While both provide property valuations, a certified real estate appraiser's report differs significantly from a Realtor's Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) in several key ways:
Factor |
Professional Real Estate Appraiser |
Realtor CMA |
Purpose |
Determine objective market value |
Suggest listing price strategy |
Regulation |
State-licensed/certified, follows USPAP standards |
No specific valuation licensing or standards |
Inspection |
Detailed physical inspection of interior/exterior |
Often limited or exterior-only review |
Adjustments |
Systematic, market-derived adjustments for differences |
Often general or estimated adjustments |
Legal standing |
Accepted by courts, tax authorities, lenders |
Limited legal recognition |
In Arvada's complex real estate market with diverse neighborhoods and property types, a professional appraiser provides the expertise and objectivity needed for legal, financial, and tax matters where accuracy is essential. While CMAs are useful for listing strategies, our certified appraisals offer the credibility and precision required for official valuations.