appraisal inspection   (See list of FAQ's)

The first step in most appraisals is the property 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. Inside, make sure it is clutter free and that we can find our way to things like furnaces and water heaters. On the outside, trim any bushes so we can be free to get an accurate measurement of exterior walls.

The following items, if available, will help your appraiser to provide a more accurate appraisal in a shorter period of time:
  • A survey or plot map of the property and building (if readily available).
  • A list of any personal property that will be left behind and sold with the home, such as an oven, or a washer and dryer, if applicable.
  • Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
  • Locate copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, in the event of a pending sale.
  • A list of "proposed" improvements when the property is being appraised "as complete".

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."



Does the appraisal belong to the bank or the consumer?   (See list of FAQ's)

In most real estate transactions, the appraisal is ordered by the lender. 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 report - it's usually bundled with all the other closing documents - but is not entitled to use the report for any other purpose without permission from the lender.

The exception to this rule is when a home owner hires an appraiser directly. In these scenarios, 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 use the appraisal for any purpose.


I want to get more for my house. Where should I spend money renovating?   (See list of FAQ's)

It really depends on the market. For example, installing 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. According to one national survey, kitchen remodels returned an average of 88% of the investment. In other words, a $10,000 kitchen remodeling project would add approximately $8,800 to the value of the home. Bathrooms weren't far behind, yielding 85%. On the contrary, an improvement that may not add value would be painting just for the sake of redecorating.