Top 10 Best Real Estate Appraisers in Marin County, California (Updated 2026)

California appraiser license levels

BREA issues four license levels, and each has its own scope of practice. The letters at the start of a license number tell you the level.

The scopes come from BREA's license levels summary. For a house, a condo or a two to four unit building in Marin, a Certified Residential appraiser covers any value. Property outside that group, such as offices, shops and apartment buildings with five or more units, needs a Certified General appraiser once the transaction value passes $250,000.

Why the license level matters in Marin County

Census Bureau figures put about three in four owner-occupied homes in Marin County at $1 million or more. The Residential (AL) license stops at a transaction value of $1 million, and only for properties that are not complex.

So before you hire, ask which license the appraiser holds. The source for the home values is the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, table B25075.

How to check an appraiser's license

BREA runs a public appraiser search that shows appraiser information and any disciplinary actions. Look the appraiser up before you sign an engagement letter. BREA also verifies licenses by phone at (916) 552-9000.

An appraiser is not the county assessor

The county assessor also values property, but it is a different job with a different result.

The assessor sets the assessed value on your property tax bill. The State Board of Equalization explains that under Proposition 13 a property's base year value is its market value when it last changed ownership or had new construction, and that increases after that are limited to 2 percent a year in most cases. For a home held for many years, the assessed value can sit far below what the home would sell for.

A real estate appraiser gives an opinion of market value as of a specific date. The two numbers answer different questions, and they are often far apart. County offices, including the assessor, are listed on the Marin County government and services page.

Appraisals ordered by a mortgage lender

When you buy or refinance, the lender orders the appraisal, not you. You still have rights to it. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says that for a loan secured by a first mortgage on your home you are entitled to a copy of the appraisals and other valuations your lender gets, no later than three days before closing, and that you cannot be charged for the copies.

Square footage is measured to a standard on these loans. Fannie Mae's Selling Guide requires appraisers to follow ANSI Z765-2021 when they measure and report the square footage of single-family homes, including townhomes, rowhouses and manufactured homes. The standard cannot be used for apartment or multifamily buildings.

If you are still choosing a loan, the directory also lists mortgage lenders in Marin County.

If you are still comparing, the real estate section of the directory also covers real estate agents and home inspectors.

Who licenses real estate appraisers in Marin County?

The California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA) licenses every real estate appraiser in the state, including those in Marin County. There is no separate county license. BREA issues four levels: Trainee (AT), Residential (AL), Certified Residential (AR) and Certified General (AG).

Which appraiser license is needed for a home worth more than $1 million?

A Certified Residential (AR) or Certified General (AG) license. The Residential (AL) license only covers non-complex one to four unit properties with a transaction value up to $1 million. A Certified Residential appraiser can appraise any one to four unit property without regard to value or complexity.

Is the Marin County Assessor the same as a real estate appraiser?

No. The county assessor sets the assessed value used for property tax. Under Proposition 13 that value starts from the market value when the property last changed ownership or had new construction, and rises by no more than 2 percent a year. A real estate appraiser gives an opinion of what the property is worth today.

Can I get a copy of the appraisal my mortgage lender ordered?

Yes. For a loan secured by a first mortgage on your home, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says you are entitled to a copy of the appraisals and other valuations your lender gets, no later than three days before closing. The lender cannot charge a fee for the copies.

How do appraisers measure a home's square footage?

For loans sold to Fannie Mae, appraisers must measure single-family homes with the ANSI Z765-2021 standard. It covers detached houses, townhomes, rowhouses and manufactured homes, and it cannot be used for apartment or multifamily buildings. The number can differ from the square footage in a listing or in county records.

How do I check a California appraiser's license?

Use the appraiser search on the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers website, which shows appraiser information and disciplinary actions. You can also verify a license by calling BREA at (916) 552-9000.