When we go out to a home to do an inspection, there are 2 main things we need to do: measure the GLA (gross living area) and take photographs of every room. Here are some reasons why we measure:1. We are required to measure by the lender.It is a requirement that any appraisal for a federal loan include a sketch of the subject property with labelled rooms. 2. Double check that GLA and county records match.This is usually not a problem with homes built within the last 10 years, but if there is a large discrepancy between the appraiser's measurement and county records, it can be a flag for additions (unpermitted or sometimes permitted additions that have not been added to county records).3. Does the floor plan flow?By measuring we are able to determine things we may otherwise miss. For example, when measuring a home that has an addition, we determined that the master bedroom was only accessible by walking through another bedroom. Doing a sketch and labeling the floor plans, helps us notice these things.
The appraiser won't know what your home is worth the second he walks in the door...What can you do to help the appraiser? Here are 4 things you can do:
1. Prep your space - declutter, dust, and mop beforehand to show your home in its best light. Also, inform all occupants that an appraiser is coming so everyone is up and out of bed! Appraisers don't judge cleanliness but a neat, organized home might help you.
2. Get your paperwork in order - gather all the information you have about the house and have it ready for the appraiser. Have a list of major improvements as well as detailed info about the age and condition of the roof, HVAC systems, and major appliances. This will be very helpful!
3. Don't put too much stock in home improvements - We're sure your brand-new kitchen is stunning, but don't be surprised if it doesn't proportionally raise your home's market value. If you spent $50,000, you're likely to see only a fraction of that returned in value.
4. Be honest - Before listing, make sure you and your realtor take a realistic look at what your home actually offers. It might be tempting to pad some square footage here and there. However, your appraiser won't be fooled, so it's best to always be truthful.
10 ways to boost the value of your home.1. Paint Your Home
Choosing the right shade of paint can actually help you sell your home. A current color scheme adds to its appeal and can prompt a faster sale.
2. Clean Up The Lawn
Another great technique to boost your home value is cleaning up the lawn. Make sure the lawn is mowed, raked, and trimmed. The first thing potential buyers see is your curb appeal.
3. Create Space
A trick of the trade to help you get top dollar when selling your home is creating space. Anything that opens up the space will make the home appear bigger and brighter.
4. Light
Make sure your home feels light and airy. A room full of light feels bigger.
There are many techniques you can use to make a room lighter:
Paint the ceiling whiteChoose a color scheme of lightMaximize natural lightKeep window dressing light and simpleOpen up shades to let light in5. Flooring
Consider adding wood, tiles, or natural stones for flooring options to add value to your home. A quick way to boost the value of your home is by adding hardwood floors. The number one thing buyers are frequently looking for are hardwood floor and it can help sell your home faster.
6. Power Wash Paths And Siding
Give the outside of your home an uplift by power washing the paths and sidings. In addition, regular pressure washing can prevent costly future repairs and renovations. Using a power wash will help remove mold, mildew, and algae from your home.
7. Update The Bathrooms
Make sure to fix any damage walls, cracked tiles, and add fresh paint. Updating an old bathroom will help you to sell your home faster and avoid price negotiations.
8. Give Appliances A Facelift
Want to get as much money as you can from your home? Make sure all the appliances are updated. The appliances must be stainless steel.
9. Clean Home
Make sure your home is clean. Get rid of limescale and remove all clutter. If your home is dirty, buyers will have a hard time envisioning themselves in the home.
10. Stage Home
Appearance is everything. Successfully staging is the key to selling your home quickly and making each room appeal to homebuyers.
Here Are Just a Few Examples:
Estate PlanningPlanning for the future of an estate or collection is important. An appraisal can provide a valuable tool so that owners can plan in advance for tax, distribution or donation. RefinancingMost home buyers know that they need to get a home appraisal when they apply for a loan to purchase a property. However, an appraisal will also be required when a home owner wants to refinance their loan at a lower mortgage rate. Banks will order another appraisal to ensure what the value of the property is.PrelistingSome homeowners order a home appraisal prior to putting their houses on the market to determine the best listing price. This is a great idea regardless of whether the homeowner is or isn't working with a real estate agent to sell his/her property.DivorceMost state courts require a recent appraisal to determine a home's fair market value. In a contested divorce, spouses often want their own separate appraisals therefore two appraisals will be done. If the two appraisers reach different values, a judge will look over both appraisals to make his/her final decision.
A home appraisal is the process of evaluating a piece real estate (can be a residential, commercial or industrial building built on land) and all it’s features to come up with a value of that property. An appraisal is normally performed by a professional appraiser who is trained to provide their opinion as to the value of the real estate and its building.
A home inspection is the process whereby a home inspector examines a home and all its major components to determine the quality of the components and also provides estimates of the longevity and usefulness of the components.
Which is your favorite? The guy on the dolphin is pretty funny, lol.
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