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Real Estate Appraisal

Appraisal

If you’re securing a new loan to purchase a home, your lender will require an appraisal of the property to determine its fair market value. The lender will collect an appraisal fee (expect $400 – $650) from you once a purchase contract is accepted and you’re ready to move forward with your loan application.

A state licensed home appraiser will be selected by the lender to research the property and compare it to nearby homes that have sold in the last six months and are similar in size, age, construction and amenities.

The appraisal differs from a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA), which is an estimate of your home’s value done by Realtors® to establish a listing or offer price. The appraiser will use similar methods in arriving at a property’s value, but also follow strict licensing and industry guidelines and adhere to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices.

The appraisal process

The appraiser will make an appointment to see the home and will take about 30 minutes to an hour to look over the property, measure the home, draw a representative floor plan, take photographs inside and out, and review the property’s condition, improvements and amenities.

Seller’s can help the appraiser by providing a list of any improvements and remodeling projects since purchasing the home, along with an approximate dollar amount of each improvement. Keep in mind, however, that remodeling projects rarely bring a 100 percent return on investment, but a list will ensure the appraiser doesn’t overlook the upgrades or added features when comparing the home to others.

The appraiser will provide a written appraisal report to the buyer’s lender within a few days of visiting the property.

After the appraisal

In some cases (particularly if the buyer is obtaining a government backed loan) the lender may require additional repairs not negotiated as part of the purchase contract before they’ll lend money for the purchase.

For example, if the buyer is applying for an FHA or VA loan, the property must be free of health and safety hazards. VA and FHA appraisers will document visible defects that affect structural soundness, such as wall and foundation cracks, signs of settlement, water pooling, termite infestation; faulty plumbing, roofing, electricity, heating and air conditioning systems. Both programs abide by a different set of property standards; however, the criteria is aligned in most ways.

In some cases, correcting deficiencies identified in an appraisal, or making improvements, may have to be completed before the lender gives final loan approval. Once the repairs are made, the appraiser will return to confirm the completed repairs, and a re-inspection fee is usually charged.

Related Articles:
What to expect as appraisal gaps grow
What’s the difference between an Appraisal and an Inspection?

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"I listed my home with Russ and he had an offer for me within 7 days. I had listed with two other Realtors with no success. I have bought and sold several homes in my lifetime and I will say that Russ is the best Realtor that I have ever had."
- G.S., Green Valley AZ
"I can’t say enough about what an outstanding job Russ did for us! We decided to retire to AZ and after touring several areas in the state, we chose the Tucson area. I found Russ online and reached out to him to help us find our retirement neighborhood and home. Russ spent a day showing us all of the different neighborhoods in both Sahuarita and Green Valley that met our requirements and were within our budget. By the end of the day, we had chosen four neighborhoods. Russ then found four homes for sale in our chosen neighborhoods; two in our favorite! The next day, Russ took us to tour the four homes and by the end of the second day, we made an offer. We are relocating from Kentucky and Russ has been there for us every single step of the way. He has been invaluable in making this entire experience smooth and exciting for us! His service after the sale has been equally exemplary!"
- E. W., Sahuarita AZ
"We found Russ to be very professional and informed on the details related to the market as well as the negotiating process. He was also prompt to respond to our calls and emails. We recommend him to any one considering having their home listed. "
- S.G., Green Valley AZ
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Russ Fortuno, Associate Broker

I'm a Southern Arizona native and year-round Green Valley resident. Whether you’re buying or selling a home in the Green Valley or Sahuarita area, you’ll experience unsurpassed service and professionalism at all stages of your real estate transaction. I welcome the opportunity to assist in your next home sale or purchase.
Meet Russ

Tierra Antigua Realty

18745 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Ste. A105
Green Valley, AZ 85614
(520) 333-0446
Contact Russ

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