HOMEOWNERS INTRODUCTION We are pleased to have the opportunity to introduce ourselves. Apella Real Estate Business Solutions is an appraisal and home inspection management company based out of Adrian Michigan with operations in Farmville Virginia that markets to homeowners, investors and real estate sales professionals while maintaining a lender client base. Apella Real Estate Business Solutions has been designed to "PROVIDE RESOURCES" to our clients in efforts to educate and promote the real estate industries to the general consumer. Apella Real Estate Business Solutions is committed to providing high quality real estate appraisal and home inspection products through our network of appraisers, home inspectors and real estate sales professionals. Through communication, education and superior customer service we look forward to earning your trust and future business for your appraisal and home inspection needs. HIGHLIGHTS
WE CONTACT YOU WITH IN 24 HOURS OF RECEIVING THE ORDER TO SCHEDULE A WALK THROUGH APPOINTMENT.
SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR HOMEOWNERS.
CONVENIENT AND EASY PAYMENT METHODS.
ECONOMICAL PRICING.
EMAIL OR CD-ROM AS APPRAISAL DELIVERY OPTION.
TYPICAL TIME FOR APPRAISAL DELIVERY: 72 HOURS FROM WALK THROUGH VISIT.
COMMUNICATION DESIGNED TO EDUCATE YOU THROUGH THE APPRAISAL OR HOME INSPECTION PROCESS.
NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR APPRAISAL OR HOME INSPECTION REPORT HAS BEEN SENT.
ABOUT THIS PAGE
This page has been designed for homeowners and the use by homeowners.
On this page you will find:
INFORMATION ABOUT SERVICES & PRODUCTS
PRICES & PAYMENT MEANS AVAILABLE
ORDER FORM LINK
ADDITIONAL LINKS
ARTICLES & EDUCATIONAL ITEMS
TOOLS THAT YOU MAY FIND USEFUL
SPECIALS AND PROMOTIONS We have attempted to make this page as useful and user friendly as possible. Should you have ideas, comments, problems, suggestions or items of interest that you would like to share with Apella and others please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to take them into consideration and better serve our clients.
Apella Real Estate Business Solutions has been designed for the homeowner and/or general consumer. With the concept of marketing to the homeowners and the general consumer we have strived to keep our communication simple and at a level so that most people outside of the real estate and lending industries or those who do not do the business on a daily basis will be able to understand and feel comfortable with the real estate business.
Over the course of the last few years and from several conversations with homeowners, home buyers, real estate agents and even lenders, we realized that the appraisal industry had done a poor job of explaining what it was for and why it was needed, but more so, the appraisal industry had a real need to explain how the industry worked. We compiled this deduction from the questions that were asked of us and explanations that we provided over and over again.
Needless to say, we realized that the general lack of knowledge of the real estate appraisal and home inspection industry was for several reasons and that if we could make some changes and educate the general populous to our business then growth would follow naturally. We were right, the more communication, education and reasoning that we provided our clients the more work was in turn referred to us. Currently Apella Real Estate Business Solutions is the only noted appraisal management company that markets solely to homeowners and real estate sales professionals. We do not sell real estate and are not realtors as most people would think realtors to be, we are an appraisal management company that provides value and condition assessments through our network of licensed appraisers and licensed/certified home inspectors (appraisers provide value estimates home inspectors provide condition assessments (appraisers are not home inspectors and home inspectors are not appraisers)). Most appraisal management companies market to or are owned by major lenders. As with most appraisal management companies we market appraisal and home inspection products that are supplied by a network of independent appraisers.
What really makes Apella Real Estate Business Solutions different is that we market our services to the general consumer. Our products are still real estate appraisals and home inspections, but are a little different from the appraisal products done for the lending institutions due to homeowners and real estate professionals having different needs and/or reasons for an appraisal then what banks and mortgage companies might have in the lending world.
Apella Real Estate Business Solutions does provide appraisal management for lenders who most of the time use appraisals for loans and other lending reasons, however we offer to homeowners the types of appraisals that would most likely be used by them.
Most real estate appraisals are done for lenders with a large portion of appraisers doing the bulk of their work for banks, credit unions and mortgage companies. Appraisers however do compile appraisals for homeowners from time to time for different reasons such as:
Homeowner needs to know how much to list their home for and/or how long it might be on the market when they want to sell it.
Is having trust or estate work done.
Wants to make sure that they are not paying too much for a new home purchase.
When debating tax issues with the local government taxing authority.
Needs or wants to have common knowledge at all times of their investments or for tacking net worth.
Are in the process of getting a divorce and needs to know shares of ownership.
Are soon to start shopping for a loan and would like to be able to tell the lender what the home is worth.
SPECIAL NOTICE TO HOMEOWNERS Apella Real Estate Business Solutions is pleased to have the opportunity to develop a strong business relationship with you.
With today’s business environment Apella fully understands the challenges facing the real estate industry as a whole, including homeowners. In order to develop strong business relationships, accommodate our own business guidelines and provide the best possible customer service available, Apella Real Estate Business Solutions has developed the following position to educate homeowners.
