Kellett Real Estate Appraisals has answers to "Frequently Asked Questions"

Kellett Real Estate Appraisals is more than happy to reply to any inquiries you might have about appraisals or real estate in Randolph County. Contact us today to talk about how we can help solve your valuation problems.

Define the term "Appraisal"
What does an appraiser do?
What are the reasons a person would need your services?
How is an appraiser different than a home inspector?
My agent performed a CMA for me. Is that the same as an appraisal?
What are the contents of an appraisal report?
After completing the report, what guarantee is there that the value indicated is valid?
How difficult is it to become certified?
Who are an appraiser's customers?
Where does an appraiser get the data used to estimate values in Randolph County or other areas?
Why do I need a professional appraisal?
My mortgage statement has an item on it for PMI? Can I get rid of that?
How do I get ready for the appraiser?
How does an appraiser define "Market Value"?
Who actually owns the appraisal report?
Are some home improvements more worthwhile than others?



Define the term "Appraisal"   (List of questions)

An appraiser performs an evaluation that leads to an opinion of value. There are three "common approaches to value" which assists the real estate appraiser conclude this opinion or estimate. One of the methods is the Cost Approach - which is what it would cost to replace the improvements, less physical deterioration and other factors, plus the land value. The most common approach in finding the likely sales price of a home is the Sales Comparison Approach which concerns making a comparison to similar homes nearby. Usually, the Sales Comparison Approach is the most definite indicator of market value of a home. The Income Approach is mainly used for figuring out the market value of income-producing properties based on what an investor would pay based on the amount of capital a property produce.

What does an appraiser do?   (List of questions)

An appraiser produces a fair and credible determination of market value, often in the context of a real estate purchase. Appraisers show their expert conclusions in appraisal reports.


What are the reasons a person would need your services?   (List of questions)

There are a lot of reasons to obtain an appraisal from Kellett Real Estate Appraisals with the usual reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. Other reasons for obtaining an appraisal report include:
  • If you are applying for a loan.
  • If you would like to lower your property tax obligations.
  • To build a case for a homeowner's equity and remove insurance.
  • To challenge inflated property taxes.
  • If you need to settle an estate.
  • To give you an edge when purchasing a home.
  • To figure out a reasonable property value when selling your home.
  • To ensure parties are provided just compensation in eminient domain cases.
  • Because a government agency such as the IRS requires it.
  • It's possible you could be involved in a lawsuit - an appraisal will help.
If you need more information about the appraisal process, please click here.


How is an appraiser different than a home inspector?   (List of questions)

Home inspectors do not produce an opinion of value and are not appraisers. An inspection is a third-party evaluation of the livable structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. For the most part, a home inspection report will explain the amenities and the necessities of the house: air conditioning (weather permitting), electrical services, the condition of the heating system, the plumbing; then the structural capacity of the home such as the attic, accessible insulation, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, then the foundation, basement and visible structures.

My agent performed a CMA for me. Is that the same as an appraisal?   (List of questions)

Simply put, it's like comparing Shakespeare to reality TV. The CMA relies on indefinite market trends. Appraisals use comparable sales which are valid resources. In addition, the appraisal looks at other factors like condition, area and replacement prices. All a CMA does is generate a "ball park figure." An appraisal delivers a defensible and carefully documented opinion of value.

But the most significant factor is the person doing the report. A CMA is created by a real estate agent who may or may not be trained in technical valuation concepts or even have a handle on market trends. A certified, Arkansas licensed professional who made a career on valuing homes in and around Randolph 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 collect only a flat fee for assignments, regardless of their outcome.

What are the contents of an appraisal report?   (List of questions)

The main objective of an appraisal report is to give a value opinion, and depending on the scope of the report, you'll usually see the following:
  • Who engaged the appraiser and other intended users.
  • How the appraisal is supposed to be used.
  • The reason for the assignment.
  • The type of value reported 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 description, legal attributes, economic factors, the real property interest in question, and non-real estate items included in the appraisal, such as personal property, items that are more or less permanently installed and even intangible considerations.
  • Any known easements, restrictions, encumbrances, leases, reservations, covenants, contracts, declarations, special assessments, ordinances, and other items of a similar nature.
  • Division of interest, such as fractional interest, physical segment and partial holding.
  • The scope of work considered to complete the job.
For a more comprehensive view of what goes into an appraisal report click here: Sample Appraisal Report

After completing the report, what guarantee is there that the value indicated is valid?   (List of questions)

In the documentation of an appraisal, each appraiser must see to it that each of the items below are covered:
  • The appraisal contained an apropos analysis of the information.

