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Appraisal Myths

 


Appraisal vs. Appraiser Myths

Myth: Assessed value should equate to market value.
Reality: While most states support the concept that assessed value approximate estimated market value, this often is not the case. Examples include when interior remodeling has occurred and the assessor is unaware of the improvements, or when properties in the vicinity have not been reassessed for an extended period.

Myth: The appraised value of a property will vary, depending upon whether the appraisal is conducted for the buyer or the seller.
Reality: The appraiser has no vested interest in the outcome of the appraisal and should render services with independence, objectivity and impartiality - no matter for whom the appraisal is conducted.

Myth: Market value should approximate replacement cost.
Reality: Market value is based on what a willing buyer likely would pay a willing seller for a particular property, with neither being under pressure to buy or sell. Replacement cost is the dollar amount required to reconstruct a property in-kind.

Myth: Appraisers use a formula, such as a specific price per square foot, to figure out the value of a home.
Reality: Appraisers make a detailed analysis of all factors pertaining to the value of a home including its location, condition, size, proximity to facilities and recent sale prices of comparable properties.

Myth: In a robust economy - when the sales prices of homes in a given area are reported to be rising by a particular percentage - the value of individual properties in the area can be expected to appreciate by that same percentage.
Reality: Value appreciation of a specific property must be determined on an individualized basis, factoring in data on comparable properties and other relevant considerations. This is true in good times as well as bad.

Myth: You generally can tell what a property is worth simply by looking at the outside.
Reality: Property value is determined by a number of factors, including location, condition, improvements, amenities, and market trends.

Myth: Because consumers pay for appraisals when applying for loans to purchase or refinance real estate, they own their appraisal.
Reality: The appraisal is, in fact, legally owned by the lender - unless the lender "releases its interest" in the document. However, consumers must be given a copy of the appraisal report, upon written request, under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

Myth: Consumers need not be concerned with what is in the appraisal document so long as it satisfies the needs of their lending institution.
Reality: Only if consumers read a copy of their appraisal can they double-check its accuracy and question the result. Also, it makes a valuable record for future reference, containing useful and often-revealing information - including the legal and physical description of the property, square footage measurements, list of comparable properties in the neighborhood, neighborhood description and a narrative of current real-estate activity and/or market trends in the vicinity.

Myth: Appraisers are hired only to estimate real estate property values in property sales involving mortgage-lending transactions.
Reality: Depending upon their qualifications and designations, appraisers can and do provide a variety of services, including advice for estate planning, dispute resolution, zoning and tax assessment review and cost/benefit analysis.

Myth: An Appraisal is the same as a home inspection.
Reality: An Appraisal does not serve the same purpose as an inspection. The Appraiser forms an opinion of value in the Appraisal process and resulting report. A home inspector determines the condition of the home and its major components and reports these findings.

Myth: All appraisers are the same.
Reality: There are different type of licensing within the State of Pennsylvania and consumers need to be aware. The lending institutions are already aware of the differences and that is why they hire Certified Appraisers. 

 


WARNING!

HVCC & YOU!

On May 1, 2009 the HVCC was initiated throughout the Country on every mortgage transaction that involves an appraisal that is sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This involves all conventional loans which prior to the present meltdown was approximately 70% of all lending. With the banking system crippled, conventional loans seized up and nearly came to a halt. Presently, the conventional mortgage market is still trying to get back on its feet albeit very slowly and cautiously. Then there is the HVCC.

The HVCC came about due to pressure put on an appraisal management company called eAppraiseIT by a large mortgage lender Washington Mutual in the State of New York. The Attorney General of New York created the HVCC. To stay out of litigation (even though not directly involved), the appellant in the case (The State of New York) arranged to have Fannie Mae (FNMA) sign an agreement that all loans placed through FNMA & Freddie Mac would have to adhere to this new HVCC.

“We knew this was causing extreme hardship to the industry, but we didn’t expect to get thousands of horror stories from would-be homebuyers whose dreams have been dashed by this well-intended, but misguided policy. Every day thousands of people are getting the rug yanked out from under them in their quest to become homeowners because of HVCC. You only need to go to our petition website to read the stories for yourself,” said Kearns.

 READ MORE...

 

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