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Real Estate Appraisal

 
 
 
 

A real estate appraisal is used to develop an opinion of value by a real estate appraiser. An appraiser acquires a real estate license which is governed by the respective state of licensing. The majority of time, the appraiser proceeds to develop market value on a Uniform Residential Appraisal Report. Market value is based on the highest and best use of real property. Narrative reports are used for more complex real estate, such as income property and land.

 

The U.S. states regulate respective appraisers through the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (commonly referred to as USPAP). A real estate appraisal uses USPAP as a guide to appraisal practices. The appraiser has a fiduciary responsibility to a specific client. A real estate agent, mortgage broker, or lender will in most cases order the real estate appraisal. However, usually the homeowner will pay a respective fee either up-front "at the door" or at closing.

 Real Estate Appraiser Request For Appraisal Form

Complimentary Request for Appraisal Form (PDF Format)

 

The real estate appraisal report consists of detailed findings of the home, office, or land, etc.. being appraised (or subject property). Market value is derived once all specific neighborhood and subject property information has been summarized.

First, you start off with a physical inspection of the property being appraised. Number of bedrooms and bathrooms are important to ensure that they really exist and are in reasonable condition. Also, the inspection ensures the proper square footage and layout of the property by including an illustrative drawing. Obvious defects to the structure of the property affect the value negatively. This may included a leaky roof or hole in the wall.

Once the property has been inspected, the appraiser chooses from three approaches of property value. The cost approach, sales comparison approach, and income approach.

The Cost Approach

The cost approach is a method based on the replacement cost (new) of improvements, plus the market value of the site (land). For this reason and taking into consideration the real estate appraisal process, this approach is most reliable when improvements are fairly new. The older the structure, the less relevance the cost approach will be. This is due to the greater subjectivity involved in estimating accrued depreciation. Location and amenities are usually not reflected in this approach. In theory, this approach is the easiest to understand.

The Income Capitalization Approach

In respect to income producing properties, the income capitalization approach is used. Appraisers use this approach while concentrating on two factors. The rents that a property can be expected to earn and the resale value when a property is sold. This approach converts anticipated cash flows into present value by capitalizing net operating income using a capitalization rate. The amount of income the property produces is then used to arrive at the current value of those revenues over the foreseeable future.

The Sales Comparison Approach

The sales comparison approach derives value by comparing the subject being appraised to similar properties in the area that have sold recently. This approach is based upon the theories of supply and demand, balance, and substitution. In general, supply and demand forces tend to move toward equilibrium in the market. Adjustments are made to comparables for differences in such factors as time of sale, location, quality, condition, and amenities. The appraisal report ensures that the adjusted values of the comparables are then reconciled into a value conclusion for the subject.

The Appraised Value

The real estate appraisal is used to derive at the appraised value. The appraised value is used as a guideline by lenders who will not loan a buyer more money than the property is worth.

It is very important to note that the appraised value may differ from the final sales price of a property. Bidding wars and seller motivation may adjust this price above or below this value.

 

Additional Key Terms Include

Appraiser Process Explained - Certified and Licensed Appraiser - Learn how the appraiser process is performed. A licensed real estate appraiser uses his or her knowledge of the real estate market to derive at property value.

Real Estate Appraisal - Explanation on the Inspection and Report - Read how a real estate appraisal is used to develop an opinion of value.

Real Estate Agent - Realtor Guidelines and Ethical Behavior - Explanation on real estate agents and how they must acquire a real estate license to represent a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction.

Real Estate Investing - Information on Foreclosures- Explanation on real estate investing and the purchase of real estate for profit.

Commercial Real Estate and The Real Estate Market - Learn more about commercial real estate and how it can be bought or sold in the real estate market.

Real Estate Development - Modern Architecture and Structure - What is real estate development. Learn how developers are usually in the form of a company such as a corporation, but can also be an individual or partnership.

Real estate law - Including The Real Estate Contract - Read up on how real estate laws vary significantly between jurisdictions.

Real Estate License - Appraiser, Realtor, and Mortgage Broker - Explanation on mortgage broker, real estate agent, and appraiser licenses and how they must be updated with continuing education.

Real Estate Market - Updates on the Condition of the Market - How do the real estate agent, property appraiser, and mortgage broker affect the market.

Real Estate Appraiser Jobs - Trainee and Experienced Appraisers - How do you become a property appraiser? Click here for further information.