One of the requirements that mortgage lenders will request during the home buying process is a real estate appraisal. For many first time buyers, there may be some misconceptions as to exactly what this is. A real estate appraisal is a detailed report that is created by a licensed appraiser in your state and establishes the market value of a residential property. This is a very important aspect and several different considerations go into an official appraisal, and it forms the basis of the bank’s determination of the loan value. While appraisals do consider market comparisons, the actual appraisal value comes from much more than a market analysis.
Here are the components of a residential appraisal:
- Property details
- Comparisons to at least three similar properties
- Evaluation of the market conditions in the area
- Environmental conditions that could decrease the property’s value
- Structural issues that could decrease the property’s value
- Estimate of time on the market
- Status of the home site – new development, established neighborhood, acreage
Common misconceptions
- Appraisals aren’t the same as home inspections
- Appraisals are owned by the lender and not the buyer
- Assessed values don’t necessarily match market value
- Realtors do not provide appraisals
- Consumers do have the right to question appraisal facts and contest them
Understanding the neighborhood and ‘comps’ are an important part of your buying experience, but you are also bound to the official appraisal given to the lender. Work with your realtor, lender AND appraiser to make sure you understand all the details in the appraisal report of your new home.
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Go Green With Tankless Water Heater
If you are unfmailar on conventional water heaters work, they will keep your water hot 24/7, while an on-demand system, using the tankless approach, only heats water when you need it. An efficient gas burner quickly heats cold water traveling through the system to a preset temperature.
There are several common manufacturers of tankless water heaters – check out www.smarterhotwater.com, sponsored by Rheem. They tell us that annual costs for conventional water heating and storage (average) can be as much as $285, where the costs for tankless are more than $100 less per year on average.
So why haven’t we all converted? Tankless water heaters cost more up front – sometimes as much as twice more than traditional water systems. But adoption is growing as consumers become more and more concerned with efficiency and long term value for their dollars. Here’s a few reasons to consider going tankless:
1. Energy friendly and efficient. On demand systems can reduce energy costs as much as 25%.
2. Reliable and convenient. You get a continuous supply – imagine never running out of hot water!
3. Sleek and small. No more bulky tanks taking up valuable storage. Typical tankless heaters aren’t much bigger than a small suitcase.
4. Life expectancy. Tankless water eaters are built to last – 20 + years or more.
5. Versatility. It’s size and operating system allow you to place nearly anywhere in your home that is convenient for you.
Tankless water heaters are expensive, as noted and can be expensive to retrofit. If you are purchasing a new home that you plan to say in for a long time, the savings and benefits are worth the expense. If you are in a short term arrangement, the conventional water heaters may still be all you need for now. Also, avoid electric style tankless heaters – the gas units are much more efficient and affordable.
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