assessment is based on available data with no guarantee of accuracy, and often uses an algorithm that simply averages comparable sales in the geographic area. These tools might be quick and easy, but they don’t take into consideration factors like location, current local trends, and the condition of the property. Be aware that the prices arrived upon might even be highly inaccurate.
PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL
Nothing determines the sale price of a piece of real estate but the price at which it actually sells. Houses are not same-priced identical cans of tuna on the grocery store shelf or shares of stock valued and traded every day on the stock exchange. Real estate appraisal (“property valuation”) is the process of developing a perspective of value for real property. This is the market value — i.e., what a willing, reasonable buyer would pay for the property to a willing, reasonable seller. Real estate transactions generally require assessments because they happen infrequently, and every real property is unique in features and characteristics. An appraisal helps in various decision points. The seller can use the appraisal as a basis for pricing. The buyer can use it as a gauge 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
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