Selling Your Home - Appraisals & Market Value
What is the difference between market value and appraised
value?
The appraised value of a house is a certified appraiser's opinion
of the worth of a home at a given point in time. Lenders require appraisals as
part of the loan application process; fees range from $250 - $700. The typical "lender" required appraisal will cost $700+ which is payable to your loan mortgage lending institution upon order placement. As a seller, you may want an appraisal prior to meeting with a Broker. In this case, the appraisal may cost at the lower end of the range.
Market value
is what price the house will bring at a given point in time. Appraisals look at "sold" homes that have sold in the last 180 days or less. A comparative
market analysis is an informal estimate of market value, based on sales of
comparable properties, performed by a real state broker. As a Managing Broker, I work "in" the market. I am familiar with the comparable homes that are both for sale and pending a sale. I'm in touch with the "beat" of the market, therefore, often resulting in a more accurate "fair market" valuation based on market trends and conditions. Either an
appraisal or a comparative market analysis is the most accurate way to determine
what your home is worth.
What's a house worth?
A home
ultimately is worth what someone will pay for it. Everything else is an estimate
of value. To determine a property's value, most people turn to either an
appraisal or a comparative market analysis. An appraisal is a certified
appraiser's estimate of the value of a home at a given point in time. Appraisers
consider square footage, construction quality, design, floor plan, neighborhood
and availability of transportation, shopping and schools. Appraisers also take
lot size, topography, view and landscaping into account. I offer annual Real Estate Reviews for my clients and thorough complimentary price analysis (comparative market analysis) for customers who are considering selling their home.
How is a home's value determined?
You have
several ways to determine the value of a home. An appraisal is a professional
estimate of a property's market value, based on recent sales of comparable
properties, location, square footage and construction quality. A comparative market analysis is an
informal estimate of market value performed by a real estate agent based on
similar sales and property attributes. Most agents offer free analyses in the
hopes of winning your business. You also can get a comparable sales report for a
fee from private companies that specialize in real estate data or find
comparable sales information available on various real estate Internet
sites.
What standards do appraisers use to estimate
value?
Appraisers use several factors when estimating a home's value,
including the home's size and square footage, the condition of the home and
neighborhood, comparable local sales, any pertinent historical information,
sales performance and indices that forecast future value. For detailed
information on appraisal standards, contact the Appraisal Institute at 200 W. Madison, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60606, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT; 888-7JOINAI (754-4624).