Gathering data is one of the primary activities of an appraiser. Data can be divided into Specific or General.

Specific data is from the property itself; Location, condition, amenities, size and other specific data are gathered by the appraiser during an inspection.

General data is gathered from a variety of places. Local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) have data on recently sold homes that could be used as comparables. To verify actual sales prices, we use tax records and other public documents.

Flood zone data is retrieved from FEMA data outlets, such as a la mode’s InterFlood product.

And last but not least, the appraiser assembles general data from his or her past experience in creating appraisals for other Real Estate in the same market area.