Learn about home appraisals, appraisal waivers, property inspection waivers, how to prepare and home appraisal tips, what an appraiser looks at, how long appraisals take and more. Appraisal blog written by AZ property appraiser, Steve Leavitt.
The Most Common Appraisal Repairs: What You Need To Know
Nov 20, 2024
Discover essential home appraisal repairs to pass inspection & boost resale value. Get tips to prepare your home for a smooth appraisal.
The Role of a Real Estate Appraisals in Estate Planning and Divorce Settlements
Oct 16, 2024
Learn how real estate appraisals play a key role in estate planning and divorce settlements by ensuring accurate property valuations for fair asset division.
How AVMs Affect Home Appraisals
Sept 26, 2024
AVMs give quick home value estimates but can miss key details like home condition and recent upgrades. Will they replace traditional home appraisals altogether?
What Is An Appraisal Review?
Sept 10, 2024
If an initial home appraisal raises questions or concerns, an appraisal review might be necessary to ensure the accuracy and reliability of a property’s valuation.
What Does A Home Appraiser Do? Understanding The Appraisal Process
Sept 3, 2024
Ever wondered what goes into a home appraisal? From research to scheduling and choosing comparables, the process starts long before an appraiser steps inside.
Who Pays For The Home Appraisal?
Aug 27, 2024
An appraisal is necessary when purchasing a home to ensure that the property's value aligns with the purchase price - but who pays for it?
What Is An AMC? Why Should Homeowners Care?
Aug 13, 2024
When you need a home appraisal for mortgage financing, the lender often uses an AMC to manage the appraisal process. Here’s what you want to know about AMCs.
After The Home Appraisal - 5 Things To Do
July 8, 2024
After the home appraisal is done, it may seem like time to relax - but it’s not. There are 5 more things to do after the appraisal.
5 Reasons To Get A Home Appraisal - Even If You're Not Buying/Selling A Home
June 18, 2024
There are many instances beyond buying or selling when having your home appraised is not just advantageous - but crucial.
What’s Included In The Square Footage Of A House?
April 16, 2024
Living space is one of the biggest factors potential buyers consider when purchasing a home, but what exactly is included in livable square footage?
Home Value After A Fire
March 25, 2024
Does a fire decrease the value of a home? The answer depends on whether the home will be sold as is, or if the homeowner will be restoring the home.
Speaker For Real Estate Sales Meetings? Bring In A Local Area Expert Appraiser
February 23, 2024
Looking for a speaker? Steve Leavitt enjoys sharing his knowledge on real estate trends, selecting comparables, and appraisal-related issues with real estate professionals.
10 Home Appraisal Myths You Should Ignore
January 15, 2024
Several myths surround the home appraisal process, and it can be understandable. But we’re here to set the record straight.
Do Appraisers Know The Selling Price?
October 19, 2023
The appraiser will most likely know the selling price of a home. Why? Because the standard appraisal forms require it. Read more...
Do Smart Home Features Increase Your Home Value?
September 26, 2023
Does adding smart-home technology, features such as security cameras, network-connected thermostats and lighting, help increase your home value?
Does A Pool Add Value To A Home?
Aug 21, 2023
Does adding a pool to your home increase the home’s value? Dive into the difference between the cost of building a pool and the value added to a home appraisal.
Role of Technology In Home Appraisals
July 27, 2023
Technology improves efficiency & accuracy of home valuations. How? With technology, appraisers can access robust data, streamline processes & use advanced analytical tools.
Does A Messy Home Affect An Appraisal?
June 26, 2023
A messy home does not affect a home’s value - unless the extreme mess and clutter prevents an appraiser from accurately appraising the property.
Do Appraisers Know The Loan Amount?
May 25, 2023
Do appraisers know the loan amount? While they most likely know the sales amount, most appraisers do not know the loan amount when conducting a home appraisal.
What Are Comparables?
April 13, 2023
Comparables are recent home sales nearby that are similar to the home that is the subject of an appraisal. Find out more about how appraisers choose comps.
Common Errors To Look For In Your Property Appraisal
March 21, 2023
If you believe your home is worth more than it was appraised for, you can challenge the appraisal - but you must be prepared to point out mistakes the appraiser made.
Do Water Leaks & Mold Remediation Affect The Value Of A Home?
