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Relocation Appraisals: What’s Not to Like?
by David Brauner, Editor of WRE

According to Dean Helsom, CRP relocation appraisals are one of the most satisfying types of assignments for all the right reasons: full fees, an absence of the typical pressures that appraisers face today and work that is challenging and rewarding. What’s not to like?

“These assignments pay well and on time and involve no pressure,” said Helsom, appraising since 1987, “which makes them very attractive. They also tend to be the better properties in the marketplace.”  

Sound good so far?       

Relocation appraisals are needed by businesses that are relocating employees. Many cover moving expenses and the purchase of the home if it doesn’t sell in a reasonable amount of time. Typically, two separate appraisals are ordered from two different and anonymous appraisers who are knowledgeable of the area. The two reports are then reviewed and compared

“This work keeps me sharp and tests my skills as an appraiser. If there is something in my report that is not consistent with that of the other appraiser, I will be asked to explain,” he said. “I enjoy the accountability.”  

These assignments also provide a “report card” for appraisers who want to know just how good they are. Most relocation appraisers track their assignments to compare the anticipated price with the actual sales number. “It lets me know how I’m doing and how well I know the market,” he said.

Relocation appraisals also require more skill than a typical appraisal, which is retrospective in nature– analyzing recent comparable sales. “Relocation appraisals are prospective also– looking forward to predict a sales price in a 120-day marketing timeframe,” he said. "This makes them more challenging."

Helsom said one place to begin to investigate this type of work is the Employee Relocation Council (ERC) (see ad at right or www.erc.org).


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