When we take a look at the procedures, real estate valuation and appraisal are two different things. Getting a home appraisal means an unbiased evaluation of your property with the help of a licensed appraiser. In contrast, home valuation is generally performed by real estate agents or brokers for refinancing & tax purposes.
Even though these two terms have distinct meanings, the factors influencing the home appraisal & home valuation are the same. Understanding these factors allows an individual to make informed decisions, helps in accurate pricing and minimizes the risk.
Local Real Estate Market
One of the top factors that affect the home appraisal & valuation is the local real estate market. Let’s say the property next to yours is recently sold. Now, to evaluate the worth of your property appraiser will have a look at the sold price of that property.
Also, the local market is unpredictable which means the worth of your property might not be the same as two years ago.
Location
Even before seeing the property, an appraiser will estimate the value based on its location. The value is expected to be greater if your house is in a desired location, such as close to amenities, transportation, and job markets. Thus if a property is located in the countryside, its value may be low.
Property Features
Property characteristics are crucial because appraisers use objective techniques to determine the fair market value of properties. This includes the size, layout, condition, and number of bedrooms, which vary in every house.
In other situations, a house with distinctive features such as pools, fireplaces, and completed basements has a high valuation.
Curb Appeal
Well, improving curb appeal does add charm to your property. And since the first impression matters, having an attractive interior & exterior of the property sets a positive impression on the appraiser. Not only this but it also potentially leads to higher property valuation. So, yes small improvements do make a big difference when it comes to knowing your property’s worth.
Excessive Personalization
A potential buyer of the property might get distracted after seeing lots of family pictures on the wall. Yes, it’s true as over-personalization not only affects property appraisal but also real estate transactions. The owner needs to keep a balance between expressing individuality & maintaining broad appeal when it comes to property appraisal and valuation.
Determining the worth of a property is not a cup of tea. It requires careful consideration of various factors such as the market trends, size and location. And by thoroughly analyzing all these factors an informed decision must be made.
However, to ensure that you’re making the right decision or not it is better to consult with a real estate professional.
