That's a common question that is asked of appraisers every day. Lenders and borrowers don't want to waste their time and money on loans that won't "Appraise Out".  Comp Searches (pre-appraisal market value opinions or sometimes referred as a pencil search) may also seem like good "Customer Service".  

That may appear to be true on the front-end, but those "searches" back-up appraisal production on the back-end (causing delays in appraisal delivery) and generally it's expected that the appraiser will not be compensated for THEIR time!.  Also . . Did you know that checking "comps" and providing an "estimate" of a home's value prior to receiving the appraisal order MAY put the appraiser in violation of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and jepordize their state license? 

Dave Hohman Associates, Inc. prepares all appraisals in compliance with USPAP and Florida State Appraisal Licensing laws.  This protects you, us, and the property owners.  USPAP Advisory Opinion 19  provides some excellent examples and references on this and other  "Unacceptable Appraisal Assignment Conditions" .   

Yes, every profession has inexperienced or unethical members that are willing to do just about anything for a buck.  Our Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board and professional organizations are doing what they can to crack down on illegal and unethical appraisal practices.  Further, the Federal Reserve, FDIC, NCUA, and the Office of Thrift Supervision have recently (10/2003) explained their position on "Appraiser Independence".

At Dave Hohman Associates, Inc., we ONLY accept assignments that we are qualified to perform and in locations that we are familiar with and have complete market data resources.  We do NOT accept assignments "contingent" upon arriving at a particular value.  

"So, what do I do NOW?"

To help you find out what homes are selling for in a particular market area and where your property might fit in that range of sales, Dave Hohman Associates, Inc. has a collection of resources.

Some of the tools are FREE (public data) and may provide you with an overview of the market based on your search criteria.   

Dave Hohman Associates, Inc.can prepare an extensive data search report with sales in Polk County, Florida.  The price for this service is $75.00 (in advance, please). This charge will be applied to the price of the full appraisal service, if ordered. Use our convenient Pay Online page. This service is NOT an appraisal but will provide you with "Neighborhood" or "Market Area" sales data and statistics.  Dave Hohman Associates, Inc. can tailor the search to meet YOUR criteria.   The more specific your request the more reliable and pertinent the search results.