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Mortgage Process Step #2

Appraisal Stage

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Understanding Residential

Real Estate Appraisals

Understanding Residential Real Estate Appraisals

A critical component to buying a home is the appraisal. An appraisal is a third-party professional evaluation of the value of a property that is used to help determine the amount of a loan.

In compliance with government regulation, appraisers hired for a mortgage transaction on a conforming loan are chosen from a pool of qualified appraisers at random. Neither the borrower nor lender have the flexibility of deciding which appraiser will inspect your home.

Mortgage Loan Process

Step 1: Documentation

Step 2: Appraisal

Step 3: Underwriting

Step 4: Conditional Approval

Step 5: Clear To Close

Step 6: Closing

Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions about your loan status or next steps in the process.

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Appraisals 101

A few key components of an appraisal

  • The Site: Location, view, topography, lot size, utilities, zoning, external factors, highest and best use, landscaping features…
  • Design: Quality of construction, finish work, fixed appliances, and any defining features…
  • Condition: Age, deterioration, renovations, upgrades, added features…
  • Health and Safety: Structural integrity, code compliance…
  • Size: Above grade and below grade improvements…
  • Neighborhood: Is the property comparable to others in the neighborhood?
  • Functional Utility: Is the property functional as built – style and use?
  • Parking: Garages, carports, shops, etc..

Other Factors in Determining Value:

Curb appeal, lot size, and conforming to the neighborhood are obvious to the appraiser when they drive down into the neighborhood and pull up in front of your home.

Ready to learn more?

Review the previous step in the mortgage process.

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