Ethics and law require real estate appraisers, home inspectors and real estate professionals to report nonbiased value evaluations, provide fair and accurate condition reporting, provide proper agency and comply with fair housing laws. Appraisers and inspectors are not allowed to be dishonest or mislead. Documentation is required, opinions of value are required to be based on market data/information and privacy/confidential items to be non-disclosed other then to the party as required for an assignment. Apella Real Estate Business Solutions and the vendors of Apella Real Estate Business Solutions are not allowed nor will they “low ball” or “over state” an appraisal value for any reason or request.
With this stated we hope it is understood, this does not affect our active philosophy governing education of and communication with our clients. As such, Apella appreciates your understanding in regards to this subject and looks foreword to assisting you in any questions or concerns you may have.
PRODUCT TURN TIMES Apella Real Estate Business Solutions prefers to contact the homeowner to schedule a visit date and time with in the first 24 hours of receiving a service request from the client.
All appointments are scheduled to the convenience of the homeowner and providing that an appointment for that time is not already scheduled. Should we not be able to schedule a visit date and time within the next five (5) days of receiving the request from you the client we will contact you to seek alternative options.
Product turn times are 72 hours (3 work week days) from the time of the visit completion for non-complex residential properties other then income properties. Times may be extended due to major or traditional holidays.
Product turn times are 96 hours (4 work week days) from the time of the visit completion for non-complex income residential properties. Times may be extended due to major or traditional holidays.
Apella business hours are from 10:00 am standard eastern time to 6:00 pm standard eastern time with visits based on 5:00 pm standard eastern time. Apella will work with homeowners to set inspections as late as possible however visit times are limited by availability of day light in the winter based on digital photo requirements. Should a visit be scheduled after 5:00 pm then the visit completion time is perceived as being 9:00 am the next business day.
Product turn times for complex residential properties, complex income properties or commercial property products are quoted upon the visit completion so that a proper turn time can be fairly estimated for us to communicate correctly to you the client. Turn times are based on availability and/or access to assessor records. Should a delay be caused by the lack of assessor records or other item Apella Real Estate Business Solutions will contact you the client to communicate such a delay. Homeowner products are allowed additional time frames for completion then what is custom for lenders due to each homeowner assignment being a custom request compiled with the communication required to educate some clients.
| SEE THE APELLA RESOURCE PAGE TO LEARN HOW HOMEOWNERS CAN NOW BECOME EDUCATED IN REAL ESTATE MCKISSOCK REAL ESTATE & APPRAISAL SCHOOL AND YOU EVEN SAVE MONEY DOING IT! 
COMMON HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS The following are common questions that we have found to be asked by homeowners from time to time. In order to educate and promote understanding to the appraisal process we Apella Real Estate Business Solutions supply our venders with a facts sheet that they can issue to homeowners at the time of the walk through visit. The following are some questions that homeowners often have and answers that we hope will help in their appraisal process. Should you have a question that you do not find here, then we encourage you to e-mail us and we will be more then happy to try and supply you an answer to your enquiry.
Why do I need an appraisal?
For the most part an appraisal is used by lenders to answer many different questions associated with the loan process including the reduction of the threat of fraud. Homeowners may need appraisals for other reasons such as how much to list a home or to ensure that they are not going to pay too much for a property that they are about to purchase. Whatever the appraisal reason, it is always good to monitor how much your property may be worth. Many people know how much their collectibles are worth and what they might be able to get on an internet based auction site yet lack a true understanding of what their real estate might be worth.
Why do you have to come into the house?
In order to receive the greatest working knowledge of what the square footage of the home is, what amenities the property has and what kind of condition the subject property may be in for comparison to the market, appraisers will measure and make observations. The visit is the first part of the process and plays a major roll in the remainder of the appraisal steps.
Please schedule after we have had a chance to clean?
Appraisers are in countless subject properties and are trained to view the subject structure as if it was empty and with no personal property located on the premises. Unless there is a lack of cleaning that has gone as far as damaging the property, no notes will be made or items taken into account. It should be noted that we schedule based on the homeowner's schedule.
How long is the visit to walk through my house?
Depending on the size of the subject property and amount of time the appraiser spends with the homeowner providing customer service, the visit should be on average around 25 to 45 minutes.
Will I get a copy of the appraisal because I am paying for it?
You will get a copy of the appraisal if you are the party that has placed the order or request for the appraisal (the client) with that appraiser or appraisal company. If the request came from a lender or other party, then the appraiser is not allowed to disclose information about the appraisal or give a copy of the appraisal to anyone other then the party that has placed the order - regardless of who pays for the appraisal. The appraiser can issue a copy to a different party (other then the client) if they receive a written release from the client allowing them permission to do so. Those who are getting an appraisal done through a lender may have rights to get a copy of the report from the lender under the FDIC rules. Use the link here on this web site on the Resources Page to the FDIC and look under “Truth In Lending” Area 6500 Consumer Protection Part 226 Regulation Z or you may find information under Title VII – Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
What Determines the value of my home?
