We Are Your Local Appraisal Company

For two decades we have been providing real estate appraiser services locally. We are a Sacramento Real Estate Appraisal company that specializes exclusively in appraisals of residential real estate properties.  We provide real estate appraisal service throughout the Sacramento area. We are a fully Licensed and Certified Appraiser. We focus on providing excellent service which always includes quality appraisal reporting, attention to detail, and quick turnaround. Our clients include top lender’s nationwide, Realtors local attorneys, accountants just to name a few. If your looking for a Sacramento Real Estate Appraiser our size lends itself to personalized real estate appraisal service and our goal is to establish long term relationships with like minded clients. When you call us you will be speaking to Bart C. Nathan a Certified Real Estate Appraiser. 

Appraisal  Services  We  Provide

Estate Settlement
Bail Bond
Date Of Death

Mortgage
Bankruptcy
Tax Appeal

PMI Removal
Pre-Listing
Divorce

Properties We Appraise

Tract Homes, New & Proposed Construction, Waterfront, Special Views, Custom, Luxury, Unique, Beneficial and Adverse Property Conditions

Single Family Homes

Multi Family 2-4 Units

Condos & Townhomes

Why Choose Us?

High Quality Appraisal Reports
Short Turn Around Times
Electronic Delivery
Competitive Pricing
Certified Appraiser/FHA Approved
Advanced Tools and Software
Local Real Estate Knowledge
Flexible Inspection Scheduling
Specialized Services
We Care about our Business
Qualified and Ethical

APPRAISAL QUOTE

Accurate Real Estate Appraisal Services

Sactown Appraisals has excelled to the top of our field by offering great customer service, accurate appraisals. We   value our clients and realize that repeat business is the key to our success. As a Real estate appraiser we believe in the highest level of professionalism and integrity. We are always committed to providing the highest quality property appraisal service to our clients. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment for each client through strong communication, market data, professional certification in all aspects of home appraisal process. In fulfilling this mission we measure our success by our professional advancement and local knowledge of appraising real estate.

Frequently Asked Appraisal Questions

Does a Messy Home Affect an Appraisal

Nope.

Appraisers try to look past all that. But sometimes, a messy home indicates a home that isn’t being well taken care of. And clutter may actually hide rot, waste, and water damage. So while appraisers may not consider it in home value, it may add time to the appraisal or raise additional questions.

What shoud I do to Prepare for the Appraisal?

1. Ensure Proper Safety Equipment: The initial step in preparing for an appraisal involves verifying that essential safety equipment in your home is installed and functioning well. Here's a checklist of items to inspect:
   • Carbon monoxide alarms
   • Smoke alarms 
   • Double strapped water heater
2. Assess Appliances and Mechanical Systems: Appliances and mechanical systems are integral to the appraisal process. Check the functionality of any appliances, heating elements, or systems that haven't been used recently. Address any repairs needed before the appraiser marks them as non-functional on the report. The appraiser will inspect appliances like dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, ovens, ranges, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other major appliances. Additionally, evaluate your home's mechanical systems, including cooling, electrical, heating, and plumbing.
3. Enhance Curb Appeal: Elevate your home's value by up to 7% by enhancing its curb appeal, as indicated by a joint study by the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Alabama. Prior to the appraisal, improve your home's external appearance by:
   • Adding colorful flowers
   • Clearing ice and snow from walkways and driveways during winter
   • Mowing the lawn
   • Applying mulch in flower beds or around trees
   • Removing clutter such as toys, bikes, and yard tools
   • Eliminating dead trees and plants
   • Trimming overgrown trees and shrubbery Also, ensure that fences, porches, and decks are structurally sound, considering painting or replacing boards that show signs of wear.
4. Address Necessary Repairs and Deterioration: Thoroughly inspect your house for any damage that could pose safety risks or negatively impact its appearance. Any neglected aspects could harm your appraisal, making it crucial to look for and rectify:
   • Blocked gutters
   • Cracks or damage to foundation, siding, windows, and doors
   • Damage to weather stripping around doors and windows
   • Excessive wear and tear on floors and walls
   • Mold or mildew near showers and bathtubs
   • Roof leaks Taking the time to refinish floors, address mold and mildew, or repaint walls with outdated colors can increase your home's value.
5. Inspect Attic, Basement, and Garage for Damage: Thoroughly examine the attic, basement, and garage for any signs of water damage and infestations. Look for any unpleasant odors, as appraisers may make notes regarding odors of mold or leakage. Clean these areas and ensure they are well-maintained, particularly after treating the house for an infestation.
6. Prioritize Cleaning (Though Not Mandatory): Although not mandatory, a clean house can significantly enhance its appeal and, consequently, its value. According to Realtor.com, cleanliness, pleasant scents, and overall tidiness can subconsciously influence appraisers. Here's a checklist of cleaning tasks to consider before the appraisal:
   • Clean appliances like the microwave and refrigerator
   • Dust visible surfaces
   • Power-wash the deck, driveway, and walkway
   • Vacuum the interiors
   • Declutter the spaces
   • Sweep and mop the floors
   • Wipe down walls and doors
   • Clean windows and mirrors If you usually keep small kitchen appliances on the countertop, consider storing them away for the appraisal. A clean and clutter-free home looks newer and more appealing to appraisers and potential buyers.
7. Document Recent Repairs and Upgrades: Maintain a well-organized list or folder containing all recent repairs and upgrades completed in your house. While appraisers are trained to recognize improvements, they may not know when these were done unless you inform them. Record upgrades and repairs, including bathroom/vanity renovations, countertop replacements, gutter replacements, HVAC replacements, new flooring, additions to the house, roof repairs or replacements, and siding replacements. Informing your appraiser about your investments in maintaining and improving your house will positively influence their opinion of its value.
8. Highlight Neighborhood Amenities or Features: Finally, during your home's preparation for appraisal, provide the appraiser with information about the amenities or features in your neighborhood, such as community centers, golf courses, libraries, local attractions, medical centers, museums, natural features, parks, pools, restaurants, schools, and shopping centers. These factors can add value to your home, and there's a designated section for this information on the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report. Even experienced local appraisers might not be familiar with your neighborhood or its perks, making it beneficial to share this information.
   
