Understanding Changes in Home & Residential Real Estate Appraisal Values

July 17, 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction

Are you curious about the home appraisal process and what factors influence home appraisal values? Home appraisal values, especially in residential real estate, can change drastically and it’s important to stay informed and understand why they can change. In this article, we will discuss the various factors that influence home appraisal values, significant changes, approaches to valuing home appraisal, the impact of COVID-19, and benefits of professional appraisal services.

What Is Home Appraisal?

Home appraisal is an objective process of valuing a property's current market value. In residential real estate, appraisals are typically conducted by trained professionals who use current market data to estimate the value of a property. The primary purpose of obtaining a home appraisal is for mortgage lenders to ensure the borrower is paying a fair price for the property. The appraiser also looks at the condition and quality of the property, the availability of comparable properties in the area, and the current market trends to determine the perceived monetary value of the home. Home appraisals can also be conducted for a variety of other reasons such as legal or family matters. Accurate appraisals can help assure both parties that the property is being equitably valued.

Factors Influencing Home Appraisal Values

: The value of a home appraisal can be affected by a variety of factors. Location of the property, such as in a desirable neighborhood, can be a critical factor. Other considerations include improvements made to the property, such as additional rooms, new HVAC systems, and any swimming pools or other related features. The overall condition of the home including the roof, foundation and paint, as well as the market saturation, will also have an effect on the home appraisal value. Recent economic conditions, such as high unemployment, high inflation, or a low cost of living, can affect the number as well. Lastly, local real estate trends and similar recent sales of comparable property can also influence an appraisal’s value. While all these elements can affect the value of a home, experienced home appraisers can weigh the different influences thoroughly and accurately estimate property values.

Significant Changes in Home Appraisal Values

- What Factors Are Involved? When it comes to changes in home appraisal values, a variety of factors are always involved including the state of the local real estate market, the current condition of the home, market trends, comparable neighborhoods and much more. In terms of the local real estate market, a high demand for homes in an area will boost the home appraisal value. On the other hand, an area with a declining market will likely have a lower home appraisal. The condition of the home is another key factor, as well as features like square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, backyard space, updates, and so on. When a home is in poor condition or out-of-date, it can greatly reduce its appraisal value. Finally, market trends such as interest rates and demographics affect home appraisals. When rates are low, more people tend to buy homes, which means homes appreciate in value. Additionally, an influx of high-income tenants can drive up real estate values in an area over time. By understanding the various influencing factors that determine home appraisal values, you can anticipate potential changes and be better equipped to make decisions.

Approaches to Valuing Home Appraisal

Properties for Mortgages Mortgage lenders and other financial institutions often turn to real estate appraisers to determine the value of the property being purchased or refinanced. Home appraisals tend to be much more detailed and complex than appraisals for other types of property, such as commercial businesses. The appraiser typically examines the house itself, its features and condition, the condition of the surrounding neighborhood and local market trends. One approach used by appraisers is the "market comparison approach," also referred to as the “comparative market analysis” (CMA). This involves locating and comparing similar properties recently sold in the neighborhood and using their sales prices as a guide for the fair market value of the house being appraised. Other tools an appraiser may use to determine the value of a home include income capitalization, which values a property based on its earnings potential, or the cost approach which values a home by looking at the costs associated with replacing it. The appraiser will examine all of these aspects of the property in order to provide a detailed assessment of a fair market value for the home. When a financial institution asks for an appraisal of a home, they are really asking, "How much is this property worth?" Knowing what approaches and methods appraisers use to answer that question will help give you a better appreciation for the value of your own home.

Uses of Home Appraisal Values

Home appraisal values are important measurements that have a bearing on several aspects related to home buying and selling. This kind of appraisal can be used for a variety of purposes, like mortgage or refinance applications, estate planning, and tax assessments. The information obtained through an appraisal helps to determine the price of a home or other residential real estate and can be used for home equity loans, dispute resolution, and casualty insurance claims. It can also help to set an expected selling price for a home, or when deciding what price range to set for competitive offers. Understanding the value of residential properties on the market helps potential buyers and sellers determine a fair and accurate cost for a home before making an offer. Appraisers may also be asked to provide an evaluation of a home's remodeling progress and improvements for homeowners. Appraisal values are therefore essential for determining the worth of a property and setting the market standard for its value.

