Best Bay Area Appraiser
RC Appraisal provides the most experienced and professional appraisal services in the San Francisco Bay Area. We specialize in all types of residential real estate appraisals to meet all your requirements.
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I would highly recommend Tony without hesitation.
”Mike Giapitsoglou
CMG Financial
Karen Creagmile, Loan Officer
Mason-McDuffie Mortgage
Claire Sheperdson, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
Ed Tallman, Owner
4 Real Construction
Kent Tierney, Attorney at Law
Tierney & Mercado PC
Arie Cota, Appraisal Desk Coordinator
Guaranteed Rate Mortgage
Best Appraiser Service in the San Francisco Bay Area
Through many years of education, training and experience, RC Appraisal has become a leading appraisal company, consistently delivering accurate residential appraisals with excellent customer service.
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F.A.Q.
Common Questions
What is an appraisal?
An appraisal in its most common form is a written report that leads to an opinion of value. There are three “common approaches to value” which helps the appraiser come to this opinion or valuation. The Sales Comparison Approach deals with finding comparable properties in the vicinity and finding value based on comparing those prior sales to the property being investigated. Being the most common approach, the Sales Comparison Approach is generally the most precise and best indicator of worth for a residence. Another approach is the Cost Approach which is what it would cost to replace the improvements, less physical deterioration and other factors, then adding the land value. The Income Approach is primarily used for finding the value of income-producing properties based on what an investor would pay based on the amount of capital a property would bring in.
Who are our typical Clients?
We provide Appraisals and Appraisal Services for all kinds of different purposes however most commonly our Clients are: CPA’s and Accountants, various types of Law Offices but most commonly for Family Law Practices, Individuals or Trustees or Executors who are in need of an Appraisal for a Trust, Bail Bonds Companies and sometimes when an Appraisal is needed for Probate Appraiser/Appraisal Company can be decided by the Court.
What areas do appraise in?
We are licensed and certified by State of California to provide appraisal services anywhere in the State. Our primary focus however is in and around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Cities in Alameda County: Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, Newark, Albany, Union City, Emeryville, Piedmont and Sunol.
Cities in Contra Costa County: Concord, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Antioch, Richmond, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, San Ramon, Danville, Lafayette, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Orinda, Oakley, Bay Point, Pinole, Moraga, Hercules and Clayton.
Depending on our Clients needs we also provide services in San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, San Joaquin County and Solano County.
What does the Appraisal contain?
Each report must reflect a credible estimate of value and must identify the following:
● The client and other intended users.
● The intended use of the report.
● The purpose of the assignment.
● The type of value reported and the definition of the value reported (most commonly “market value”.
● The effective date of the appraiser’s opinions and conclusions.
● Relevant property characteristics, including location attributes, physical attributes, legal attributes, economic attributes and the real property interest valued.
● All known: easements, restrictions, encumbrances, leases, reservations, covenants, contracts, declarations, special assessments, ordinances, and other items of a similar nature.
● Division of interest, such as fractional interest, physical segment and partial holding.
● The scope of work used to complete the assignment.
Why do I need a professional appraisal?
Anytime the value of your home or other real property is being used to make a significant financial decision, an appraisal helps. If you’re selling your home, an appraisal helps you set the most appropriate value. If you’re buying, it makes sure you don’t overpay. If you’re engaged in an estate settlement or divorce, it ensures that property is divided fairly. A home is often the single, largest financial asset anybody owns. Knowing its true value means you can the right financial decisions.
What does an Appraiser do?
The most important party in discerning the value of a home, an appraiser makes an unbiased opinion on the value of a property used in a real estate transaction. A formal analysis is shown by the appraiser in a report.
What is the difference between an Appraisal and a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA?
To be honest, they have nothing in common. The CMA uses market trends to create most of their business. The appraisal relies on similar valid comparable sales. Location and architectural values are also important in an appraisal. The CMA will provide a non-specific figure. An appraisal delivers a defensible and carefully documented opinion of value.
But the biggest difference is the person creating the report. A CMA is created by a real estate agent who may or may not have a true grasp of the market or valuation concepts. The appraisal is created by a licensed, certified professional who has made a career out of valuing properties. Further, the appraiser is an independent voice, with no vested interest in the value of a home, unlike the real estate agent, whose income is tied to the value of the home.
Who actually owns the Appraisal?
The Appraisal is owned by the person or entity who engages an appraiser directly, most commonly referred to as the client. The appraiser will stipulate in the report and or engagement letter how the appraisal can be used; for PMI removal, or estate planning or tax challenges, for example.
Who do Appraisers work for?
Many Appraisers are self employed and are Licensed or Certified by States in which they perform appraisal related work.