   

What improvements or renovations would enhance the property's value?

1. Kitchen Renovation: A modern, updated kitchen is a significant selling point for homes. Renovations may include new countertops, cabinets, flooring, lighting, and high-quality appliances. An open-concept kitchen design can also enhance the overall appeal.
2. Bathroom Remodel: Upgrading bathrooms can add value. Consider installing new fixtures, updating the shower or bathtub, improving lighting, and adding storage. A fresh, contemporary look with neutral tones often appeals to a wide range of buyers.
3. Energy-Efficient Improvements: Incorporating energy-efficient features such as LED lighting, double-pane windows, insulation upgrades, and energy-efficient HVAC systems can lower utility costs and increase a property's appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
4. Curb Appeal Enhancements: First impressions matter. Improving the property's exterior with landscaping, a well-maintained lawn, fresh paint, a new roof, or updated siding can greatly enhance curb appeal, attracting potential buyers.
5. Flooring Upgrades: Installing new, high-quality flooring such as hardwood, laminate, or engineered wood can elevate the property's aesthetic and perceived value. Quality flooring is often a major selling point.
6. Adding Additional Living Space: Converting an attic, basement, or garage into a functional living space, such as a bedroom, office, or game room, can add square footage and increase the property's value. Buyers often appreciate versatile living spaces.
7. Deck or Patio Addition: Outdoor living spaces are highly desirable. Adding a deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen can extend living space and create an appealing area for entertaining, potentially boosting the property's value.
8. Smart Home Technology: Integrating smart home features like smart thermostats, security systems, automated lighting, and smart locks can enhance the property's modernity and attract tech-savvy buyers.
9. Storage Solutions: Ample and well-organized storage, including built-in closets, shelves, or storage rooms, can increase the property's functionality and appeal to prospective buyers.
10. Fresh Paint and Interior Updates: A fresh coat of neutral paint can make a space feel clean and new. Updating fixtures, handles, and other minor details can also enhance the property's overall look and feel.
11. Open Floor Plan: If feasible, removing non-load-bearing walls to create an open floor plan can modernize the property and improve the flow of the living space, appealing to contemporary homebuyers.
    

Property owners should carefully assess their property, consider the preferences of their target market, and invest in improvements that align with both current market trends and potential buyers' expectations. Additionally, consulting with a real estate professional or appraiser can provide valuable guidance on which renovations will likely yield the highest return on investment.

What Factors Influence the Property's Value?

