Real Property Appraisals: A Primer

Acquiring real estate is the biggest transaction most people might ever consider. It doesn't matter if where you raise your family, a seasonal vacation home or one of many rentals, the purchase of real property is an involved financial transaction that requires multiple people working in concert to make it all happen.

Most people are familiar with the parties having a role in the transaction. The most familiar person in the exchange is the real estate agent. Next, the mortgage company provides the money necessary to finance the deal. And ensuring all details of the sale are completed and that the title is clear to pass from the seller to the buyer is the title company.


So, who makes sure the value of the property is in line with the amount being paid? This is where you meet the appraiser. We provide an unbiased estimate of what a buyer might expect to pay — or a seller receive — for a parcel of real estate, where both buyer and seller are informed parties. A licensed, certified, professional appraiser from J & A Appraisals, LLC will ensure, you as an interested party, are informed.

Inspecting the subject property



Replacement Cost


Sales Comparison



A true estimate of what the subject could sell for can only be determined once all differences between the comps and the subject have been evaluated. At J & A Appraisals, LLC, we are an authority in knowing the value of particular items in Aurora and Arapahoe County neighborhoods. The sales comparison approach to value is typically awarded the most consideration when an appraisal is for a real estate purchase.

Valuation Using the Income Approach

In the case of income producing properties - rental houses for example - the appraiser may use an additional method of valuing a house. In this scenario, the amount of revenue the real estate yields is factored in with other rents in the area for comparable properties to determine the current value.

The Bottom Line
