Junnier Appraisal Services has answers to "Frequently Asked Questions"
Describe an appraisal Describe an appraisal (See list of FAQ's)The method of creating an appraisal deals with an investigation which forms an opinion of value. This opinion or estimate is figured through a formal method that generally uses three "common approaches to value". One of the methods is the Cost Approach - which is how much capital would be required to replace the improvements, minus physical deterioration and other factors, then adding the land value. Another of the processes is the Sales Comparison Approach - which concerns discovering a comparable analysis to other similar properties within a close vicinity which have recently sold. Generally speaking, the Sales Comparison Approach is the most definite indicator of market value of a home. The Income Approach is mainly used for figuring out the market value of income-producing properties based on what an investor would pay based on the amount of income a property produce.What does an appraiser do? (See list of FAQ's)An appraiser generates a fair and credible determination of market value, often in the context of a real estate exchange. Appraisers present their expert conclusions in appraisal reports.Why would I require your services? (See list of FAQ's)There are many reasons to purchase an appraisal with the most common reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. Other reasons for purchasing an report include:
Is an appraisal the same as a home inspection? (See list of FAQ's)The appraiser is not a home inspector nor does he/she do a comprehensive home inspection. An inspection is a third-party evaluation of the accessible structure and electrical and mechanical systems of a house, from the top to the bottom. Commonly, a home inspection report will discuss the amenities and the requirements of the house: air conditioning (weather permitting), electrical systems, the condition of the heating system, the plumbing; then the structural capacity of the home such as the attic, visible insulation, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, then the foundation, basement and visible structures.Is an appraisal the same as a comparative market analysis(CMA)? (See list of FAQ's)Simply, they have nothing in common. The CMA relies on vague market trends. The appraisal depends on specific definite comparable sales. The appraisal report will also contain area and building prices. A CMA delivers a "ball park figure." Delivering a defensible and careful analysis, an appraisal will give a clear opinion of value.Who's creating the report is hands down the biggest difference between a CMA and an appraisal. A CMA is created by a real estate agent who may or may not have a true grasp of the market or valuation concepts. The appraisal is created by a licensed, certified professional who makes a living out of valuing properties. Moreover, the appraiser is an unbiased voice, with no vested interest in the value of a home, unlike the real estate agent, whose income is tied to the price of the home. What are the contents of an appraisal report? (See list of FAQ's)The main purpose of an appraisal document is to give a value opinion, and depending on the scope of the report, one will customarily see the following:
Upon completion of the appraisal, what assurance is there that the value conclusion is veritable? (See list of FAQ's)In the documentation of an appraisal, each appraiser must ensure the following:
Who engages the services of appraisers? (See list of FAQ's)Typically, appraisers are called upon by lenders to estimate the value of a home involved in a loan transaction. Attorneys and CPAs also hire appraisers for asset division and estate settlements.Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate values in Fannin County or other areas? (See list of FAQ's)One of the main tasks an appraiser must accomplish is to assimilate data. Data can be classified as either Specific or General. Specific data is collected from the property itself; Location, condition, amenities, size and other specific data are noted by the appraiser during an inspection.General data is collected from a variety of places. To find out about recent sales to be used as "comps", we often go to the local Multiple Listing Service. Tax records and other public documents verify actual sales prices in a market. Appraisers often need to report when a property lies in a flood zone, so that information is retrieved from a FEMA data outlet such as a la mode's InterFlood product. And last but not least, the appraiser assimilates general data from his or her past experience in creating appraisals for other houses in the same market. How can a licensed appraiser help me? (See list of FAQ's)Any time the value of your home or other real property is being used to make a significant financial decision, an appraisal helps. For those selling a home, you'll want to figure out the price that gets you the most profit but also ensures you don't have to wait too long for a buyer to show up; an appraisal can help with that. When buying, be sure you're not overpaying by getting an independent appraisal. For those settling an estate or divorce, an appraisal from Junnier Appraisal Services is the best way to ensure assets are split up fairly. A home is often the single, largest financial asset anybody owns. Don't make decisions in the dark with a professional appraisal.My mortgage statement has an item on it for PMI? Can I get rid of that? (See list of FAQ's)PMI is the common abbreviation for for Private Mortgage Insurance. PMI takes care of the lender in the event a borrower defaults on the loan and the market price of the house is lower than the loan balance. Once you can prove the amount you owe on your home is less than 80% of the home's market value, you can make a case to your lender to drop the PMI.
How do I get ready for the appraiser? (See list of FAQ's)The first step in most appraisals is the home inspection. What this entails is the appraiser, after setting up an appointment, personally going through the home - recording the layout of the rooms, taking photos and documenting the general condition of its features. Inside, make sure it is clutter free and that we can access things like furnaces and water heaters. In the yard, trim any landscaping so we can be free to get an accurate measurement of outside walls.You can make our visit go faster and improve the quality of the appraisal report by having the following things on hand:
Define "Market Value" (See list of FAQ's)In real estate appraising, Market Value is commonly defined as:
Who actually owns the appraisal report? (See list of FAQ's)For mortgage transactions, the lender requests the appraisal, either directly or through a third party. Even though it's the buyer that eventually pays for the report, the lender is the intended user. The buyer is certainly entitled to a copy of the report - it's usually included with all the other closing documents - but is not allowed to use the report for any other purpose without permission from the lender.It's different when it's the homeowner engaging the appraiser for things outside securing a mortgage. In these cases, the appraiser may stipulate how the appraisal can be used; for PMI removal, or estate planning or tax challenges, for example. If not stipulated otherwise, the home owner can use the appraisal for any purpose. I want to get more for my house. Where should I spend money renovating? (See list of FAQ's)Like all things real estate, this is dependent on a home's location. For example, if you live in a cold region, insulated windows can be a real plus. But they aren't as attractive in a warm-weather climate.No matter where you go, however, renovating a kitchen is almost always a safe investment. One recent study revealed that putting $20,000 into a kitchen remodel would add about $17,500 to the value of the home - or about an 88% return on investment. Bathrooms are right up there with kitchens, returning 85%. Adding bedrooms and baths can also help the value of your home as long as your home doesn't then become overbuilt for your neighborhood in terms of size. |