Anyone in the Welches, Government Camp, Rhododendron or Brightwood area who has recently been involved with a real estate transaction or refinance know the problems which have cropped up with appraisals. There is some good news.

Freddie Mac has reviesed their guidelines for appraisals. There guidelines say "Sellers should consider membership in a professional appraisal organization as a qualification criterion". What this means is that appraisers should have the Appraisal Institure's MAI, SPRA or SRA designations. The Appraisal Institute requires extensive experience, education requirements, complies with a strict Code of Professional Ethics and follows the Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

Finding and hiring an appaiser with these types of qualifications will help insure a better and more accurate appraisal for buyers and sellers and the banks to prevent fraud.