Resources for Homeowners

An Insider's Guide to Home Buying Of all the real estate professionals out there, only one is truly unbiased and objective: the real estate appraiser. Lenders rely on appraisers for straight talk on what a house is worth. Now consumers can get the same insider information. With straightforward advice and dozens of examples, An Insider’s Guide to Home Buying can help anyone make better decisions about buying a house. This short handbook explains all the steps involved in buying a home—from when is the right time to buy to what to expect on closing day.

If you're like most people, your home is your biggest asset. You want to be confident that the money you've put into your home offers the best possible return for you and your family and that your investment is protected. But do you know how much your home is really worth? Without the help of a qualified appraiser, it can be hard to determine.

By engaging the services of designated members of the Appraisal Institute, you'll benefit from their advanced knowledge, years of proven experience and commitment to strict ethics and standards. Appraisal Institute designated members - appraisers holding the MAI, SRPA or SRA designation - are recognized as the most well-trained and skilled appraisers in the real estate industry. That's important when you're dealing with your biggest asset.

Consider the services of a designated Appraisal Institute member when it comes to:

• Buying or selling your home
• Home improvements
• Investment property
• Job relocation
• Tax issues
• Private mortgage insurance

We've developed brochures to help you understand some of the ways an Appraisal Institute designated appraiser can help you with your real estate valuation needs. The brochures are intended to provide you with general information about the issues you may have to consider in your real property transaction and also some of the ways an Appraisal Institute designated member can help. When you're ready, be sure to search our online database to find an Appraisal Institute designated member in your area to help you with your specific situation.