Understanding the Home Appraisal Process

Both homeowners who are selling their home and potential buyers are often confused by the home appraisal process.  

Sellers often feel that their home is worth a certain amount especially if they upgraded their home, made improvements or added amenities.  On the other side of the process, a potential buyer may have found their dream home for X amount and wonder if the house is really worth that much. 
These questions and concerns are at the heart of home appraisals. 

At its core, an appraisal determines the value of taxable property or property that appreciates; such as fine jewelry, art, businesses and land.  A home appraisal is simply the opinion of a state-licensed third-party professional whose expertise is in determining the value of the land and buildings or structures contained on the property. 

In residential properties, the appraiser will usually compare the sales cost of other properties in the area.   However, the appraiser will also evaluate the lot size, square footage of finished and unfinished spaces, condition of the property and features like a garage or fireplace.

When it comes to home improvements, it is important to remember that there is no set amount associated with upgrades.  The appraised amount of any upgrade could very well be less than the cost the homeowner paid for the upgrade.  Again, appraisers will look to other properties in the neighborhood with similar upgrades to determine the value.

For example, a homeowner may spend $25,000 on a swimming pool but if the local marketplace can only support a $10,000 pool, then that upgrade will be marked on the appraisal as $10,000.  This is the reason why homeowners should choose their upgrades wisely.  

Lenders determine appraisal guidelines in order to force appraisers to attach a fair market value on a home based on comparable sales.  Comparisons are based on the most recent six months of market activity and often examine closed or pending sales of at least three similar properties.   This process prevents appraisers from over-valuing the home in question; a practice that some believe contributed to the 2007 housing bubble.  Recent Federal rules have been instituted to prevent lenders from having influence over the appraiser’s results by requiring non-interested third party services to select and communicate with the appraiser prior to its completion.

Although the home appraisal process protects the lender from unnecessary risk, it also protects the buyer from overpaying on a house. 

If you have any additional questions about the home appraisal process, please call Stuart directly at 410.491.0200 or email at septstein@baybankmd.com.