Central Appraisal Services has answers to "Frequently Asked Questions"


	Central Appraisal Services is willing to talk to you about any inquiries you might have about appraisals in Kaufman County. Feel free to contact us today.

Define the term "Appraisal"
What does an appraiser do?
What are the reasons a person would request your services?
How is an appraisal different than a home inspection?
What is the difference between an appraisal and a comparative market analysis (CMA)?
What are the contents of an appraisal report?
After completing the appraisal, how can I have certainty that the value conclusion is trustworthy?
How are appraisers certified?
Who engages the services of appraisers?
Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate values in Kaufman County or other areas?
Why should I hire a licensed appraiser?
What exactly is PMI and how can I get rid of it?
How do I get ready for the appraiser?
What does "Market Value" mean?
Who has rights to the appraisal report?
How can I get the most ROI out of home improvements?

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

The process of producing an appraisal report consists of an evaluation which forms an opinion of value. The real estate appraiser must use a several "approaches," typically three, to arrive at the estimation of market value. One of the methods in use is the Cost Approach, which is what it would cost to replace the improvements to the home, minus age and physical dilapidation, adding the land value. Another of the processes is the Sales Comparison Approach - which involves making a comparison to other similar properties within a close proximity which have recently sold. Usually, the Sales Comparison Approach is the most accurate indicator of market value of a residential property. The Income Approach is generally used for determining 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.

What does an appraiser do? (See list of FAQ's)

An appraiser offers a professional, unbiased opinion of market value, often in the context of a real estate exchange. Appraisers demonstrate their professional analysis in appraisal reports.

What are the reasons a person would request your services? (See list of FAQ's)

There are many reasons to obtain an appraisal from Central Appraisal Services with the usual reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. Some other reasons for purchasing an appraisal report include:

If you are applying for a loan.
If you would like to reduce your property tax obligations.
To help a homeowner realize if they owe less than 80% of their home's value and remove Primary Mortgage Insurance.
To challenge high property taxes.
If you need to settle an estate.
To offer you an edge when purchasing a home.
To determine an honest sales price when selling real estate.
To ensure parties are provided just compensation in eminient domain cases.
Because an official agency such as the IRS requires it.
If you are ever involved in a lawsuit.

If you need more information regarding the appraisal process, please click here.

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

Home inspectors do not produce an opinion of value and do not use the same forms as appraisers. The point of a home inspection is to evaluate the structure of the property from foundation to attic. The general home inspector's report will contain an evaluation of the integrity of the house's heating systems, 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.

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

Simply, they share nothing in common. What the CMA relies upon are ill-defined trends. Appraisals use comparable sales which are valid resources. The appraisal report will also include area and building values. A CMA delivers a "ball park figure." An appraisal delivers a defensible and carefully documented opinion of value.

Who's behind the report is frankly the biggest difference between a CMA and an appraisal. Real estate agents write CMA's, and they don't always know the whole market or have specific competence when it comes to home valuation. A certified, state licensed professional who has formed a career on valuing properties in and around Kaufman County creates the appraisal. Likewise, the agent has something at stake since they get a commission based on the property's selling price - their commission - whereas the appraiser is bound by a code of ethics to accept a flat sum for assignments, regardless of their value conclusion.

What are the contents of an appraisal report? (See list of FAQ's)

Every appraisal must reflect a credible estimate of value and must identify the following:

The client and other intended users.
The intended use of the report.
The purpose of the assignment.
The type of value contained and a definition of the value reported.
The effective date of the appraiser's opinions and conclusions.(Sometimes this is in the past or maybe the future for new construction!)
Characteristics of the property that have a bearing on the value, including: location, physical characteristics, legal attributes, economic attributes, the property rights in question, and non-real estate items included in the appraisal, such as personal property, trade fixtures and even intangible items.
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 used while working up the assignment.

For a more in depth view of what goes into an appraisal report click here: Sample Appraisal Report

After completing the appraisal, how can I have certainty that the value conclusion is trustworthy? (See list of FAQ's)

In the documentation of an appraisal, each appraiser must make sure of the following:

That the information analysis utilized in the appraisal was suitable.

That crucial errors of omission or commission were not committed individually or collectively.

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

That a solid, substantiated appraisal report was communicated.

To become a state licensed appraiser, we must fulfill intense education and experience requirements that prepare us to produce an unbiased opinion. Plus, appraisers must obey a strict industry code of ethics and observe national standards of practice for real estate appraisal. The tenets for carrying out an appraisal and communicating its results are insured by enforcement of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

(See list of FAQ's) Regulations regarding licensing and certification vary from state to state. However, licensing and certification typically translates to many hours of classroom study, tests and practical experience. Once an appraiser is licensed, he or 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 engages the services of appraisers? (See list of FAQ's)

Mortgage lenders are an appraiser's typical customer, requesting their services to ensure a home involved in a mortgage transaction is enough to cover a loan balance in the case of default. Attorneys and CPAs also retain the services of appraisers for divorce and estate settlements.

Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate values in Kaufman County or other areas? (See list of FAQ's)

Compiling data is one of the main things an appraiser performs. Data can be divided into Specific or General. Specific data is taken from the property itself; Location, condition, amenities, size and other specifics are documented by the appraiser while on site.

General data is gathered from a number of places. Local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) provide data on recently sold homes that could be used as comparables. Tax records and other public documents verify actual sales prices in a market. Flood zone data is retrieved from FEMA data outlets, such as a la mode's InterFlood servers.

And most importantly, the appraiser gathers general data from his or her past experience in doing assignments for other houses in the same market.

Why should I hire a licensed appraiser? (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. If you're selling your house, an appraisal assists you in setting a price that maximizes profit and reduces time on the market. If you're buying, it makes sure you don't overpay. 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. Don't make decisions in the dark with a professional appraisal.

What exactly is PMI and how can I get rid of it? (See list of FAQ's)

PMI is short for for Private Mortgage Insurance. It takes care of the lender in the event a borrower doesn't pay on the loan and the market price of the house is less than what the borrower still owes on the loan. Once you can prove the amount you owe on your home is less than 80% of the home's market value, you can make a case to your lender to drop the PMI.


	Has your home value appreciated since you first purchased? Contact Central Appraisal Services today at (972)564-2344. You may be able to get rid of your Private Mortgage Insurance payment.

How do I get ready for the appraiser? (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. On the home's interior, pick up any clutter and make sure we can access 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:

Any records on the purchase of the property for the last three years.
List of personal property to be sold with the building.
A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a legal description of the property.
Any inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, your septic system and wells.
Locate copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, if the sale is "pending", the purchase agreement.

What does "Market Value" mean? (See list of FAQ's)

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 has rights to the appraisal report? (See list of FAQ's)

For mortgage transactions, the lender orders the appraisal, either directly or through a third party. 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 allowed to use the report for any other purpose without permission from the lender.

It's different when it's the homeowner hiring the appraiser for things outside securing a mortgage. In these scenarios, 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? (See list of FAQ's)

A home's location - what city it is in and even what part of that city - is key to this popular question. For example, putting in an inline humidifier could be nice in arid regions, but completely useless near the coast!

No matter where you go, however, renovating a kitchen is almost always a safe move. 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 are right up there with kitchens, returning 85%. On the contrary, something that may not increase your value would be painting just for the sake of redecorating.