Whether you are considering selling, buying, or refinancing a property, you are going to need a real estate appraisal at some point. A property appraisal is essentially a professional evaluation that determines the market value of the land and building. Having one conducted means you are able to obtain an objective measure of the value, something that lenders then use to calculate the sum they might be willing to lend against it. A professional residential property appraisal involves several key steps. Read on to find out more about them.

Property Overview

To begin with, the first step of an appraisal service is to establish a preliminary overview of the property. This occurs when the appraiser receives an order, either from a mortgage lender or a would-be buyer or seller. The appraiser will put together their overview by researching public property records, ownership history, legal summaries, and zoning information to come up with an approximate valuation.

Property Inspection

Following the overview process, the real estate appraisal will involve a physical inspection of the property itself. This step involves looking into the condition and quality of the building to assess its structural integrity, for instance. In addition, the layout, number of rooms, square footage, and the age of the property are all taken into consideration. The appraisal should also include examinations of key features, such as the condition of the roof, the foundations, the state of the plumbing system, and the property's wiring. Exterior elements such as landscaping, parking, or outbuildings can also impact the valuation figure so these will be inspected, as well It's important to note that a real estate appraisal cannot guarantee the functionality of things like electrics, merely how much they affect the potential sales price.

Neighborhood Factors

The appraiser will also research the property's location and how the local neighborhood will play a part in the valuation. Factors such as proximity to schools, amenities, and transportation links all have an influence on market pricing. Part of this process means undertaking a comparative market analysis. Typically, this will involve comparing the property with similar properties in the area and how much they sold for. Of course, adjustments need to be made for differences in features, the condition of the property, and the precise location to establish a fair comparison.

Report Issuance

Once the real estate appraisal analysis has been completed, the appraiser will compile it into a written report. This will outline the methods used to determine the property's value as well as the valuation that the appraiser has reached. Typically, such reports include photos of the property, a list of comparable properties, and a plan of the property's layout before they're issued.

Contact a local company to learn more about real estate appraisal.