There is several different ways to do an appraisal. The most common is based upon what is needed or most often used in the lending world that being referred to as a “market history based appraisal”. With a history based appraisal the most common method is to look at what has sold with in a reasonable amount of time (usually with in the last six (6) to twelve (12) months), with in a reasonable distance of the subject property and to do so with sold properties most similar (square footage, age, design) to that of the subject property being appraised (comparables). Depending on the “Scope Of Work” or reason that the appraisal is being requested determines what methods will be used and ultimately how the value is concluded.
What Can I do to improve the value of my property?
That depends on your market and other factors like how does you subject property measure up to the average property in the market, if you are in a market that holds desires for certain amenities, and what the typical buyer in your market is willing to pay for above and beyond (what the market will bare). The best way to determine what to do or how to improve your property market value is to consult with a real estate appraiser or experienced real estate broker/agent that holds active geographical knowledge of your market. Apella Real Estate Business Solutions can help you in your consulting needs and request that you contact us for consulting assignments so that we may best be able to supply you with the proper vendor for your needs.
What is my property worth or what do you think?
The appraiser will not be able to tell you based on the first step of the appraisal process, nor are they allowed to give you a “fill for, range, or guess” with out first doing due process in research and reporting of the appraisal.
How long will the appraisal take for my loan?
Each lender process varies in speed, time required to process and underwriting review. The appraisal product should be completed with in 48 hours to 72 hours from completing the walk through visit depending on what the appraisal product is and the amount of reporting required completing the appraisal assignment for your lender. Appraisals ordered for homeowners directly may require a little more time for consulting, education and the custom element factor compared to appraisal or home inspection products ordered by lenders that are typically uniformed and dealt with on a daily basis by the client.
Can I use this appraisal for different needs?
It is not suggested that you do. Each appraisal is custom for the reason that the appraisal was done or requested for. You do not want to use a listing appraisal for a loan and a loan based appraisal for the listing of your house to sell because the appraisals take into account different data, time and other factors. While the value amount may be similar the required structure really is different and also reported differently. Think of it as you would with automobiles. Both trucks and cars are automobiles, have wheels and both will go down the road, but you may not want to use your car for certain things that you would your truck or vise versa.
So what can I do to help in the appraisal/home inspect process?
First and foremost please allow the appraiser at least a 30 min/window before and/or after the scheduled appointment time. Have any animals that may be in the home taken care of or contained and explain to children that if the appraiser or home inspector has to take pictures that they can not be in the pictures because the appraiser or home inspector will get into trouble. If you have any items such as tax papers, surveys, old appraisals or home inspections, or other real estate related items please have them handy for the appraiser to review. Do not worry if you don’t have real estate related papers, appraisers usually only use them to double check their own data. Last but not least, while not required, most appraisers and home inspectors do like cookies…. just FYI.
NETWORK MEMBERS Apella Real Estate Business Solutions maintains a network of lenders, real estate sales brokers/agents, investment entities and others with in the real estate community and industries. Apella is also active in education, employer, community and organizational programs.
From time to time our customers, clients and general personal encounters will request a service outside of our current assignment or for something that we ourselves may not feature as a business service.
In order to keep our commitment to our stance of being a "RESOURCE CENTER" for our customers, clients, vendors and network members, we are always seeking members to add to our databanks.
Apella Real Estate Business Solutions makes it a policy to refer inquirers to at least three (3) network members. While we are not directed to do so by any legal means, we strive to be fair and professional and above all, to demonstrate our belief in consumer rights through consumer choice.
Apella does maintain a set of guidelines for member acceptance to the network. Apella Real Estate Business Solutions takes into account experience of the member, areas of product or service expertise and coverage area so that we may best direct those seeking network members services and/or products, provide them the best resource available to us at the time and fulfill our commitments as a "RESOURCE CENTER".
Should you be interested in our member network and how we may be able to help you, please contact us along with providing some basic general information about your product and service interest and/or needs. 
ALL ABOUT THE APPRAISAL INDUSTRY The practice of appraising has been around since humans have used the practice of trade. The appraising of land has been used for as long as land has had value to humans. The appraisal industry here in the United States is young in the form of an industry, at least compared to the auto industry, railroad industry or other more noted industries as a whole. Apella Real Estate Business Solutions is committed to raising knowledge of the appraisal industry and encouraging knowledge to the general consumer in real estate as a whole. The following links are to reading material that covers the industry.
The appraisal industry really came about after the S&L bale out following the S&L collapse of the 1980's. As far as industries go, the appraisal industry is rather young with the home inspection industry being even younger. The general consumer commits Apella Real Estate Business Solutions to introducing an element of retail to the appraisal industry and encouraging the use of our services and products on a regular basis.
In order to accomplish this goal and honor our commitment to introduce a retail element to our industry, Apella Real Estate Business Solutions uses specials, promotions and marketing found more often in the retail and sales industries. Should you have suggestions how we may be able to improve on this tactic, we ask that you contact us so that we may take into account your comments and suggestions and provide the best service and products possible.
Wikipedia - Real Estate Appraisal Wikipedia - Savings & Loan Crisis FAX US FROM THE INTERNET WITH A FAXAGE ACCOUNT 
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