February 17, 2023
Do water leaks and mold remediation affect the value of a home when you choose to sell in the future? Appraiser Steve Leavitt answers this question.
Appraised Value, Market Value & Assessed Value: Understanding The Difference
January 30, 2023
What makes the numbers surrounding a home value different? It’s all about how the numbers will be used that determines how they are calculated - and understanding how home values are calculated can help you make the right real estate investment.
Converting A Garage: How Much Value Does It Add?
November 17, 2022
Does a garage conversion to livable area increase value, and by how much? Appraiser Steve Leavitt answers this question with a real example from Scottsdale AZ.
Selling in 2022? Price It Right
October 28, 2022
If you’re selling in this market, there is one piece of advice reputable and trusted real estate advisors are saying: Price It Right.
How To Prepare Your Home For An Appraisal
September 13, 2022
Before an Appraiser arrives, there are a few things you should know about preparing your home for an appraisal.
Alternative Appraisals - Why You Should Avoid Them
August 6, 2022
Alternative appraisals are being asked for to provide a quick estimate of property value without paying the cost of a real appraisal. Sounds good, right? Wrong. You want to stay away from alternative appraisals, here's why.
Phoenix Housing Market
June 29, 2022
Guest post by Mike Maehl
How is the Phoenix housing market halfway into 2022? Is the predicted downturn actually happening? Let’s take a look.
Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?
June 27, 2022
With the cost of using solar systems are going down each year, many AZ homeowners are considering adding solar panels, but do solar panels increase home value?
Appraisal Challenges with Current Housing Market
May 18, 2022
This past year, with the US housing market on the rise and home sales reaching the highest level in 15 years, appraisers have been facing new challenges. Phoenix appraiser Steve Leavitt discusses.
What Is A Reverse Mortgage?
April 21, 2022
Guest post by Mike Maehl
Reverse mortgages are not well understood by most - here are the basics and in-depth details and background information to help you decide if this is a suitable investment for you.
Cost-Effective Ways of Upgrading Your Home Office
February 23, 2022
Guest post by DadKnowsDIY.com
Upgrading your home office doesn’t have to cost a fortune to create a workspace that maximizes your productivity and focus.
Why An Appraiser’s Home Measurements Matter
Jan 20, 2022
Having the right square footage on a listing contract is crucial - the square footage of the home is one of the most important features buyers look for.
What Realtors Forget To Tell Buyers About Their Appraisal
Dec 20, 2021
Did your realtor tell you what to expect from an appraiser AFTER you move into your new home? Here’s what you need to know.
Can I Order My Own Appraisal
October 20, 2021
Wondering if you can speed up the appraisal by ordering your own? Usually the appraisal is for a loan, which means the answer is no - but there are exceptions.
Can You Get A Second Opinion On A Home Appraisal?
Sept 29, 2021
A low home appraisal can be hurtful in receiving a home loan or refinancing. If you have good reason to believe the appraisal was too low, you can get a second opinion.
5 Questions To Ask Your Appraiser
Aug 23, 2021
Any reputable appraiser is glad to address questions & concerns. Although you cannot try to influence the property value, you can ask the following questions.
5 Things That Hurt A Home Appraisal
July 27, 2021
Besides square footage and condition of the home to determine overall value, an appraiser is also looking for safety hazards or things that could cause damage to the house. Take a look at what can hurt your appraisal.
10 Things An Appraiser Evaluates In A Home
June 21, 2021
What exactly does an appraiser evaluate? There are dozens of internal and external items on the Appraisal Report - we’ve broken them down into 10 easy to understand items.
Get More From Your Outdoor Space With One Of These Backyard Structures
May 6, 2021
Guest post by Porch.com
Do you wish you had a deck or gazebo to have some extra shade or space? We discuss pros and cons of decks, gazebos, sunrooms, pergolas, and fire pits.
Do Appraisers See All The Offers Made?
September 23, 2020
It depends on the Realtor. Some Realtors give us copies of all the offers while others only provide the contract that was accepted.
How Long Does An Appraisal Take?
August 27, 2020
Depending on the size of the home, an appraiser can spend anywhere from 1 to 4+ hours at your home, and additional time at the office completing the appraisal report. Find out more about what affects the time it takes.
