What category do I search for in the phone book to find someone who can estimate the value of our house?

I don’t want a real estate agent, they can only search similar properties which sold. I’d like a bank estimator to find out how much of a mortgage they would allow on the property but banks themselves haven’t given me the name of their appraisers as their appraiser is an employee… Since there isn’t a potential mortgage, the bank itself isn’t involved.


18 Responses to “What category do I search for in the phone book to find someone who can estimate the value of our house?”

  1. hearkat Says:

    Try:
    Real Estate Appraisals

    or here:
    http://www.feeappraiser.com/real_estate_appraisers.htm
    http://www.iami.org/narea.cfm
    http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/
    http://appraiserusa.com/
    http://www.frea.com/

  2. bagsprosh Says:

    Realtors or Real Estate Agents

  3. superboredom Says:

    the yellow pages online.

  4. stowchick01 Says:

    There might be a section on appraisals. Depending on where you are, try yahoo’s yellow pages, might be better than an actual phone book.

  5. A1's Snowbunny Says:

    appraisal

  6. Chelle Says:

    Property appraiser or home inspectors can usually do it and give you a very accurate value on your home.

  7. Regina D Says:

    Look in the Yellow Pages under Property Appraisers/Appraisals

  8. lexxie124 Says:

    definately home appraisals or appraisers.
    An appraisal is an approximate value given to property taking into account date, wear and tear etc.

  9. woman36 Says:

    Here’s an easy way to find out if the house is yours.
    Go to the bank and tell them you are considering refinancing (if you have a mortgage) or taking out an equity loan.
    They will send someone out to appraise it but you don’t have to finalize the loan.

  10. katy Says:

    an appraiser, only for houses not jewlery. i hae he yellow pages so i dont really know or think that is the category but that is the word you are looking for. do a search on the net and forget the phone book!

  11. fortunatelinn Says:

    Appraisers, they do it for a living, you pay them. It cost me 350.00 when my parents both died and I had to get the house appraised. maybe real property appraisers.

  12. AuntieKJ Says:

    visit http://www.zillow.com. It shows you a satelitte view and the most recent value according to the county records, can be more for upgraded features not registered.

  13. J Somethingorother Says:

    Look up real estate appraisers or brokers.

    Better yet, if you are a customer of a bank, ask them…they have someone in the community they use and might be able to recommend.

  14. Gabe R Says:

    real estate

  15. dale5of7 Says:

    I’d look at architects, or engineering catagories. I’m not sure which if either subject they’d be in, but appraisers ARE available. You might end up paying quite a sum for the service though. I don’t know the particulars since it was my parents’ house, but the cost of the appraisal was factored into the mortgage cost for the buyers. (implies that the $ figure was high)

  16. DrGonzo44 Says:

    look up real estate appraisers in the yellow pages. the value of your house is based on what houses similar to your house in your area are selling for.

  17. ZHI FOUNDER Says:

    You should ask around or look in the phone book for appraisers… They are the only ones who do it… You might even try using a mortgage broker (almost any institution that says mortgage lending or funding and isn’t title “Bank” is a mortgage brokerage firm). Look up mortgage broker online… then tell them your looking for a loan (suggest a refinance) and first things first you want an appraisal before you decide it’s worth pulling your credit… They’ll call a local appraiser and he’ll come out and do an appraisal and you’ll pay the avereage $300-$400 and get your appraisal back in a few weeks… If the appraiser doesn’t send it directly to you just tell the mortgage broker to send it to you and then you can tell him you changed your mind about the loan.

    Then you’ll have an appraisal certifying the value of your home… If it’s not your home then you have to convince the owner that you need an appraisal done for what ever reason and the owner follows the steps above…. And if THATS too much work…

    Just call around to the local appraiser in your phone book (or get numbers of some from realtors, title companies, banks, etc…) and find one who will do an appraisal just cause you want one and not because the bank or a lender want’s one… (most wont do it without a lender’s request, so good luck there, but it can be done)

    ANyway the broker is the fastest, surest way to get one and not have your credit pulled with it.

  18. silverystar7 Says:

    Skip the yellow pages! The best place to search for real estate appraisers is through your state’s appraiser licensing board. They probably won’t give any recommendations, but they’ll have the most complete and up-to-date list of residential appraisers in your area. And, you can verify the appraiser’s license status at the same time.

    Call a couple appraisers on the list and let them know that you’d like a quote (aka bid) for an appraisal. See if there are any contingencies in their engagement (such as a retainer, etc.). They’ll want to know the scope of the appraisal service (in your case, a market valuation of a single-family residential home), the property and what sort of timing you’re looking for. While you’re chatting with the appraiser, you can ask about their qualifications and experience in your property type (single-family residential) and market. Whichever appraiser has what your looking for (best fee, best turnound time, best qualifications, etc.) will likely be the one you want to work with.

    Best of luck!

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