Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve Got Questions. I’ve Got Answers
How much do you charge for an appraisal?
Our base (standard fee) for most Whatcom County residential appraisals is $650. That fee is subject to change based upon complexity, location, and other factors. Contact us for more information!
How long does it take to get my appraisal report back?
Typically a residential appraisal report is completed within 7 to 10 business days after the property inspection. This is subject to change based upon appraiser availability and workload.
How do you determine the value of my home?
The Appraiser will research your property, find comparable properties in which to compare it to, and analyze the differences in order to determine a fair market value. Contact us for more information!
How is your appraisal different from the Tax Assessor's office?
The Tax Assessor uses a "mass appraisal" model for assessing the value of homes in a given area. Mass appraisal is a process which utilizes common data, standardized methods, and statistical testing, to determine a group of properties' value as of a given date.
A real estate appraisal is based solely on your property and its attributes. The appraiser searches the market for the most comparable recent sales that could be considered a "substitute" for your property. The appraiser then utilizes adjustments to analyze those recent sales in order to determine a fair market value for your property.