Real Estate News And Views

Realestatelicense.com has created this blog to keep you informed on recent real estate news, views, and topics. Real estate is a very dynamic field. Everyday there's something new and exciting happening in the world of real estate. Use this blog to stay on top of current real estate events, news, and views and support your real estate license and career. As a licensed real estate professional, you need to know this information.

Work with a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser Before You Buy

You just located your dream home. Is the $350,000 asking price fair? Protect your personal interests by seeking the opinion of a real estate appraiser who has successfully completed their appraisal license course..

Protect your interests

If the real estate appraisal reveals your dream home is worth far less than the asking price, negotiate with the seller. If the seller is firm, consider walking away. If you pay $350,000 for the property now, but it appraised for only $275,000, how will you break even if you need to sell? Depending on where you live, market conditions can change and leave you with far less than what you originally paid on your investment. A real estate appraisal will help you make a more informed decision before you buy.

You can't get a loan without it

If you need to finance your home purchase, your lender will require a real estate appraisal before you can purchase the home. Just like the buyer who wants to protect their best interests, so does the lender. A lender does not want to lend a buyer more money than the home is worth.

What to expect

When the real estate appraiser arrives, they typically look at the land, all structures, any improvements and the surrounding neighborhood. They will also review county records (and any other necessary documentation) for data of comparable homes nearby. Based on the collected data, the appraiser provides their unbiased opinion as to the value of the property in the form of an appraisal report. The appraisal report will include three important numbers: the approximate value of the land, the approximate value of the structures on the land and the property's approximate total value. The report should also include an overview of your home, neighborhood and current comparable sales in your vicinity.

Depending on the real estate appraiser's experience and schedule, an appraisal can typically be completed in a day or less for a residential property. The cost for a real estate appraisal will vary from market to market, so contact appraisers in your area to find out their rates.

Selecting a real estate appraiser

If you're working with a licensed real estate agent, they should be able to provide you with a referral. Additionally, your lender may have a panel of real estate appraisers to complete the job.

To find your own appraiser, look in the phone book or online at state and county appraiser websites. Another option is to contact professional associations like the American Society of Appraisers or the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers. Make sure your chosen real estate appraiser is licensed by the state and demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the appraisal process. An appraisal report provided by an unlicensed appraiser is not valid and won't be taken seriously by any lender.

To buy or not to buy

Once the appraisal report is available, thoroughly review the information with a licensed real estate agent. Their experience and advice should help you make the best decision on whether purchasing the home is a smart or rocky investment.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.realestatelicense.com

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Top Reasons to Get Your Appraisal License Now

Now is the perfect time to start a career as a real estate appraiser. A licensed real estate appraiser is a necessary part of every real estate transaction. Each year, countless people buy, sell or refinance their homes. It is a flexible, challenging and vital career that enables you to build a solid future. There are new 2008 regulations approaching - take advantage of options that can lead you to your new career.

- Receive a complete appraisal education ahead of everyone else: A solid foundation is essential for success as a real estate appraiser -- a strong educational background can lead to a rewarding career. The new 150-hour educational requirements provide you with the tools to complete your appraisal training and pass the state exam. Meet your state appraisal requirements before the competition -- the 150 hours are available now!

- Partner with a quality mentor -- A quality mentor can help you fulfill your required hours and give you an advantage in your appraisal career. Make sure that you get paired with a qualified appraiser -- you'll receive valuable hands-on experience that prepares you to transition into a job.

- Be essential to the real estate market: Appraisal services are a vital part of the real estate process -- no home can be sold without an appraiser. You will play an integral role throughout the entire real estate field as a licensed real estate appraiser.

- Increase your opportunities with refinance appraisals: Even in a slow market, there is refinance activity -- your services will be in demand. When people refinance their home, a real estate appraisal is essential, providing an accurate value of the home.

- Start a challenging career: A real estate appraisal career is perfect for individuals looking for a stimulating and thought-provoking opportunity -- those that like to rise to the challenge.

- Enjoy a flexible schedule -- A career as a licensed appraiser affords you the opportunity to set your own schedule. You are not bound to a specific set of hours --arrange your appraisals at times that work for you. Enjoy flexibility in your life with a career that works around your schedule.

- Be your own boss: Imagine being in control of your appraisal career. That is what it's like to be a real estate appraiser. You are in business for yourself, with the ability to make decisions about your future. Marketing, managing and growing your business are all up to you -- you are in charge!

- Work out in the field: As a residential real estate appraiser, you can enjoy work in a variety of settings -- you aren't confined to a desk all day. Enjoy working outside and meeting new people on a daily basis.

- Have a different day, every day -- As an appraiser, each day is different -- you will appraise different houses in different neighborhoods and interact with different people. One day might be spent in the field, while the next is spent in the office preparing your reports. Enjoy a career that offers variety in your workday.

Labels: Appraisal License, real estate appraisal school, Real Estate Appraisers

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2008 Appraisal Courses Available Now!

With January 1, 2008 rapidly approaching, you might wonder about the new regulations and how this affects your appraisal education. At Allied, we've made it simple -- just enroll in the new 150-Hour Appraisal Licensing Package and get a head start on the new appraisal requirements.

The new 2008 AQB regulations require you to complete 150 hours of appraisal education before you can take the state appraisal license exam. The good news is that you can get started now -- and when the new regulations roll around, you'll be ahead of the competition.

You can meet your requirements with Allied's Appraisal Licensing Package. This all-inclusive package includes just what you need:

- 75-Hour Appraisal Licensing Course
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course
- NEW 30-Hour Real Estate Appraisal Sales Comparison Course
- NEW 15-Hour Real Estate Appraisal Market Analysis Course
- NEW 15-Hour Real Estate Appraisal Site Valuation and Cost Course
- State Exam Preparation Materials

The additional 60 hours of education will prepare you for your career as a licensed real estate appraiser. Learn about the most widely-used approaches to determine value for residential property; the theories and methods regarding proper collection and analysis of market data; and the process of determining a final value estimate using various cost approach applications.

You will receive the best package for the best available price -- with the additional 60 hours you need. Why should you enroll now? Because it is the perfect opportunity to start your education while others are waiting for January 1st to get started with their courses. You will have a leg-up when it comes to finishing your education first. That also means that you'll be ready sooner to start your hands-on training with a mentor.

The quality real estate appraisal courses will provide you with a solid foundation for your new career -- with the most up-to-date course materials available. With this package, there's no need to wait to start preparing for your appraisal career. Live student support, Allied's 110% Money Back Promise and industry-leading exam preparation materials will help you succeed.

Be the first to start and the first to get finished. Allied's New Appraisal Licensing Package has the materials you need to get ahead.

Labels: Appraisal License, appraiser career, real estate appraisal school

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