Fees
Our fees are fair and competitive. And with the opening of a second office on Quadra, they have actually dropped for Quadra Island and Cortes Island.
But I Can Get it Cheaper
Everyone has heard, "You get what you pay for." It is true of appraisals as well.
It's best to choose an appraiser based both on your wallet and on your own best interest. You may be tempted to focus only on price instead of expertise. Things to consider when engaging an appraiser:
* do they have years of experience in the area,
* can they offer highly specific local market knowledge,
* do they have on office full of current and historic property information,
* do they have a wealth of local real estate contacts,
* do they have the respect of their local colleagues and competitors,
* do they have past and future commitment to the community,
* will a member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada both conduct the inspection and author the final report,
* is the firm a member of the local Chamber of Commerce?
Your home is the most valuable thing you own. Protect your interest in it. Some thoughts:
If you need a new roof, wiring or plumbing upgrade, or a replacement differential in your truck, would you choose a competitive local firm with a history in the community who is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, or an unknown because it will cost less?
What Does the Fee Include
Although you see the Appraiser during the inspection for only 45 minutes to an hour, there is much more involved. The major part of doing an appraisal is acquiring, verifying, and analyzing data. Sales data is acquired from homeowners, Realtors, developers, and colleagues. It is purchased from MLS and also BC Assessment Authority. It is analyzed daily and long term. The estimate of value is not in the Appraiser's head, it is a result of hours of methodical examination and interpretation of local market information. This local statistical information is the basis from which an informed Appraiser arrives at the value of your home, in your neighbourhood, in today's market realities. Local Appraisers share market information. We know which sales to ignore when determining value. We know about that nice looking house that sold low (hidden foundation failure) and that little rancher that sold so high (bought by the brother of the homeowner next door.)
Besides providing the final printed report that you receive, the local appraiser is available to you for follow-up services such as providing a Letter of Transmittal to your chosen lender, discussing the contents of the report, providing marketing advice, or doing an update in the near future.
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