How Does A Home Appraisal Work?
July 28, 2020
A home purchase is the largest, single investment most people will ever make - which is why the home appraisal is so important. But how does a home appraisal work, and what does the homeowner need to know beforehand?
Can An AZ Sunroom Be Included As Livable Sq Feet?
June 25, 2020
Ask The Appraiser: "I'm interested in a house in AZ which includes an added sunroom in the sq footage of the house. For appraisal purposes can this sunroom be included as livable sq feet?"
What Are Appraisal Extensions & Appraisal Updates?
May 1, 2020
Did you know home appraisals have an expiration date? When loan closings or home refinancing takes over 120 days like we are experiencing with COVID-19, appraisals can expire.
Try These Inexpensive and Easy DIY Home Improvements That Pack a Wallop
April 2, 2020
Guest post by DadKnowsDIY.com
Are you looking for ways to fill your home with flair? Try these DIY projects that overflow with inspiration but are easy on your budget and require minimal skill.
What Is A Bifurcated Appraisal And Why Should I Care?
Feb 25, 2020
A Bifurcated Appraisal is when one party inspects the property (spoiler alert - no license needed so it could be a grocery delivery driver inspecting your property) and a separate party (a licensed appraiser) completes the appraisal from their desk. Starting to see why it matters?
Appraisal Repairs - Required or Not?
Jan 13, 2020
When selling a home, most homeowners hold their breath while waiting for the results of a home appraisal - concerned with the value of the home. But other things can surface during an appraisal - like repairs.
Anyone Can Request An Appraisal
October 16, 2019
When buying/selling a home, an appraisal is an essential piece to determining value. But did you know anyone can request an appraisal - not just the bank lender?
Lowering Appraisal Requirements: Appraisal Waivers + More
May 21, 2019
Appraisal requirements are lowering. From appraisal waivers to desktop appraisals + more - find out what's changing and how it affects you!
Does The Home Appraisal Value Change Frequently?
May 10, 2019
Ask The Appraiser: "The appraisal on our home - does the value change weekly or monthly?"
Skipping The Home Appraisal Can Cost Thousands
May 5, 2019
No appraisal was conducted when this Realtor/Investor bought this AZ home for $400,000. Instead, the realtor relied on an AVM (automated valuation model often done by websites that let you type in an address and spit out a value). The sale price a month later was a disaster.
Comparables Less Than 3 Months Old
March 18, 2019
Ask The Appraiser: "What if I want my appraisal to only include comparable homes in my neighborhood sold in the last 3 months?"
Home Appraisal Quality Ratings
February 18, 2019
Quality ratings appear on your home appraisal, but what do they mean and how does an appraiser rate your home?
Are Computer Valuations (AVMs) Smarter Than Appraisers?
January 18, 2019
Computer programs known as AVMs (Automated Valuation Models) can be a useful tool to check and balance appraisals - but just like the football simulations, they are not always accurate. Here's why.
Appraisal Waiver - Good or Bad?
June 21, 2018
An Appraisal Waiver, or Property Inspection Waiver (PIW), allows you to be approved for a mortgage without an appraisal at all - and we’ve seen it for homes here in AZ. It's a relatively new concept, and some lenders love it. But you want to know about the risks before skipping the appraisal.
Why Paying More For A Home Appraisal Makes Sense
May 18, 2018
Would you look for the cheapest attorney? How about the cheapest Financial Advisor? Probably not - because you know experience and accuracy count when you’ve got a lot on the line. So why would you consider hiring the lowest cost appraisal when it comes to the value of one of your biggest investments? Here’s why paying more for an appraisal might make sense.
What if The Square Footage on Your Home Is Wrong?
March 28, 2018
There are many reasons why the square footage listed in MLS may differ from the square footage from the county’s assessment of your property, or even the square footage calculated by a home appraiser. But what do you do when this happens?
How Are New Construction Homes Appraised?
February 23, 2018
An appraisal is part of the home buying process, but how can appraiser give a value to a home that hasn’t been built yet?
How Does An Appraiser Value a Home With $100,000 of Recent Upgrades?
February 20, 2018
Ask The Appraiser: When a homeowner upgrades a kitchen, bathroom, or some other part of their home, they want to know what that upgrade is worth when it comes to the sale value of the home. Did it increase the home’s value by the same amount they spent? More? That’s the question we’re looking at.