1. Location: Location is often considered the most significant factor affecting a property's value. It encompasses various aspects such as neighborhood desirability, proximity to amenities, schools, transportation, and overall accessibility. Properties in prime locations with low crime rates, good schools, and convenient access to shopping and entertainment tend to have higher values.
   
2. Size and Layout: The size of a property, including both the land and the structure, plays a crucial role. Larger properties often have higher values, but efficient use of space and a well-thought-out layout are equally important. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and the overall flow of the property are key considerations in assessing value.
   
3. Condition and Age: The condition of a property is vital in determining its value. Well-maintained properties and those with recent updates or renovations generally have higher values. Conversely, older properties or those in need of repairs may be valued lower due to the potential costs associated with improvements.
   
4. Features and Amenities: Unique features and amenities can significantly impact a property's value. This includes features like swimming pools, garages, energy-efficient systems, smart home technology, high-end appliances, and quality finishes. Desirable amenities can attract buyers and potentially increase a property's value.
   
5. Market Trends and Demand: Real estate market trends and demand for certain types of properties can influence their value. Supply and demand dynamics in the market, as well as shifts in preferences among buyers, can impact property values positively or negatively. Appraisers consider these trends when evaluating a property's worth.
   
6. Economic Factors: The broader economic environment, including interest rates, inflation, employment rates, and local economic stability, can affect property values. A robust economy with low unemployment rates and favorable interest rates typically drives higher property values.
   
7. Comparable Sales (Comps): Recent sales of similar properties (comps) in the vicinity provide a benchmark for appraisers to determine a property's value. Comparable sales help in understanding the market value based on what buyers are willing to pay for similar properties.
   
8. Zoning and Regulations: Zoning laws and regulations imposed by local authorities can impact a property's use and value. These regulations dictate what can be built on the property, how it can be used, and can influence its overall value.
   

Appraisers consider these factors collectively, using their expertise to analyze and weigh each element to arrive at a fair and accurate market value for the property being appraised.

How Long will the Appraisal Inspection Take?

The duration of an appraisal inspection can vary based on several factors, including the property's size, complexity, condition, and intended use of the appraisal. On average, a residential property appraisal inspection typically takes 30 minutes to several hours. Here are some key considerations that can influence the length of an appraisal inspection:

1. Property Size and Complexity: Larger or more complex properties, such as expansive estates or large outbuilding, may require a longer inspection due to the increased square footage, multiple structures, or specialized features that need thorough evaluation.
   
2. Condition and Maintenance: The condition of the property can influence the inspection time. A property in good condition with proper maintenance may require less time for inspection, whereas a property in poor condition or in need of repairs may necessitate a more detailed examination.
   
3. Property Type: Residential properties like single-family homes, condominiums, or townhouses typically have shorter inspection times compared to multifamily properties or homes on acerage.
   
4. Purpose of the Appraisal: The intended use of the appraisal can impact the depth and length of the inspection. An appraisal for a sale might focus on different aspects compared to an appraisal for  purposes or a refinancing appraisal.
   
5. Accessibility and Availability: Ease of access to different areas of the property and the availability of necessary documentation can affect the efficiency of the inspection. Unrestricted access to all parts of the property can expedite the process.
6. Appraiser's Experience and Process: An experienced appraiser familiar with the property type and location may conduct a more efficient and thorough inspection. Their streamlined process and proficiency can influence the duration of the inspection.
7. Client-Specific Requirements: Specific client requirements or additional inspection tasks requested by the client can extend the overall inspection time.

It's essential for the appraiser to be thorough during the inspection, carefully documenting the property's features, condition, and any relevant details that contribute to the property's value. The accuracy and comprehensiveness of the inspection are critical for an accurate appraisal report. After the inspection, the appraiser will use the gathered data to perform the necessary analyses and calculations to determine the property's appraised value.

How Long will it take to Complete the Appraisal Report?

The time it takes to receive the appraisal report, also known as the turnaround time, can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the appraisal, the workload of the appraiser or appraisal company, and the specific requirements of the client or lender. A non complex appraisal report can be complete in one day if its a rush but usually takes about 3-5 days for most properties. Here are some general considerations regarding the turnaround time for an appraisal report:

1. Type and Complexity of Appraisal: The type of property being appraised and its complexity can influence the time it takes to complete the appraisal report. More complex properties may require a more detailed analysis, potentially extending the turnaround time.
   
