Betsy Pokorny
State Certified Appraiser and Consultant
Des Moines Real Estate Services
betsy@dsmappraisal.com
phone: (515) 279-9574
fax: (515) 279-9576
As a homeowner, you may have reason to question the value of your home on various occasions. These may include planning to buy or sell a home, appealing your property tax assessment, seeking to eliminate payment of private mortgage insurance or undertaking a major home renovation project.
If you’re planning to sell your home, setting an appropriate listing price can help to speed the sale. An appraiser, using market data, arrives at an opinion of market value that can help you decide on a fair listing price. Similarly, when you’re shopping for a new home, a professional appraisal can tell you if you’re paying market value. Refer to our buyer and seller sections of this website for more reasons to use our appraisal services in your buying or selling transaction.
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.
As a professional real estate appraiser and a member of the Appraisal Institute, Betsy Pokorny is committed to delivering value and professionalism that will help you with your real estate needs.
Membership in the Appraisal Institute grants Des Moines Real Estate Services access to a nationwide network of knowledgeable peers and noted experts as well as ongoing education covering the latest industry developments.
Much of the private, corporate and public wealth of the world consists of real estate. The magnitude of this fundamental resource creates a need for informed appraisals to support decisions pertaining to the use and disposition of real estate and the rights inherent in ownership. An appraisal answers one or more specific questions about a real estate parcel’s value, marketability, usefulness or suitability.
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.
Click here for a more detailed description of what is included in an appraisal report.
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.
An appraisal provides you with an objective, third party opinion of a property’s market value. A detailed appraisal report includes a side-by-side comparison of similar properties, an evaluation of the real estate market in the area, and notation of major problems with the property that will affect its value. Des Moines Real Estate Services can prepare a variety of appraisal reports tailored to your specific needs.
This SAMPLE REPORT will give you a general idea of the information contained in a typical appraisal report.
Besides obvious value indicators such as recent sale prices of similar homes and current competitive listings, a professional appraiser also analyzes the property’s surrounding neighborhood environment, reproduction cost, depreciation, amenities, age, condition, and much more.
All our services and reports meet the guidelines set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Valuation and Consulting fees starting at $75!
Appraisers, along with all providers of personal financial services, are now required by federal law to inform their clients of the policies of the firm with regard to the privacy of client non-public personal information. As professionals, we understand that your privacy is very important to you and are pleased to provide you with this information.
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."