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

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

  • That a believable, defensible appraisal report was communicated.
There are rigorous classroom and experience requirements that must be satisfied in order to achieve the designation of "licensed appraiser" in Arkansas. In addition, appraisers must abide by a meticulous industry code of ethics and respect national standards of practice for real estate appraisal. The guidelines for working up an appraisal and reporting its results are insured by enforcement of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).


    (List of questions) Licensing and certification requires coursework, tests and experience working under a supervisor. Once licensed, he/she is required to complete continuing education courses so the license stays up to date. To see the specific requirements for any state click here.

Who are an appraiser's customers?   (List of questions)

Commonly, appraisers are hired by lenders to estimate the value of real estate involved in a loan transaction. Attorneys and CPAs also hire appraisers for asset division and estate settlements.

Where does an appraiser get the data used to estimate values in Randolph County or other areas?   (List of questions)

One of the most important tasks an appraiser performs is to collect data. Data can be divided into Specific or General. Specific data is gathered from the home itself; Location, condition, amenities, size and other specific data are gathered by the appraiser while on site.

General data is received from a many places. Local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) have information 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 last but not least, the appraiser assembles general data from his or her collective knowledge gained from doing assignments for other houses in the same market.

Why do I need a professional appraisal?   (List of questions)

If you're making any kind of financial decision and the value of your home is relevant, you'll want an appraisal. If you're selling your home, an appraisal assists you in setting a price that maximizes profit and reduces time on the market. When buying, be sure you're not overpaying by commissioning an independent appraisal. For parties settling an estate or divorce, an appraisal from Kellett Real Estate Appraisals is the best documentation to ensure assets are split up properly. Simply put, a home is often the single, largest financial asset anybody owns. Knowing its true value means you can make wise financial decisions.

My mortgage statement has an item on it for PMI? Can I get rid of that?   (List of questions)

PMI is the common abbreviation for for Private Mortgage Insurance. This additional policy takes care of the lender if a borrower doesn't pay on the loan and the value of the house is less than the balance of the loan. You can have your PMI dropped once you've achieved 20% equity in your home through appreciation and principal payments.

Has your real estate appreciated since you first purchased? Call Kellett Real Estate Appraisals today at 8708920969 to see if you can save money by removing your Private Mortgage Insurance payment.

How do I get ready for the appraiser?   (List of questions)

The first step in most appraisals is the property inspection. During this process, we 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, make sure it is clutter free and that we can get 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.

To help speed things along plus ensure a more accurate report, try if possible to have the following items:
  • Records on the latest purchase of the property in the last three years.
  • Information on any written private agreements, such as a shared driveway with a neighbor.
  • A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a legal description of the property.
  • Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and enhancements, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of Insulation or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).
  • A copy of the current listing agreement and broker's data sheet and Purchase Agreement if a sale is "pending".

How does an appraiser define "Market Value"?   (List of questions)

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 actually owns the appraisal report?   (List of questions)

For mortgage transactions, the lender requests 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 included with all the other closing documents - but is not allowed 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 stipulate how the appraisal can be used; 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.

Are some home improvements more worthwhile than others?   (List of questions)

The answer to this is different depending upon the location of the home. For example, while quality appliances are attractive, a $7000 built-in refrigerator won't pay off in a neighborhood of moderately priced homes

As a rule, the best ROI from renovating a home comes in the kitchen. One recent study revealed that putting $20,000 into a kitchen remodel would add about $17,500 to the value of the home - or about an 88% return on investment. Bathrooms weren't far behind, returning 85%. Adding bedrooms and baths can also help the value of your home as long as your home doesn't then become atypical for your neighborhood in terms of size.