Subscribe Feed (RSS)Individuals who desire to establish the value of their property often turn to computer generated reports that are offered by several different websites. These sites use data collated from various resources to generate an estimate of what a property is worth. Unfortunately, the resources such sites draw on are often out-of-date or unreliable in today’s ever changing real estate market. While these reports may have some value in showing market trends, they are often quite inaccurate and cannot be used as a substitute for the expert services of a local real estate appraiser.
Many complex variables must be taken into account in order to accurately establish the fair market value of any property. A professional real estate appraiser is highly trained to track and apply such information to valuations of different types of property. A highly rated school system, economic development and surrounding neighborhoods can drastically affect a home’s value for the better. Also, run-down areas that are in the middle of a gentrification process may not be fairly appraised by a computer program, someone outside the area or lacking the requisite training. Local appraisers are the only ones who will have intimate familiarity with increasing or decreasing values and trends in their communities.
During a divorce or estate settlement, or to satisfy a lender’s requirements for a mortgage, hiring a professional real estate appraiser to correctly determine a home’s value can be critical. Selecting an experienced local appraiser that knows their market area and is well acquainted with the local trends can mean the difference between a spot-on appraisal and a skewed one. Appraisers from outside the area may inadvertently leave out some of the important factors that should be used to determine the home’s value, giving an inaccurate result.
Increasingly, banks and other financial institutions are using BPOs (Broker Price Opinions) to establish a home’s value in an attempt to handle the untenable numbers of foreclosed homes. Rather than paying appraisers for a home’s valuation, BPOs are completed by real estate brokers. While BPOs should be more accurate than computer generated reports in determining a property’s value, there is much disagreement in the real estate community as to whether or not brokers have enough training to value homes accurately for this purpose.
While BPOs are less expensive than uniform appraisal reports, they often omit critical information. Many lenders don’t require an in-depth inspection or interior inspection of a home at all. It is difficult to imagine how a realistic property valuation can be calculated without a full on-site inspection of the premises.
To obtain state licensing or certification, appraisers must undergo a stringent course of training through an accredited educational facility. In addition, some states require appraisers to complete an apprenticeship with a more seasoned professional before they can operate independently. The best appraisers will consider every aspect of the property, including square footage, room count, types of rooms, condition of property, lot size, neighborhood trends and comparable properties in the area that recently sold, as well as similar properties that are currently on the market.
It takes longer to complete an appraisal compared to a real estate agent’s BPO or a computerized report. However, an appraisal report is far more in depth and lengthy. Every variable used to arrive at the valuation is clearly included in the final report.
Finding an experienced appraiser in your area should not be too difficult. Local lenders or banks are an excellent source of referrals. Also, searching an online directory or your local yellow pages can be useful when searching for a professional appraiser.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, call on Market Appraisal Group for reliable and efficient real estate appraisal services for mortgage lending, estate planning, PMI removal, and divorce and settlement disputes. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services
Tags: divorce appraisals, finance, property valuations, real estate appraiser
