At a glance
The five criteria
| Criterion | What to check | How |
|---|---|---|
| License and class | Active status, and a class that covers your property | Look up the appraiser on the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers record |
| Experience with your purpose | A sale, an estate and a divorce each need a different report | Ask what similar requests the appraiser has handled, without asking for client details |
| Scope and date | What is being valued, as of what date, for whom | Ask for the scope in writing |
| Communication | Who answers questions, and how soon you can expect replies | Notice how the first call goes |
| Fee clarity | What is included and when it is due | Ask for the fee before you order |
Why these five
The license tells you whether the person is permitted to appraise your property. The state documents that a Certified Residential appraiser may appraise one-to-four unit residential property, and non-residential property up to a $250,000 transaction value. Purpose experience matters because the date and the intended users differ by purpose. Scope and date keep the report useful. Communication and fee clarity keep the engagement predictable.
What to do next
Start with the license lookup, then the questions. If you want a second view, read what makes a residential appraiser certified for the class details. When you are ready, you can see the service Randy M. Sonns offers on the residential appraisal in Los Angeles page.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose the lowest fee?
A fee is one criterion. A report that cannot support your decision is not worth its fee, so compare scope and credentials as well.
Does a local appraiser matter?
Familiarity with the market can help, but the report must still rest on comparable sales. Ask how the appraiser finds and checks them.
Can I ask for references?
You can ask what kinds of requests the appraiser handles. Client details are confidential, so expect descriptions and not names.
What if I only have one name?
Check the license and ask the five questions anyway.