FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is FREE preliminary research still available?
What is your typical turn around time?
How much experience does Ross Walker and Associates Network have?
How can you provide incredible service without sending us an invoice?
Can Ross Walker and Associates provide VIP service to me?
Why is an appraisal so important?
How does an appraisal differ from a home inspection or survey?
What can I do to help the appraisal process?
Do appraisers use a different definition of value than Realtors?
 

Q: Is FREE preliminary research still available?
A: Yes! - We will be happy to research any property for you.   Please understand that our research will be based on what tax records indicate the property provides and that tax records are often incorrect.   Our research department is separate from our appraisal department so that your research requests won’t be seen as appraisal orders where our employment is contingent upon reaching a predetermined value.   Naturally, if our preliminary research looks favorable, we ask that you order a full appraisal right away.   By the way, whenever an appraisal is ordered, we automatically perform preliminary research and contact you if there are any problems.   Since tax records are wrong about half the time, we suggest that you allow us to visit the property to confirm what it provides in the way of living area and amenities.   If we still have a value problem or if we discover a value related problem during our inspection, we will contact you again.   At this “halfway” point, you will be given the option to have us stop our work for half the fee or to have us complete a full appraisal report you can give to the borrower.   Give us a call anytime!!
↑ Back to top

Q: What is your typical turn around time?
A: Ross Walker and Associates knows that prompt service is the number one concern for our clients.   Our entire operation is geared to finishing appraisals in three working days or less! While many appraisal firms take ten working days (two weeks) to complete an appraisal, our clients receive most reports in just THREE DAYS.   Once we receive an appraisal request, we immediately fax a receipt to the client confirming the order.   Within minutes, we arrange for an appraiser to set an appointment to visit the property.   In many cases, we can quickly set an appointment to visit the property the same day or the following day.   Please be advised that the day we are allowed to visit the property is our first working day.   Email delivery of the completed appraisal is anticipated by the end of the third working day provided there is no problem securing advance payment for our services.   If clients want hard copies overnighted, reports will be received the following day via express mail.  
↑ Back to top

Q: How much experience does Ross Walker and Associates Network have?
A: Experience, expertise and a focus on customer service! Appraisers on our team have as much as 33 years of full time appraisal experience here in the Oregon.   We have the expertise and all the technical tools needed to prepare credible, defensible appraisal reports for each property.   We leave no stone unturned in our search for every dollar of fair market value.   Everyone on our team has a very strong desire to provide VIP service to all of our clients.  
↑ Back to top

Q: How can you provide incredible service without sending us an invoice?
A: Simple - we collect our appraisal fee directly from the borrower when we visit the home, we have the buyer provide us their payment via electronic debt, or we can accept their credit card payment by PayPal if a purchase is involved .   If a lender normally collects payment for the appraisal from the borrower, the borrower's check or the lender's check can be sent to us via overnight mail with the appraisal request.   In many cases, we will be able to pickup advance payment from the lender's office.   Our strong desire is to help our clients stay out of the "accounting loop" for payment of our appraisal fees.   Since we no longer spend one third of each day trying to collect old, unpaid invoices, we can now spend 100% of our time appraising - and we can complete appraisals more efficiently.   The last time you changed appraisers, you wanted improved service, a competitive advantage and every dollar of market value on each appraisal.   Can you deny yourself these same benefits now? Make this change for the better - and you’ll look good!!!
↑ Back to top

Q: Can Ross Walker and Associates provide VIP service to me?
A: VIP Service - about 20% of our service capacity is available for a select group of new clients & homeowners.   In addition to conventional, multi-family and condominium appraisals, we are also FHA approved! We will be happy to overnight mail or hand deliver your completed appraisals!! However, if you prefer immediate delivery of your appraisal via the Internet, we have the software to make it happen.   We welcome the opportunity to be of service! Let us pamper you with our wide range of services! You'll have peace of mind as we make your job a little easier!
↑ Back to top

Q: Why is an appraisal so important?
A: Stop guessing about real estate value! An accurate appraisal is very important because so much national wealth lies in real estate that the determination of its value is critical to the economic well being of society as a whole.   It is the charge of the professional appraiser to determine these values by gathering, analyzing and applying data pertinent to a property.   Without question, the professional opinion of the appraiser, backed by extensive training and knowledge, influences the decisions of people who own, manage, sell, purchase, invest in and lend money on the security of real estate.   Also, since the appraiser is trained to be an impartial third party in the lending process, the appraisal serves as a vital "check in the system" and protects buyers from overpaying for property as well as lenders from over-lending to borrowers.   An appraisal is a lot more than a “price per square foot” exercise.  
↑ Back to top

Q: How does an appraisal differ from a home inspection or survey?
A: An appraisal is an independent, objective opinion or value.   The appraiser is not a home inspector, engineer, architect, electrician, plumber or contractor.   The appraiser carefully inspects the house to determine the floorplan and the general overall condition.   An appraisal does not include a guarantee of condition.   The appraiser will observe any apparent problems and recommend appropriate specialized inspections.   The appraisal will estimate the financial impact on market value resulting from such problems.   Clients are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of experts regarding the structural or mechanical aspects of a home.   Oregon requires all real estate appraisers to be, at a minimum, state licensed and have fulfilled rigorous education and experience requirements and must adhere to strict industry standards and a professional code of ethics as promulgated by the Appraisal Foundation.  
↑ Back to top

Q: What can I do to help the appraisal process?
A: Several items, if available, will help your appraiser to prepare a more accurate appraisal in less time.   A survey of the house & property, a deed or title report showing the legal description, a recent tax bill, a copy of the original house plans, a list of recent improvements and any other related information would certainly be appreciated.   A cashier’s check or money order as payment for the appraisal would also reduce our turn-around time.  
↑ Back to top

Q: Do appraisers use a different definition of value than Realtors?
A: Highest possible selling price versus most probable selling price.   Realtors are obligated by their fiduciary relationship with the property owner to try to sell a property for its “highest possible” selling price.   That is the definition of value that Realtors employ.   The definition of value for real estate appraisers is different.   Appraisers rely on fair market value.   Fair market value is defined as the “most probable” price that a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller, each acting prudently, knowledgeably and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus.   Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby: (1) buyer and seller are typically motivated; (2) both parties are well informed or well advised; (3) a reasonable time is allowed for exposure to the open market; (4) payment is made in terms of cash in U.S.   dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and (5) the price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.  
↑ Back to top