Brian Dean wanted to add a pool to his 1967 home in Safety Harbor, so he checked with his lender about obtaining a home equity loan.

Before the bank would consider his request, it required Dean to get a new appraisal. He had an appraisal done two years ago, but the shelf life of a home appraisal has become shorter in the wake of the U.S. housing crisis. Home values, which many thought would continue steadily increasing as they have for generations, are now in flux. Lenders consider an appraisal outdated if it wasn't done within the last six months.

If you're thinking of selling, refinancing, renovating, or even if you just want to be sure your property tax bill is on target, you'll need an up-to-date appraisal.

According to a recent nationwide poll of Angie's List members, more than 25 percent had an appraisal done on their home within the last year; and almost half of those were ordered by their mortgage lender.

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