EDITOR:
Freelance writer James Risdon has provided a partly helpful article for folks considering selling their property; unfortunately, it falls far short of being a comprehensive treatment of the subject. Amongst other things which would help people decide this, he has left out the role of the independent appraiser.
Whenever you buy or sell, you should look into having a proper appraisal done. Most of us realize that the tax assessor is of little help on this as these are usually not representative of market price. Although realtors can be useful in determining market price they are often not. Realtors make their commission if and when they sell your place, and consequently they will undervalue the property for a quicker sale (or they can promise you the moon just to get the listing, setting a price that will be difficult to get).
A licensed appraiser has the ability to independently arrive at a market price through an analysis and through obtaining comparable property prices (known as "comps.” If you are buying or selling, an appraisal will lessen those feelings of remorse that can come from having paid too much or sold too cheap. The cost of the appraisal is well worth it.
Murray Sallis,
Central Bedeque
