Residential reports typically involve valuating residential properties such as houses, 1-4 unit multifamily, and townhouses. The purpose of these reports can vary – they can be used for mortgage lending, taxation, investment, insurance, or sale purposes. Here’s an outline of what our experience with residential reports look like as a professional real estate appraiser:

1. Property Inspection: This is a crucial part of the appraisal process. It involves visiting the property and examining its condition, size, number of rooms, and any unique features. The aim is to gather as much information about the property as possible to help in estimating its value.
2. Market Research and Data Collection: This involves researching recent sales of comparable properties in the same area. Factors such as location, proximity to amenities, and neighborhood characteristics also come into play. Public records and multiple listing services are often used to obtain this data.
3. Report Writing: After inspection and research, the appraiser compiles the residential report. This report includes a thorough explanation of how the appraiser determined the value of the property. It will also contain photographs, sketches, and maps of the property and the area.
4. Valuation Approach: There are three main approaches to value – the Sales Comparison Approach, the Cost Approach, and the Income Approach. The most common for residential properties is the Sales Comparison Approach, which involves comparing the property to similar ones that have recently sold in the area (principal of substitution).
5. Continuing Education: Like all professional fields, the real estate sector also evolves over time. New methods, changes in regulations or laws, and shifts in the housing market can all impact the value of a property. As such, continuing education is crucial to stay updated and maintain the accuracy and credibility of the appraisals.
6. Communication with Clients: An important part of the job is communicating with clients. This might involve explaining the process, answering questions about the report, or dealing with disputes over the valuation.

As a professional real estate appraiser, you might encounter a variety of different properties and situations in residential appraisal, which can make the work challenging but also very interesting. The main goal is always to provide a reliable, objective opinion of a property’s value based on a thorough examination and analysis.