I think with the large run up in values and now a decline in values for the past few years the average homeowner has a better understanding of what an appraiser does. They realize we cannot do the appraisal inspection and then give them an opinion of value immediately. They realize that an appraisal is not a home inspection. They understand that we need to drive the neighborhood and get photos of comparables sales and listings, then enter the information from the inspection, public records, multiple listing systems and discussion with realtors/builders and the homeowner themselves into our appraisal report. Then quantative and qualitative adjustments are made. Finally the data and the appropriate approaches (almost always the Market Data Approach, sometimes the Cost and/or Income Approach). This usually takes a workday or two, not 2 or 3 hours.

Home owners are usually aware that although they pay for the appraisal they are not usually the client in sales and refinance transactions. The client is the party or parties who actually order the appraisal, usually the lender.  I used to be often asked by the homeowner to call them and let them know what the value is. Now they understand that they need to get that information from their lender who will also provide them a copy of the appraisal per state laws.

To become an appraiser in Arizona I was required to take 120 hours of Qualfying Education Classes and then train for 2000 hours under a licensed appraiser.
Like most professions the longer in business the more proficient you become, however you need to keep up with changing technology, professional standards and laws. To achieve this appraisers take 28 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

The next step in licensing was the Certified Residential Appraiser. Because I have a Bachelor of Arts degree I just needed to take another 200 hours of classes and take the Certified Residential Exam. I passed the exam and am now a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser.

If you would like any additional Tucson Appraisal information, please call 520-440-5152