2. Appraisal Scope and Purpose: The intended use of the appraisal and the scope of work agreed upon with the client can affect the timeline. An appraisal for a standard home sale may have a shorter turnaround time compared to a complex commercial property appraisal.
3. Appraiser's Workload: The appraiser's current workload and schedule can impact how quickly the report can be completed. If an appraiser has a busy schedule or is working on multiple appraisals simultaneously, it may take longer to finalize the report.
4. Efficiency of the Appraisal Process: The efficiency and organization of the appraisal process within the appraisal firm can affect the speed of completing the report. Streamlined procedures and effective communication can expedite the process.
5. Client or Lender Requirements: Specific requirements from the client or lender, such as additional reviews, adjustments, or clarifications, may extend the time needed to finalize the report.
6. Availability of Comparable Data: Access to recent and relevant comparable sales data, which is crucial for the sales comparison approach, can impact the speed at which the appraisal report is completed.
7. Local Market Conditions: The dynamics of the local real estate market can also influence the availability of necessary data and potentially affect the turnaround time.

Appraisers strive to complete appraisal reports in a timely and efficient manner while maintaining accuracy and quality. It's advisable to discuss the expected turnaround time with the appraiser or appraisal company at the beginning of the appraisal process to manage expectations and plan accordingly. Typically, residential appraisal reports may take a few days to a couple of weeks to be delivered after the property inspection.

What Does a Real Estate Appraiser Do?

Real Estate Appraisers are experts at home value estimates. Anytime you need a professional opinion of the value of your home or other real property is being used to make a significant financial decision. If you're selling your home it can help 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 is the value of your home? Gathering data is one of the primary roles of an appraiser. Data can be divided into Specific and General. Specific data is gathered from the home itself. Location, condition, amenities, size and other specific data are gathered by the appraiser during an inspection.

General data is gathered from a number of sources. Sacramento Real Estate Appraisers near me use Metrolist (MLS) which provides data on recently sold homes that might be used as comparables. Property tax records, assessment, assessor's maps and other public documents verify actual sales prices in the Sacramento market. Flood zone data is gathered from FEMA map data outlets, such as a la mode's InterFlood product. And most importantly, the appraiser gathers general data from his or her past experience in creating appraisals for other properties in the same market.

Choosing an Real Estate Appraiser to Appraise my Home?

​Choosing an appraiser and deciding on the most appropriate appraiser for your specific property type and use. The precise, intuitive skills that consumers apply to most goods and services are the product of years of involvement of a Sacramento Real Estate Appraisal Company comparing the prices and quality of various assets. These know-hows are often lacking when it comes to real estate agreements, and are not equal when it comes to appraisers. The purchase or sale of residential real estate may be one of the biggest financial transactions a individual will ever make, so the reliability and competence of a territorial appraiser are especially crucial. Evidence and assurance of ability and practice should be a top priority to end users.

As a property appraiser we are specialists in appraising real estate properties. The state offers three categories of licenses for this profession. The licenses include the Trainee, State Certified Residential, and State Certified General categories. If you need an appraiser you will be looking for either a State Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser license. The trainee status is an apprenticeship for a minimum of two years under a certified licensed appraiser. The trainee should not be advertising or running a business by law.

If the property were a typical residential property, the State Certified Residential Appraiser would be the minimum license to consider. If the property were a commercial property or a residential property with unusual attributes, a State-Certified General Appraiser would be the minimum license to consider. However, license alone is not a qualification. The consumer should interview the appraiser to qualify them to appraise the property. The following will address some areas to question the appraiser prior to the engagement.

Why should we choose Sactown Appraisals?

Sactown Appraisals is your trusted partner for accurate and reliable real estate appraisals. As a certified property appraisal company, we specialize in providing comprehensive valuation services for residential properties. We are experienced real estate appraisers is dedicated to ensuring precise and professional assessments to help you make informed decisions.

At Sactown Appraisals, we understand the importance of having a clear understanding of your property's value. Whether you're looking for a home appraisal, or need assistance with any appraisal questions we are here to assist you every step of the way. Our services adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in our property valuations.

As a reputable real estate appraisal company, we strive to offer transparent and cost-effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to provide you with the information necessary to make well-informed real estate decisions. From determining home value appraisals to offering insights into the real estate appraisal process, we are committed to guiding you through the complexities of property valuation.
We are certified real estate appraisers. We're proud to be your reliable choice for all your property appraisal needs. Trust us for accurate, timely, and professional real estate valuations that stand up to the most rigorous scrutiny.