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Q & A For Homeowners
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How do I choose an appraiser?
Choosing the correct appraiser to value your home is a very important task regardless of why you need an appraisal. An accurate and fair appraisal can be crucial to your current and future financial well being. You will want to find an appraiser who is interested in finding the accurate value of your home to the best of their ability. Choose someone who is familiar with the area you live in, and someone who is willing to take the time and answer any questions that you might have. If an appraiser with a "Registered" designation is doing your appraisal, ask if they are being closely supervised. A company that has great customer service and is current with appraisal technology will also be helpful.
What is an appraisal?
Although there is no standard accepted definition of the word "appraisal",
the following can be used as a guideline: "An appropriately supported objective and unbiased
opinion of the value, as of a specific date, of an adequately and accurately described property,
made by a qualified person who has no undisclosed interest in the property".*
Why would I need an appraisal if I am not refinancing?
There are multiple reasons why someone may want an appraisal; however, the most
common reasons to get an appraisal done on your home if you are not refinancing are listed below.
An appraisal can be completed for a homeowner who is about to put their house on the market, to determine an
accurate and fair price.
An appraisal can be done to contest a tax assessment.
An appraisal can be done to remove a homeowner's mortgage insurance.
What is (MI) Mortgage Insurance?
Your mortgage company will be able to explain your mortgage insurance, and the
terms surrounding your mortgage insurance more specifically if needed. Basically, mortgage insurance
is part of your monthly payment that your mortgage company charges if you owe a specific percent of what
your home is worth. Typically, if you owe more than 80% of the value of your home, you will be paying
mortgage insurance. If you live in an area where housing prices are increasing, it may be possible to
remove your mortgage insurance and save a substantial amount of money each month. Most lenders will
require that you live in your home for at least 1 year, and that you owe less than 80% of the value
of your home. Contact your lender for their specific requirements.
After you contact your lender, we will be happy to help you through the process. Our office staff
is educated on mortgage insurance removal, and we can tell you what to do next.
Can I choose an appraiser for my lender to use?
Yes. In most cases, you should be able to request an appraiser for your
loan transaction. Some companies may have in-house appraisers that they prefer to use. In that
instance, you will have to determine if that appraiser is acceptable to you.
What if my lender says that Appraisal Headquarters, Inc. is not on their approved appraiser list?
At Appraisal Headquarters, Inc., one thing that we pride ourselves on is being dedicated
to customer service. If you call us with your lender's name and phone number, we will contact them
immediately and find out what their requirements are to be added to their approved appraiser list.
We will submit all of the information needed within 24 hours of talking to your lender. We have
taken many strides to be listed on every approved appraiser list that we come into contact with;
however, we welcome the opportunity to be placed on more!
How long will it take to get an appraisal completed on my home?
1-2 days after inspection for a typical single family residence. Difficult or unique homes may take 2-3 days longer.
How do I find a lender?
Just like finding a good appraiser, finding a good lender is equally crucial.
Most importantly, you will want to find someone who is available to answer all of your questions.
Look for someone who is professional, that you feel comfortable with. Because we work with a variety of
lenders, we have chosen to list some of them on our web-site. Our staff is not familiar with their
loan programs, and cannot help you with the details of your loan. This list is provided for your
convenience only. If you would like to see the list of lenders, please click HERE.
Q & A For Lenders
How will the expansion work?
We are making arrangements with appraisers across the country to server our lenders with the superior service you are used to. We require that each appraiser meet the high standards we hold all our original Colorado appraisers to. We make sure the appraiser is experienced and reputable. We find the best of the best. We then make sure they are competitive with their prices and turn-around times. You do not need to do anything different when ordering outside of Colorado; we take care of everything. All you have to do is send over the order.
When will the expansion be complete?
Our goal is to cover the entire United States by the end of 2005; all 50 states! We are adding new states all the time. You have access to up to the minute information via this website. There is a map of the United States on our homepage. You can use this map to access information about prices, turn-around times, and types of appraisals we do in each area. Simply click on the state you need, then click on the county. If you have any questions contact our Expansion Department, at
(800) 965-6580 ext. 113.
How long will it take to have an appraisal completed?
The office staff at Appraisal Headquarters, Inc. works diligently to contact each homeowner the same day we get an order. Usually, you will receive your appraisal 1-2 days after the inspection.
Why do I sometimes get voicemail when I call your main number?
We are dedicated to excellent customer service, and we try to answer every phone call personally. However, there are occasions when you may get our voicemail system. The system is set up to be user friendly and help you find the person you need. Please feel confident that when you leave a message, your call will be returned as soon as possible. If you feel that you are getting voicemail more than occasionally, please use the "ask a question" option at the bottom of this page to let us know.
Is Appraisal Headquarters, Inc. current with technology?
Yes. We have made it a priority to stay on top of technology in the appraisal field. We are capable of e-mailing appraisals, we provide digital pictures and electronic signatures, you can use this web-site as a full service site, and we are current with all office equipment.
How do you get appraisals to me if I am located outside of Northern Colorado?
There are different ways to get the appraisal to you, and we are willing to accommodate whichever option you choose.
- We are EDI ready, which means we can e-mail your appraisal at no charge.
- We can mail your appraisal at our expense.
- We can over-night your appraisal and use your courier account number.
- We can over-night your appraisal and charge an extra $25.00 on the appraisal invoice.
How can I get appraisals through e-mail?
It is very easy to receive your appraisal through e-mail. If you are on this site reading this answer, you are capable of doing what it takes! Click HERE and follow the EDI directions.
Can I talk directly to the appraiser?
All of our appraisers are required to communicate well with the office staff, so that when you call with questions, we are able to assist you immediately. It will always be in your best interest to ask Kate or Janie your question first. If they are unable to help you, they will direct you to the appraiser's voicemail, which then pages the appraiser. Our goal is to answer your questions and resolve your issues in the most efficient way possible. If your prefer, wel will give you the appraiser's cell phone number.
How do I order an appraisal?
You may order an appraisal 3 different ways:
- Call the office at 800-965-6580, and we will fax you an order form to fill out
- Use our online Order Form, fill out the order form and submit it to our office.
- Use our online Order Form, print out the form, fill it out, and fax it to our office
(970) 686-6581.
* Definition from: Appraising Residences & Income Properties by Henry S. Harrison
Nicole Hein, President of Appraisal Headquarters, Inc. and Certified Appraiser, provided all other answers.
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