For How Long is a Real Estate Appraisal Good?

Buying or selling a home is an extremely important commitment that comes with huge financial implications. Understanding the process and associated costs can be confusing, which is why having the right information to hand is essential. One of the key processes related to purchasing a home involves having it appraised by a real estate professional. But just how long is an appraisal good for?

In this blog post, we’ll answer this question as well as provide more insight into other aspects relating to real estate appraisal, such as what they are used for and understanding their relevance when buying or selling property.

What Is a Real Estate Appraisal?

A real estate appraisal is a professional opinion of the value of real estate property, usually conducted by a licensed real estate appraiser. This third-party opinion can be used in many different types of real estate transactions, including purchasing real estate, selling real estate, developing real estate, mortgage financing or refinancing real estate, and determining property taxes.

Appraisals are detailed reports that take into account multiple aspects, such as an in-depth analysis of the market environment, comparable sales data, and physical characteristics, to provide an estimation for an accurate final report. An accurate appraisal will help ensure a property is fairly valued to all parties involved.

How Often Do You Have to Get Your House Appraised?

Having an up-to-date real estate appraisal is important for staying knowledgeable about your property's current worth, but how often should you get it? Depending on your situation, getting an appraisal done every two to three years can be beneficial.

Appraisals help establish a realistic sale price if you plan on selling or refinancing. They also help identify potential repairs and improvements that may increase the value of your real estate property. Periodically requesting real estate appraisals ensures a current assessment of your real estate investments and provides peace of mind that you have an accurate estimate of the true value of your property.

How Much Does an Appraisal Cost?

When it comes to real estate, the cost of an appraisal can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the particular property. Generally, appraisers will charge a fee based on the size and location of the real estate as well as any special considerations that may be required in order to properly evaluate its worth. Factors such as adjusting for improvements made over time or homestead exemptions can add extra costs. It's important to carefully consider these factors in order to obtain an accurate appraisal at a reasonable price.

What Adds the Most Value to a Home Appraisal?

When real estate agents and appraisers evaluate the worth of a property, one of the most important considerations is what adds value to the property. Recent improvements such as new windows, an updated kitchen or bathroom, or even landscaping can increase the home’s appraisal value significantly.

Additionally, when real estate market trends are favorable, appraisals tend to reflect higher real estate values since current buyers will be willing to pay more for a property. Thus continuing any current projects or improvements gives homeowners an opportunity to improve their homes’ worth and make it attractive to potential buyers in the future.

What Things Hurt a Home Appraisal?

When real estate appraisers arrive to inspect a home for appraisal, there are several aspects that can hurt the assessment of the home. Items like a cluttered or dirty interior, old or outdated appliances, plumbing and electrical issues or an overgrown or cluttered yard are all factors that can negatively affect a real estate appraisal.

Moreover, any deficiencies with the home’s structure, such as bad insulation, aged roofs and siding and cracked foundations, can also put the value of a home at risk during appraisal. Although there is no guaranteed way to get a high real estate appraisal, ensuring a house is kept clean and in good shape inside and out will give it its best chance.

Conclusion

When real estate appraisals are outdated, buyers and sellers run the risk of making decisions based on incorrect information. This could lead to an overpayment or underpayment of the property. That's why it's important to ensure your real estate appraisal is accurate and up-to-date when you're ready to purchase or sell real estate.

MortgageWorks

MortgageWorks offers financing for new home purchases, refinance, home equity, investment property, construction, and a wide variety of loan program options to fit your every need.

Servicing the state of California and the entire Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. Call Art today @ (760) 883-5700

Keywords: Real Estate, Home Appraisal, MortgageWorks

* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.