Understanding the Appraisal Process: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Understanding the appraisal process is crucial for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market. An appraisal is a professional assessment of a property's market value, typically conducted by a licensed or certified appraiser. This evaluation ensures that the property's price aligns with its actual worth, providing confidence to all parties involved in a transaction. Why Are Appraisals Important? For buyers, an appraisal confirms that they are paying a fair price for a property. Lenders rely on appraisals to verify that the property's value justifies the loan amount, thereby protecting their investment. Sellers benefit by understanding their property's market value, aiding in setting a competitive listing price. The Appraisal Process Property Inspection: The appraiser conducts a thorough inspection of the property, assessing its size, condition, improvements, and any unique features. This may include both interior and exterior evaluations. Comparative Market Analysis: The appraiser examines recent sales of comparable properties in the area, considering factors like location, size, age, and condition to determine market value. Final Report: A detailed report is compiled, outlining the property's appraised value and the methodologies used. This report is shared with the lender and, in most cases, the buyer. Factors Influencing Appraisal Value Location: Proximity to amenities, schools, and overall neighborhood desirability can impact value. Property Condition: Well-maintained properties typically appraise higher than those requiring significant repairs. Market Trends: Current real estate market conditions, such as supply and demand dynamics, play a role in valuation. Common Misconceptions Appraised Value vs. Market Value: The appraised value is an estimate of the property's worth, while the market value is the price a buyer is willing to pay. These figures can differ based on market conditions and buyer perceptions. Influence on Appraisals: Appraisers are required to operate independently, free from external pressures, to ensure unbiased valuations. What If the Appraisal Is Lower Than the Purchase Price? If an appraisal comes in below the agreed-upon purchase price, several options are available: Renegotiate the Price: Buyers and sellers can agree to adjust the purchase price to align with the appraised value. Increase Down Payment: Buyers may choose to pay the difference between the appraised value and the purchase price out of pocket. Challenge the Appraisal: Provide additional information or comparables to the lender to request a reconsideration of the appraisal. Preparing for an Appraisal Documentation: Provide the appraiser with relevant documents, such as a list of recent improvements and their costs, property tax information, and any pertinent property records. Property Condition: Ensure the property is clean and accessible, with all systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) in working order. Market Knowledge: Be aware of recent comparable sales in the area to understand how your property compares. By comprehending the appraisal process and its significance, buyers and sellers can navigate real estate transactions with greater confidence and clarity.

Why Home Sales Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

Why Home Sales Bounce Back After Presidential Elections With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down. Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG, in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day (see graph below): Why? Uncertainty. Many consumers hold off on making major decisions or purchases while they wait to see how the election will play out. It’s a pattern that’s shown up time and time again, and it's particularly apparent for buyers and sellers in the housing market. This year is no different. A recent survey from Redfin found that 23% of potential first-time homebuyers said they’re waiting until after the election to buy. That’s nearly a quarter of first-time buyers hitting the pause button, likely due to the same feelings of uncertainty. Home Sales Bounce Back After the Election The good news is these delayed sales aren’t lost forever—they’re just postponed. History shows sales tend to rebound after the election is over. In fact, home sales have actually increased 82% of the time in the year after the election (see chart below): That’s because once the election dust settles, buyers and sellers have a sense of what’s ahead and generally feel more confident moving forward with their decisions. And that leads to a boost in home sales. What To Expect in 2025 If history is any indicator, that means more homes will sell next year. And based on the latest forecasts, that’s exactly what you should expect. As the graph below shows, the housing market is on pace to sell a total of 4.6 million homes this year, and projections are for 5.2 million total sales next year (see graph below): And that aligns with the typical pattern of post-election rebounds. So, while it might feel like the market is slowing down right now, it’s more of a temporary dip rather than a long-term trend. As has been the case before, once the election uncertainty passes, buyers and sellers will return to the market. Bottom Line It’s important to remember that while election years often bring a short-term slowdown in the housing market, the pause is usually temporary. Those sales are not lost. Data shows home sales typically increase the year after a Presidential election, and current forecasts indicate 2025 will be no different. If you’re waiting for a clearer picture before making a move, just know that the market is expected to pick up speed in the months ahead.

