Appraiser Licensing

      Appraiser licensing varies from state to state. To participate in what is called a "federally related transaction," which is, for example, a mortgage being underwritten by a national bank, an appraiser must be licensed or certified by his or her state.

      The license or certification is evidencing the appraiser has performed a certain number of hours as a trainee under the supervision of a practicing appraiser, may have passed an examination, and completes a certain number of hours of continuing education each licensing period.

      Prior to the Savings and Loan crisis of the 80s, which gave rise to appraiser licensing, appraisers had to market their expertise, service, professionalism and association designations. Many feel that state licensing has diluted the appraisal profession. Many consider licensed designation a bare minimum of what you should expect from an appraiser.

Contact Us if you're needing an appraiser that is not only certified, but also ethical, experienced, professional and local to the Brazos Valley.

      We have diligently cultivated a reputation for delivering high-quality and timely work, executed with utmost professionalism and unwavering ethical standards. Our commitment to exceptional customer service sets us apart. When seeking an appraiser, exercise discernment in selecting service providers; mere licensure should not suffice. 

      In summary, if you’re looking for a thorough and knowledgeable appraiser, Certified Residential Appraisers are the better choice due to their broader expertise and deeper understanding of property valuation processes. However, both certifications and licenses have their place, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances.


      You should always be sure your appraisal service provider is certified and in good standing. The Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) maintains a national database of appraisers and their license/certification status. Click here to view the database.   

  1. Certified Residential Appraiser:

     

    • Certified Residential Appraiser can appraise any type of residential property containing four or fewer units. This includes single-family homes, homes with auxiliary dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and triplexes.
    • Certification as a Certified Residential Appraiser requires more education and experience compared to being licensed.
    • Experience matters: Appraisers with more experience tend to earn more, have a larger network, and complete tasks more efficiently.
    • Certified Residential Appraisers have a deeper understanding of the appraisal process and are well-versed in property valuation.


  1. Licensed Appraiser:

    • Licensed Appraiser has limitations on the types of properties they can appraise. Typically, they can handle simpler residential properties.
    • Licensing requirements are generally less stringent than certification.
    • Licensed Appraisers may have less experience and a narrower scope of expertise.