949-392-1999
An appraisal is a valuation of a property by an independent appraiser. The appraiser does an evaluation of the home, considers the home in comparison to others of comparable type and so on. Once completed, the appraiser then issues a written appraisal value of the home. Many home buyers make the assumption the appraisal is the true value of the home both now and in the future. This can be a dangerous assumption.
First, appraisals are limited by something known as a moment in time. The appraisal done today, may not be entirely relevant a month or two later. If a property has been on the market for a few months, the appraisal may not reflect a slowing market. This, in turn, means the appraised value is actually higher than the current market will support. Home buyers run into problems when this occurs because they put too much value on the appraisal. A seller will often list the home below the appraised amount and home buyers will think they are getting a deal. In reality, they are not and may actually be paying more than a new appraisal would support. The older the appraisal, the less value you should put into it.
Most home buyers assume an appraiser inspects the home for defects and discounts the value of the home accordingly. This is not really the case. An appraiser is not really doing a critical home inspection. In fact, the appraiser contract and/or report usually contains a long disclaimer whereby the appraiser covers his derriere by noting he assumes the property is in good condition and isn’t liable if it is not. Obviously, that should scare you. This, of course, is why you should insist on a home inspection for any property you make an offer on.
An appraisal is a solid part of the equation when considering a home purchase. It is not, however, the piece de resistance when valuing the property.
Bill Manassero is the founder/top dog at “The Old Dawg’s REI Network,” a blog, newsletter, and podcast for seniors and retirees, that teaches the art of real estate investing. His personal real estate investing goal, which is being chronicled at olddawgsreinetwork.com, is to own/control 1,000 units/doors in the next 6 years. Prior to launching the Old Dawg’s REI Network, Bill and his family lived in Haiti for 11 years as missionaries serving orphaned, abandoned and at-risk children.
