Understanding the Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser in Los Angeles

A state license, through the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, shows that the appraiser holds a class whose scope covers a defined range of property. It can be checked on a public record. A rough estimate without a stated method may be useful as a first idea. A licensed appraiser's report is also an opinion of value, but it states its date, purpose and evidence, and it comes from someone the state permits to appraise the property.

A low appraisal on a purchase. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says a buyer may consider renegotiating the price or reviewing the appraiser's work carefully, or may obtain an independent appraisal. A report from a licensed appraiser shows its comparable sales, so there is something specific to review.

A probate objection. The Probate Code lets the personal representative or an interested person file a written objection to an appraisal before the hearing on final distribution, and the objector has the burden of proof. A documented, credentialed value is the kind of evidence an objection or a defense may rest on, and the estate's attorney can say which applies.

A divorce valuation date. California Family Code section 2552 has the court value assets as near as practicable to the time of trial, or, on 30 days' notice and good cause, at a date after separation and before trial. A licensed appraiser's report states the date it applies to, so both spouses and counsel can see what the value rests on.

No case history is described here. These are the rules that make a credentialed, documented report useful.

To check a license, follow the steps in what makes a residential appraiser certified, and compare it with the value argument in the value of a licensed appraiser and why work with a certified residential appraiser.