What Goes Into an Appraisal?Getting real estate can be the most significant financial decision most people will ever consider. Whether it's a main residence, a second vacation home or an investment, the purchase of real property is an involved transaction that requires multiple people working in concert to see it through. It's likely you are familiar with the parties taking part in the transaction. The real estate agent is the most familiar entity in the transaction. Next, the bank provides the financial capital required to bankroll the transaction. The title company makes sure that all areas of the exchange are completed and that the title is clear to pass from the seller to the purchaser. So, what party makes sure the real estate is worth the purchase price? This is where the appraiser comes in. We provide an unbiased estimate of what a buyer could expect to pay — or a seller receive — for a property, where both buyer and seller are informed parties. A licensed, certified, professional appraiser from All City Appraisal will ensure, you as an interested party, are informed. Inspecting the subject propertyTo determine the true status of the property, it's our duty to first complete a thorough inspection. We must see features hands on, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the location, and so on, to ensure they truly are there and are in the shape a reasonable person would expect them to be. The inspection often includes a sketch of the house, ensuring the square footage is accurate and illustrating the layout of the property. Most importantly, we identify any obvious amenities - or defects - that would affect the value of the house. Following the inspection, we use two or three approaches to determining the value of real property: sales comparison and, in the case of a rental property, an income approach. 
Cost ApproachThis is where the appraiser uses information on local building costs, labor rates and other factors to derive how much it would cost to construct a property comparable to the one being appraised. This estimate usually sets the upper limit on what a property would sell for. It's also the least used predictor of value. 
Analyzing Comparable SalesAppraisers get to know the neighborhoods in which they appraise. They innately understand the value of specific features to the residents of that area. Then, the appraiser researches recent sales in close proximity to the subject and finds properties which are 'comparable' to the real estate in question. Using knowledge of the value of certain items such as upgraded appliances, additional bathrooms, additional living area, quality of construction, lot size, we adjust the comparable properties so that they more accurately portray the features of subject.
A true estimate of what the subject might sell for can only be determined once all differences between the comps and the subject have been evaluated. At All City Appraisal, we are experts in knowing the worth of real estate features in Woodland Hills and Los Angeles County neighborhoods. The sales comparison approach to value is typically awarded the most consideration when an appraisal is for a home exchange. Valuation Using the Income ApproachIn the case of income producing properties - rental houses for example - the appraiser may use an additional method of valuing a property. In this scenario, the amount of revenue the property produces is factored in with other rents in the area for comparable properties to give an indicator of the current value. Coming Up With The Final ValueCombining information from all approaches, the appraiser is then ready to state an estimated market value for the property at hand. The estimate of value at the bottom of the appraisal report is not always what's being paid for the property even though it is likely the best indication of a property's valueDepending on the individual circumstances of the buyer or seller, their level of urgency or a buyer's desire for that exact property, the closing price of a home can always be driven up or down.Regardless, the appraised value is typically used as a guideline for lenders who don't want to loan a buyer more money than the property is actually worth. It all comes down to this, an appraiser from All City Appraisal will guarantee you get the most accurate property value, so you can make the most informed real estate decisions. |