Who may give a supportable opinion of market value to be used in seeking a federally-related loan to finance a real estate transaction?

While a licensed real estate broker has extensive knowledge of the real estate market, they are not necessarily qualified to provide an unbiased market value opinion required for federally-related loans. Brokers may offer comparative market analyses, but these do not carry the same weight or regulatory compliance as a formal appraisal conducted by a certified appraiser.

Not all real estate licensees possess the qualifications needed to provide a supportable opinion of market value for federally-related loans. The requirements for offering such opinions are stricter than general real estate knowledge, necessitating specific training and certification that only certified appraisers typically have.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) specializes in financial matters, including taxation and auditing, but does not typically have the training or expertise in real estate valuation necessary to provide credible market value opinions for real estate transactions. While a CPA may assist in financial aspects of a real estate deal, their role does not extend to formal property appraisals.