Choosing a Certified Residential Appraiser for Your Home
What does certification tell you?
A professional credential is one part of choosing an appraiser. Check the individual’s current credential category and status through Washington’s Department of Licensing. Also ask about experience with the property type, market area and intended use. Certification alone does not guarantee a particular value, lender approval, tax result or acceptance by every report user.
Which questions should you answer before hiring?
Identify the property, purpose, effective date and intended users. A private prelisting appraisal, estate valuation, divorce assignment and lender appraisal can have different requirements. Describe unusual features, multiple parcels, separate living areas, condition issues and any historical-date evidence. Ask what the proposed inspection, report and analysis will cover.
Can you order your own mortgage appraisal?
Ask the lender how the appraisal must be ordered and whether it will accept a privately commissioned report before paying for one. A private appraisal can inform your own decision, but that does not establish that it meets a lender’s ordering or underwriting requirements.
Does an appraisal provide the highest possible sale price?
No. An appraisal develops a supported value opinion for a defined property and date. It is not an agreement to reach your asking price and does not guarantee the price a buyer will pay. A listing strategy, actual negotiations and a change in market conditions may lead to a different transaction price.
What if the assignment concerns an estate?
Confirm the real estate interest, valuation date and report requirements with the estate’s advisers. A date-of-death appraisal addresses historical value; a planned sale may need current value. The appraiser does not determine tax liability, select a tax election or distribute estate assets. Business interests and personal property require separate scope or specialist consideration.
How do you request a scoped quote?
Alpha Appraisal provides residential valuation in King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties. Send the address, purpose, effective date, intended users and deadline. Residential appraisal fees start at $695; final fees and timing depend on complexity and agreed scope. Call 425-753-1971 or email dustin.labrasseur@gmail.com.
About the appraiser · Request an appraisal quote
Related residential appraisal guidance: Residential scope and appraiser information; Private and pre-listing home appraisals; Residential appraisal reviews.
Revised October 8, 2026.
