Appraisals are done often in real estate and are a vital part of determining property value. Knowing the basics can be beneficial no matter what stage of property ownership you fall into.
How does an appraisal work?
An appraisal is done by a licensed professional to thoroughly examine a property to figure out its value. During the appraisal process, the appraiser inspects the structural quality, comparable local homes for sale on the market, checks for safety hazards and more to determine the property value.
What fails a home appraisal?
If an appraisal comes back low, do not fret, as there are several options to fix the issue. First, it’s vital to determine the cause of the low appraised value. This may include figuring out if recent data was used in relation to the local comparable properties, if repairs need to be done or if market conditions are at play.
Things such as a hot real estate market can put a strain on local appraisers, so sometimes in these conditions the job is rushed - not giving an accurate estimate.
What are the three types of appraisals?
There are three main appraisal approaches used in the world of real estate. These methods include:
- Cost approach: The cost a buyer would pay for a property should be equivalent to the cost of building a similar structure.
- Sales comparison: Property value is determined by comparing similar local properties in a similar real estate market.
- Income approach: Investors estimate the income a property could potentially bring in to see if it’s worth funding.
If you feel like an appraisal is incorrect, it’s best to do research on the local market and work closely with an appraiser for the best results.
About the Author
Linda Cappello, Broker, GRI, ABR
Linda A. Cappello, Owner/Broker of Cappello Realty Shoreline Properties. Cappello Realty is a full service boutique Real Estate firm that specializes in 06855 - East Norwalk, and services all of Norwalk and Fairfield County, CT. Linda has been in the Real Estate business for 20+ years, spending 18 of them as a Owner/Broker. Being a Broker adds a lot responsibility to her job. She is responsible for overseeing every transaction and agent in the office. This is a challenge that she looks forward to and takes very seriously. She is constantly taking continuing education classes and attending seminars to keep abreast of the ever changing market as well as the industry standards, rules and regulations.
She is a native to East Norwalk, and has an in-depth knowledge of the city that she loves, as well as the intricacies of the many unique neighborhoods and areas that Norwalk offers. Linda offers her clients a network of professionals ranging from Attorneys, Mortgage Brokers, Home Stagers and Home Inspectors to any and all pros that you may need for a successful transaction and for the convenience of her clients.
"My job doesn't end at the closing table. It goes far beyond that, keeping in touch and staying friends who refer their family and friends. A lot of my business is referral business which is the greatest accomplishment and honor of all. Earning my clients trust."
