Desktop Appraisers

Appraisal Terms and Definitions

A desktop appraisal is performed without the appraiser physically being present on the site of the assets for the appraisal. Thus, no physical inspection of the assets takes place. A detailed asset listing must be provided. The appraiser depends only on the information he/she is given by the company. This inspection provides confirmation that the:

• » Assets are present in the location stated
• » Specific information regarding the assets, such as year, make, model, serial number, rebuild, retrofit history, original cost information, and any other information that is important by the appraiser or to the client is complete and accurate.
• » Assets are properly maintained and/or in good working condition
• » Assets are being used in the appropriate manner as per the original design

The sellers are responsible for gathering all physical data, reporting current conditions and supplying the appraiser with this information. A desktop appraisal should only be considered to address general questions relative to the potential value of the assets and to determine if a full scope, on-site inspection should be performed.

To complete a desktop appraisal, factors about the assets such as: age, manufacturer, model, serial number, and capacity are needed. In addition to this information, other factors such as the operating condition, maintenance, and history of the assets, is also considered and deemed necessary to both the seller and the appraiser. The appraiser assumes the assets are to be in average working condition and maintained within the industry standards.

In a Desktop Appraisal the appraiser believes that the information about the assets is an accurate representation of the assets subject to the desktop appraisal. This type of appraisal is utilized when timing is short, or when a site visit is not required.