Betsy Pokorny
State Certified Appraiser and Consultant
Des Moines Real Estate Services
betsy@dsmappraisal.com
phone: (515) 279-9574
fax: (515) 279-9576
Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraiser can help you make a better educated decision when determining your listing price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser can provide an independent opinion of home's value because the appraisal fee is based upon effort rather than a percentage of the eventual sales price.
When you set the price, don’t make the mistake of looking only at what you need to "get out" of your house. It’s important to know that number, but that number may or may not have any relationship to its market value. If the market value of the house is lower than the amount you have invested in it, you may be inclined to rethink selling your property at this time.
If you price your property below market value, it will be snapped up quickly. The problem, of course, is you may leave a lot of money on the table and experience seller’s remorse.
Appraisals and valuation can be confusing for people outside the real estate business. We are committed to serving the public in the most professional manner possible. This section serves to help answer your questions about appraisals and the valuation process.
An appraisal is a professional appraiser’s opinion of value. The preparation of an appraisal involves research into appropriate market areas; the assembly and analysis of information pertinent to a property; and the knowledge, experience and professional judgment of the appraiser.
State Certified Appraiser and Consultant
Des Moines Real Estate Services
betsy@dsmappraisal.com
phone: (515) 279-9574
fax: (515) 279-9576
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.
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."