Appraisal Technology: How It Benefits You!
The tools of the appraisal trade have drastically changed. One of the biggest changes new technology has brought on is how everyone, including lenders and homeowners, now have quick access to appraisal information. Here's how appraisers are using new technology and how that benefits you.
Can You Negotiate The Appraised Value?
The thrill of negotiating or bargaining a sales price appeals to many of us. Once, on a vacation with my family in Barbados, we spent time bargaining with local salesmen on antiques. This was, of course, a big part of the fun. When it comes to appraisals, I've heard people ask if there is any room for negotiating, as in when a home sells and the seller and buyer negotiate certain terms. The short answer is not really, but here are some options for the longer answer: If the home buyer and seller agree on a price, can the appraiser appraise it lower or higher
The Secret Of A 48-Hour Home Appraisal Makeover
We love success stories for home buyers and sellers. When someone gets a low figure for their home and finds ways to fix up some of the issues and sell for a better rate, we are overjoyed. The housing market is confusing enough as it is, so when we hear good news we share it. A recent ABC News report stated that the housing market median home prices have risen since last July. This is great news for the millions of U.S. citizens with their homes on the market. The better news is that the program also offered a 48-hour
Divorce Appraisal: The Basics
It's an unfortunate time when you are going through a divorce. Whether it is amicable or challenging, there are several things that need to be divided. A division of property (or properties) is often on top of the priority list for divorcing couples. But where do you even begin? You must begin with a professional divorce appraisal. This is mandatory because a judge cannot simply determine how much any home is worth on a whim or based on the testimony of either spouse. This is a legal procedure and must be done correctly. Either your attorney knows a local appraisal
Is A DIY Appraisal A Good Idea?
There are a great many online sites that allow you to check out how much homes in your area are worth. This makes it easy for the average person to feel like they can appraise their own home. While a DIY appraisal may seem like a cost efficient way to do things, there are a great many mistakes that can be made, and this can endanger a home sale. What are some reasons for researching comp sales on your own? You want to investigate what the current market is like You're buying a home and want to feel confident that
Do Bigger Improvements Get A Better Appraisal?
The short answer is yes. However, the long answer requires some consideration. As we've discussed before, the most accurate appraisal figures come from the comps in the vicinity of the subject property. "Comps" is just a term appraisers use to describe comparable properties in your area. So, comps are homes with the same or similar number of beds, baths, square feet, garages and etc. For example, if homes in your area are selling for $200k and you want your value to be $225k, your home needs to be better than the homes selling. This means more room, spare bedrooms, or
Questions And Answers Of Real Estate Appraisals Part II
In the first installment of this series, we covered many of the basics. Since then, we listened to our clients and made a list of other frequently asked questions for appraisers. We hope this helps clear up any confusion regarding the real estate appraisal process because ultimately, we are all working together to get you top dollar for your home. Q: What are an appraisers' qualifications? A: Most U.S. states require all real estate appraisers to be state licensed or state certified. They also must have completed educational and experience requirements as directed by the state's industry standards they represent.
Basic Questions And Answers Of Real Estate Appraisals
We often get the same questions asked by different clients. In this blog post, we decided to take some of the most frequently asked questions and create a "most common questions for appraisers" post. This is a basic crash course in appraisals and the first installment for this series. Q: How is home's value determined? A: Property value is determined in a number of ways. The most common determining factors are: Condition of the home, improvements, location and neighborhood, and housing market trends. Appraiser usually use the three most recently closed comparable sales from within a one mile radius. Q:
Does Your Real Estate Appraiser Know How Real Estate Really Works?
It may seem preposterous that a home appraiser doesn't know how the real estate market really works. Yet, this is sometimes a reality. For example, we recently had an alarming conversation with Leslie and Mike W., a couple living in Tampa, Florida. Leslie is a commercial appraiser and has been in the business for over 10 years. She keeps up-to-date with zoning information and often takes classes online to learn about new methods and matters in business property appraisals. Leslie mentioned an encounter she had with another appraiser at a charity benefit dinner. After speaking to him extensively, she realized
