on which to base an offer. Lenders use appraisals to know how much money to credit to their borrowers.
The important factors in a house appraisal are:
• Dwelling type (e.g., one-storey, two-storey, split-level, factory- built) • Features (including design) — materials used and the kind of structure present and how they were built • Improvements made • Comparable sales • Location — type of neighbourhood, zoning areas, proximity to other establishments • Age of property • Size • Depreciation Condition, of course, is a crucial factor in valuation. Location is also a factor; however, as property cannot change location, upgrades or improvements to a residential property often can enhance its value. A professional appraiser should be a qualified, disinterested specialist in real estate appraisals, with expertise in your region. His or her job is to determine an estimated value by inspecting the property, reviewing the initial purchase price, and weighing it against recent sales with the same purchase price. COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS BY A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL This type of home valuation, the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), is often free from some real estate professionals, and more detailed and helpful than automated online offerings. It provides detailed information on each house sold in your area over the last six months, along with the final sale price. It also
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