Impact of COVID-19 on Home Appraisal Values

Since the pandemic began, the residential real estate market has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, with shifts in housing demand and values across the US. Home appraisal values have seen an increase due to record-low interest rates, lack of supply, and higher demand for properties. Many states are now offering remote appraisals as an alternative for homeowners who cannot or prefer not to have an appraiser enter their homes. Using technology, appraisers can inspect property virtually, allowing them to review documents, analyze comparable sales, calculate market value, and manage the data associated with the appraisal with greater accuracy. Along with changing mortgage guidelines, COVID-19 has certainly impacted the home appraisal industry, causing a shift in the way appraisers must approach their job while still providing accurate appraisals to the market.

Benefits of Professional Residential Appraisal Services

Professional residential appraisal services provide a valuable service to homeowners, allowing them to accurately and quickly determine the value of their home. Homeowners can use the services of an appraisal professional to determine the current market value of their property, helping them to plan their next move with confidence. Appraisal professionals also provide homeowners with an accurate assessment when making decisions regarding selling, refinancing, or other major financial moves or investments. Additionally, lenders often require a professional residential appraisal report as a condition for financing, enabling them to make an informed decision. By using the services of a professional appraisal, homeowners can accurately determine their home's real estate value and future financial potential. Professional appraisal services can also be used to assess the condition of a property, helping homeowners make repairs or improvements as necessary. Ultimately, professional residential appraisal services are a beneficial tool in ensuring that the real estate market remains fair and efficient.

Understanding the Home Appraisal Process

The home appraisal process is essential for lenders to ensure a home is worth the asking price. During an appraisal, the appraiser will examine the condition of the home, the neighborhood, market conditions and any improvements or updates the homeowner has made within the past few years. Appraisers will also review comparable sales in the area to determine the home's value. After researching all of this data, the appraiser will create a comprehensive appraisal report that is presented to the lender. The appraisal report includes the appraisers opinion of the home's value, demographic and economic data relating to the sale, and a comparison of recently sold homes in the area. This helps lenders determine an accurate value for the home and ensure the homebuyer isn't being taken advantage of. Once the appraisal is complete and the home is approved, the lender will use the appraised value to issue a loan to the home buyer. The appraisal process is essential for lenders and home buyers, as it helps everyone involved understand the true value of the home. It's also an important step in the home-buying process as it ensures all parties involved are aware of the home's value.

Preparing for a Home Appraisal

– What to Expect Prepping for a home appraisal can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Knowing what to expect during the day of the appraisal can make the entire process much smoother. On the day of, the appraiser will arrive with all necessary tools such as measuring devices and photographic equipment. Together you'll go through your house room by room, taking notes and collecting information. The appraiser will take pictures and measurements of each room and look at the condition of each. He or she will also note any features that may affect the appraisal value of your home, such as neighborhood characteristics, age, and condition of the property. The appraiser will then access information about recent real estate transactions in your area and use it to compare and appraise your home's value. Don't worry if you disagree with the appraiser's final value of the home. You can discuss his or her assessment with the appraiser. Lastly, be sure to ask the appraiser any questions you have and provide information that you think the appraiser might find useful. Preparing and communicating with your appraiser can ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Tips for Maximizing Home Appraisal Values

When it comes to increasing the value a residential property receives during an appraisal, there are some key tips to remember. First, boosting curb appeal with activities such as lawn care, painting, and overall home maintenance is beneficial. Additionally, making sure to practice energy-efficient strategies such as window and door insulation and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can help increase home appraisal values. Additionally, renovations and upgrades that actually add value to the home should be noted including finished basements, upgraded kitchen appliances, or even upgraded bathrooms. Of course, these investments are costly, so make sure that you understand both the features of the area and the cost of these upgrades to maximize the returns. Finally, geography can play a role in residential appraisals. If a home is located in an area of increasing property values or a desirable area for families, then the value of the home should increase as well. By ensuring that good home maintenance is done, investing in property-enhancing renovations, and understanding the local housing market, home and residential property appraisal values can be maximized.

Conclusion

Whether you need a home appraisal or a commercial or land appraisal, AppraiseItNow offers appraisal services across the US. Our expert appraisers have the experience and expertise to ensure that your property receives its true value. Contact us today to learn more about our services and for help understanding the home appraisal process.

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