Some property owner downplays the importance of appraisal. In determining the price of certain properties for example, some still uses the zonal value as a benchmark in knowing the worth of the property. Other sees the appraisal as a process of comparing the listing price of properties in an area. There are price-sensitive client that bargains in lowering appraiser’s fee, while there are also reliant on the opinion of certain real estate practitioners in pricing their properties to evade in paying the appraisal fee.

There are financial implications on relying to non-expert in real estate valuation. If the practitioner missed some current comparable evidence, is weak in the technical analysis, or errs in the interpretation of data, it might result in aggregate loss in the real estate transaction or losing the whole transaction itself.

In our experience, with the help of an appraisal, a property owner was able to make a sound bank loan. An investor uses the advice of an appraiser to quantify risk and project yield; a landowner has successfully inked a joint venture deal using the appraisal; an asset manager gets advice that makes him or her wise decision maker; and a lawyer is able to rely on appraisers’ expertise in litigation and court testimony.

Appraisal is not a simple process or just a mandated evil for which a client grudgingly pays as little as possible. Appraisal is a service that, if competent and timely, brings a benefit to a client that far outweighs the fee.

Appraisal report is a living document forming the very foundation for decision making. Where else is a client going to get such a detailed investigation of his or her property and its market?  It is not just a document that the banker throws into a file and the client never sees.

In today’s changing real estate market, solving the issues is the most invaluable contribution of the appraiser.