What can I expect when the appraiser arrives at my home for the inspection?
An appraiser must measure the exterior dimensions of the improvements (home, garage, outbuildings etc.); take photos of the exterior and interior of the home; and finally complete a visual inspection of the property and note its salient features. For an experienced appraiser, this can take as little as 10 minutes. For an FHA inspection, this can take as long as an hour. Typically, though, an appraiser will take about 20 to 30 minutes for the entire inspection.

What is your turn-around time?
Currently, our turn-around time is around 1 week. Complex, rural and multi-unit dwellings may take longer.  Be wary of appraisers who promise a report in a day or two, as, on the Island of Hawaii, most  properties are unique (no tract subdivisions here).  The appraiser must take the time to research and analyze each comparable, which allows us to produce a quality product, without the typical errors caused by mass producing fast appraisals.

Can I get a copy of my appraisal?
Unfortunately if the order was placed by a lender/loan broker we are unable to give the borrower a copy of his/her appraisal even if the borrower paid COD for the report. Due to Federal Regulations, the appraiser has a fiduciary responsibility to the lender that ordered the appraisal and CANNOT reveal any details regarding the appraisal to anyone, including the borrower.

What is your coverage area?
We offer residential and commercial appraisal service throughout the Island of Hawaii, which is located within the State of Hawaii (map).

Do you appraise on the other islands?
No.  Hawaiiwide Appraisers, LLC lives, plays and appraises only on the Big Island.  Staying within the island ensures that we know the markets and the neighborhoods that we appraise.

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.  We also accept PayPal payments.

Can I get an appraisal update?
Certainly! Utilizing the new Fannie Mae forms, the appraisal update can now only state that the value in the original report has either declined or has not declined. There can be no changing of the value without a new appraisal report.

Do you do commercial appraisals?
Yes, we offer commercial appraisal service throughout the Big Island.

Do you use apprentice appraisers?
No, Hawaiiwide Appraisers, LLC requires every staff appraiser to be, at a minimum, a Certified Residential Appraiser (CRA).  The State of Hawaii does NOT have any type of licensing or minimum requirements for apprentice appraisers.  We feel that, if you entrust us to do your appraisal,  then only the most highly qualified and trained individuals should be do it.

What is the difference between an SLA, a CRA, and a CGA?
The State of Hawaii defines an appraiser with an SLA (State Licensed Appraiser) license as capable of appraising NON COMPLEX 1-4 unit properties only. Lenders generally use a transaction value of under $1,000,000. For any properties that are complex and/or have a transaction value of over $1,000,000 a CRA (Certified Residential Appraiser) must be used. Appraisers must have more experience and take more classroom hours of education to qualify for the CRA designation.  Properties with more than 4 units and commercial properties must be appraised by a CGA (Certified General Appraiser).

Which home renovations add the most to the price?
The answer to this is different depending upon the location of the home. Different markets value amenities differently. Adding a central air conditioner in Houston, Texas may add significant value, while putting one in a home located in Buffalo, New York might not have much impact.

As a rule, the most value returned from renovating a home comes in the kitchen and in the bathrooms.

What is the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection?
The appraiser is not a home inspector nor does he/she do a complete home inspection. An inspection is a third-party evaluation of the accessible structure and mechanical systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The standard home inspector's report will include an evaluation of the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.

If you have any other questions please call Hawaiiwide Appraisers, LLC at 808.345.0309 or email info@hawaiiwideappraisers.com.