Buyers

The Appraiser:Your Key to Safe Home Buying

One of the most important issues involved in purchasing a property is developing an opinion of what it is worth. Armed with an appraisal analysis, you can make an informed offer to purchase your prospective home and negotiate effectively. The statistical data contained in an appraisal analysis is particularly helpful in negotiating a price.

Public real estate records used in property listings are not always accurate. Hiring an appraiser is the best way to learn of the true gross living area of the property you are considering for purchase.

Des Moines Real Estate Services has access to the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) allowing access to detailed market data that includes marketing comments about a home's updating and features, interior photos, days on market, original list price, price reductions, ratio of sales price to list price and any sales concessions that the seller paid as part of the recorded sales price. We also have "lockbox" access (similar to Realtor access) to homes that are listed for sale through the MLS.

Expedite the Closing Process

An FHA appraiser can provide buyers a list of potential issues that could complicate the closing process by having up-to-date knowledge of FHA and Fannie Mae standards. An inspection by an experienced and qualified appraiser can also identify other issues or potential problems with a property that may require additional professional inspection (structural, environmental, mechanical, roofing etc…)

Neighborhood Finance Corporation

NFC provides unique lending programs and related services to help revitalize targeted neighborhoods in Polk County, Iowa through partnerships with residents, government bodies, community-based organizations and the business community.

Is your potential market area in a designated area where you can qualify for $10,000 of forgivable funds to complete improvements to the property you purchase? If so, it could be a real benefit to know the ins and outs of the program before you start your home search.

Des Moines Real Estate Services has over 12 years of valuation experience working with NFC and we are very knowledgeable with their lending areas and home improvement program.

The Value of A Good Appraiser

Whatever the reason that calls for a value estimate of a home, you should engage the services of a member of the Appraisal Institute. These professionals meet stringent ethics requirements that surpass those required for state certification. Reflecting their unbiased and objective approach to real property appraisal and analysis, members of the Appraisal Institute are required to adhere to a strictly enforced Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

Honest and Personalized Service

As a professional real estate appraiser and member of the Appraisal Institute, Betsy Pokorny is committed to delivering value and professionalism and will help you determine the appropriate report for your individual situation. Accurate, careful market analysis and experience is key in providing useful information in your purchasing decision. Contact us today so we can help you make an informed buying decision.

Source: Appraisal Institute

Betsy Pokorny

State Certified Appraiser and Consultant

Des Moines Real Estate Services
betsy@dsmappraisal.com
phone: (515) 279-9574
fax: (515) 279-9576

Trusted Experience

Having completed over 2,800 appraisals in the past 11 years, Betsy Pokorny and Des Moines Real Estate Services has become a trusted name for accurate, ethical, and professional valuation services. Betsy has acquired unique knowledge and valuation expertise in historic neighborhoods, vintage homes, and suburban communities.

Testimonials

Tanya K. and Doug J., clients
We very much appreciate your help in determining the best value for our dollar in the River Bend neighborhood! It has been very confusing try to determine the value of a property when things are changing so quickly. It was so helpful to get your professional input to cut through the emotional aspects of home buying. It really helped us get realistic about our options. I also appreciate how flexible your services are, since we couldn't afford a full blown appraisal of every property we were interested in, but the "once over" information was critical information in making our decision. We look forward to working with you again!

Jack Hatch, State Senator
"As a state senator, I sponsored, and the legislature passed in 2008, a law requiring appraisers to be registered. As a real estate developer, I know the importance of reliable and accurate appraisals and Betsy is one appraiser I always request the banks to use or I hire her directly during my pre-development phase. There is no one I trust more."

Mary C., client
I couldn't have sold my home by myself without Betsy Pokorny's help. She is extremely knowledgeable about the current and changing Des Moines metro housing market and is great to work with. She guided me through every step in the process, from initial price-setting through sale and closing. She was right on the money with property values. I highly recommend anyone who is selling their home by owner to contact Betsy and use her services. Invaluable!

Deb Buenting, Bankers Trust
"We have used Betsy Pokorny for numerous years as one of our approved appraisers. I personally have found her expertise in the Des Moines market to be invaluable. She understands the many different programs available through the City of Des Moines and Polk County, and is able to anticipate what values will be based on these programs. Her knowledge has been extremely useful during this rapidly changing mortgage industry. She is able to keep us informed of the many changes in the appraisal world, and also keeps us informed on what neighborhood values are doing. We are thankful to have such a detailed and knowledgeable appraiser on our approved list."