What is your turn-around time?
Currently, our turn-around time is 48 business hours after inspection. Complex, rural and multi-unit dwellings may take longer.

Can I get a copy of my appraisal?
Unfortunately if the order was placed by a lender/loan broker we are unable to give the borrower a copy of his/her appraisal even if the borrower paid COD for the report. Due to Federal Regulations, the appraiser has a fiduciary responsibility to the lender that ordered the appraisal and CANNOT reveal any details regarding the appraisal to anyone, including the borrower.

Do you do “Comp Checks”?
Please view our “Comp Check” page for a full explanation of our comparable sales history service and other free services we recommend.

What is your Coverage Area?
We offer residential appraisal service nationwide. Please call us for any appraisal needs.

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Can I get an appraisal update?
Certainly! Utilizing the new Fannie Mae forms, the appraisal update can now only state that the value in the original report has either declined or has not declined. There can be no changing of the value without a new appraisal report.

Do you do commercial appraisals?
Yes, we offer commercial appraisal service nationally.

What is the difference between an AL & AR appraiser license?
The State of California defines an appraiser with an AL license as capable of appraising NON COMPLEX 1-4 unit properties only. Lenders generally use a transaction value of under $1,000,000. For any properties that are complex and/or have a transaction value of over $1,000,000 an AR licensed appraiser must be used. AR appraisers must have more experience and take more classroom hours of education to qualify for the AR designation. Upcoming requirements include a Bachelors degree for an AR designation and an Associates degree for an AL.

Can you invoice me for the appraisal?
We offer 30 day invoicing after completion of the appraisal to loan brokers.

Are values rising or falling?
This is a very good question, and one that cannot be easily answered because they are both rising and falling in different neighborhoods and in different price ranges in the same neighborhood. Contrary to what we read in the papers, Appraisers can only determine a rising or falling market by carefully examining the recent sales and listing data in a neighborhood. These figures, many times, do not match those of the overall market in a city or regional area. Currently, there are numerous sales in San Francisco, for example, that are selling above list price with multiple offers in an overall market that statistically shows a decline in market values.

Typically, in areas that have new home construction, values are declining as the stock available is greater than the demand. However, in areas with no recent tract developments and a shortage of vacant land such as San Francisco, values can be either stable or rising or if declining, they are declining at a slower pace.

What can I expect when the appraiser arrives at my home for the inspection?
An appraiser must measure the exterior dimensions of the improvements (home, garage, outbuildings etc.); take photos of the exterior and interior of the home; and finally complete a visual inspection of the property and note its salient features. For an experienced appraiser, this can take as little as 10 minutes. For an inexperienced appraiser this can take as long as an hour. Typically, and appraiser will take about 20 to 30 minutes for the entire inspection.

Which home renovations add the most to the price?
The answer to this is different depending upon the location of the home. Different markets value amenities differently. Adding a central air conditioner in Houston, Texas may add significant value, while putting one in a home located in Buffalo, New York might not have much impact.

As a rule, the most value returned from renovating a home comes in the kitchen. 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 were second, returning 85%.

What is the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection?
The appraiser is not a home inspector nor does he/she do a complete home inspection. An inspection is a third-party evaluation of the accessible structure and mechanical systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The standard home inspector's report will include an evaluation of the condition of the home's heating system, 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.

If you have any other questions please call Presta Appraisal at 415.332.9696 or email orders@prestaappraisal.com.