My Appraisal career began at a residential appraisal firm in Novato in the early to mid-1980s, a time prior to the advent of computers, digital cameras, and laser measuring devices, as well as State licensing. All data was typed onto cardstock forms on a typewriter, all film was processed at a Camera store, and all photos were hand-sorted and pasted onto cardstock. Finally, one photocopy was kept in-house, and 3 photocopies were forwarded to the client via U.S. mail. Times certainly have changed, and I’m thankful that laborious process is behind us!
In the late 1980s, I attained a B.S. in Marketing at CSU, Sacramento, and worked at a Commercial Real Estate Appraisal firm for two years. In the early 1990s, I returned to a residential appraisal firm and attained a Certified Residential License with the State of California, Office of Real Estate Appraisers (OREA). This license level allows for appraisal of any 1-4 family property without regard to transaction value or complexity (includes $1m+); and non-residential property with a transaction value up to $250,000. My primary coverage areas were San Francisco and Marin Counties until the late 1990s when I decided to start my own Appraisal company. Having moved to the town of Sonoma in early 2000, my coverage areas transitioned to Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties. With the majority of my work now in Sonoma and Napa counties, I no longer cover Marin County. Sonoma was a natural progression, as I’ve always had family in Sonoma and Kenwood which gave me a chance to visit often prior to living in Sonoma. As such, I have a particular fondness for the area and know it well. Being geographically competent is something every Appraiser must attest to.
Continuing education is an essential aspect of maintaining my license, so new course hours are accumulated yearly. Attending the MLS Broker’s Tour in Sonoma as often as possible, as well as other areas, allows me to see the inside of the homes that I might eventually use as comparables. Being a part of the Sonoma community is important, and I am a member of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, Pink Fringe, and the Real Estate Appraiser’s Association-North Bay (REAA-NB). I have strong work ethics, take pride in my work, and produce reports with great attention to detail. As such, a very small percentage of time is spent on Lender conditions. A favorite saying of mine: “It is what it is.” Appraisers don’t create value, the market dictates value. Please call me today to assist you with your Appraisal needs ~ I look forward to working with you.