A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly

A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you. Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (houses that have already been lived in), but that’s not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead to more cost-effective options, especially today. Hard to believe, right? But the data doesn’t lie. Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option. Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes The median sales price for newly built homes is lower than the median sales price for existing homes today. This might seem surprising, but it’s true according to the latest data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR): Why is that? Builders are focused on building what they can sell. And right now, there’s a very real need for smaller and more affordable homes – so that’s what they’ve been bringing to the market. At the same time, there are also more newly built homes already on the market than there have been over the past few years, so builders are motivated to make sure they’re selling what they’ve got available before adding more. Reason 2: Attractive Incentives from Home Builders Another big reason to consider a newly built home is the range of incentives that many home builders are offering. Again, since builders are aiming to sell their current inventory, some are providing special deals to sweeten the pot for homebuyers. HousingWire explains today’s trend: “Overall, the usage of sales incentives was up to 61% in June, compared to 59% in May.” One of the most appealing incentives right now is how builders are able to offer competitive mortgage rates. They may also provide other incentives, such as covering closing costs, or offering free upgrades. Why This Matters to You Considering a newly built home could open up opportunities you hadn’t thought of before. With competitive pricing and attractive incentives, you might just find that a brand-new home is the most appealing option for you. Bottom Line Buying a home is a big decision, and it’s essential to consider all your options. By looking into newly built homes, you might find a perfect fit for your needs and your budget. Let’s explore the possibilities together. If you have any questions or want to see what’s available, feel free to reach out.

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all. And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place. That’s because buying a home is so much more than just a financial transaction. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says: “The benefits of purchasing and owning your place of residence are both financial and emotional – pride in homeownership and the feeling of security are huge intangible benefits.” Here’s a look at just a few of those more emotional or lifestyle perks, to help anchor you to why homeownership is one of your goals. A Sense of Satisfaction Owning a home is often associated with better mental health and well-being. That’s probably because buying a home is a big milestone. And the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with achieving that goal just feels good. A recent article from the Mortgage Reports says: “By and large, homeownership brings more satisfaction than renting. . . Surveyees scored the overall happiness level of homeowners at 88% compared to 67% for renters.” More Stability for Your Family Another thing that may make homeowners feel more satisfied is that they’re finally able to put down roots. Think about it. If you’re used to moving each time your lease renews and your rent climbs, staying put for a while would be nice not just for you, but for any loved ones that live with you. A home can provide more predictability and the chance to make long-term friends. That should reduce everyone’s stress too. As NAR explains: “Families also benefit from homeownership, with studies proving that parents are able to spend less time in a stressed state, therefore spending more time with their children. The ability for parents to feel stable has a huge impact on children’s behavioral issues, educational success, and future economic success.” A Stronger Feeling of Community And if you’re also looking for a sense of belonging for yourself, homeownership can help with that too. As FinHabits says: “Homeowners tend to be more involved in their local communities, leading to a stronger sense of belonging . . .” It makes sense. Your home connects you to your neighborhood and, by extension, your broader community. That’s because owning a home gives you a stake in that community’s future. So, becoming more involved and wanting to do what you can to help improve the area while making long-term relationships with neighbors is only natural. The Ability To Make the Space Your Own And don’t forget, your home is a place that’s all yours. Unless you’ve got specific homeowner’s association requirements, you’re free to customize it however you see fit. So, if renting has been cramping your style, it’s time to express yourself and jump on the latest trends (if you want to). Whether that’s small home improvements or full-on renovations, your house can be exactly what you want and need it to be. And as your tastes and lifestyle change, so can your home. Picture coming home each day to a place that feels like you. That’s a feeling like no other.  Bottom Line If you want to enjoy a sense of accomplishment and pride in where you’re living, let’s have a conversation to go over what you need to do now to make this future happen for you.