Does a Shade Tree Increase a Home’s Value?
February 15, 2018
Ask the Appraiser: In Arizona, shade is a valuable commodity in the summertime. But does a shade tree really increase a home’s value?
Low Home Appraisal? Should You Challenge It?
January 25, 2018
An appraiser's job is to be impartial on the value of your home. But what if you believe your home is worth more than it was appraised for?
Home Value of An Addition
January 19, 2018
When you look at all the ways to add space to your house, no other method adds more space than a house addition. But what happens to your home value if the addition didn’t have permits?
The Difference Between a Home Appraisal And a Home Inspection
December 12, 2017
Many people think home appraisals and home inspections are essentially the same thing - but there are some key differences; especially considering an appraiser is looking at the value of the home, while an inspector is looking for any defects.
Items an Appraiser Always Photographs
November 29, 2017
When you have an appraisal done, the appraiser will not only look around at your home and visit each room, but he or she will be taking pictures. Why? Several reasons...
Yes or No? Property Inspection Waiver
November 1, 2017
New in 2017, your lender may give you the option to use a Property Inspection Waiver – or PIW – on your loan application. The waiver allows you to be approved for a mortgage without an appraisal at all. But is this a good thing?
What If There Are No Direct Comps in the Same Zip?
October 30, 2017
Ask The Appraiser: Comparables are important when assessing an appraisal, as they help develop a credible opinion of value. At the end of the day, it’s up to the appraiser to find the most relevant comps that exist and deliver a credible opinion of value.
So what happens when a home has a unique feature unlike any other property sold in the same zip code in the last few years?
How Are 'Price Per Square Foot' Adjustments Made?
October 12, 2017
Ask The Appraiser: As an appraiser, I get asked about 'Price per Square Foot' frequently, usually followed with "Why wasn't it the same as my neighbors?" Here's why...
How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser
September 29, 2017
According to the Appraisal Institute, every year, for the past eight years, the number of active real estate appraisers has declined. That’s why, when I had a realtor visit my office and ask what he would need to become an appraiser, I thought I would share my answer.
Do I Need to Replace a Cracked Window?
August 28, 2017
Ask the Appraiser: I get asked many questions multiple times a day. Yesterday, an agent asked me about a cracked window on a listing - they wanted to know if it would be required to be replaced for an FHA loan.
Do I REALLY Need To Do Repairs Before An Appraisal?
August 21, 2017
A real estate appraisal isn't an inspection. The appraiser looks for things that affect the overall value of the house...so the answer is - Yes and No. Find out the most common repairs you should address.
What Is The Difference Between a Condo and a Townhouse?
August 9, 2017
Ask The Appraiser: Technically speaking, what is the difference between a condo and a townhouse?
Why You Need Your Own Divorce Appraisal
July 1, 2017
Divorce settlements involve many decisions, including who keeps the house. The biggest asset in almost every situation is going to be the home. The problem with that is, how much is the home worth? In a divorce, you may not agree...
Do Appraisers Consider FSBO Properties in Comparable Listings?
May 3, 2017
Ask The Appraiser: Do appraisers consider FSBO (For Sale By Owner) properties in their comparable listings when calculating the value of a home? Yes and no....
What Appraisers Can't Tell Homeowners
March 24, 2017
Ever wonder why appraisers can't discuss the appraisal with homeowners? Here's why...
Mobile Home Appraisals
Jan 19, 2017
Appraisals can be done on mobile and modular homes...but do you know what classifies them into these categories in the first place?
Ethics in Appraisals
Dec 6, 2016
How do we know an appraiser is giving us an unbiased opinion of value? It all has to do with USPAP.
Why An Independent Appraisal is Crucial for FSBO
Nov 18, 2016
If you're planning to sell your home, it's a wise decision to make a small investment in a professional appraisal. Unless you study real estate values on a day to day basis like a professional appraiser does, it's difficult for you to get a handle on real estate values - which is why an independent appraisal is crucial.
FHA Certified Appraiser
Oct 20, 2016
Master Appraisal Services is an FHA-approved appraisal practice in the State of Arizona. If you have an FHA-loan, be sure to call Master Appraisal Services, as we are approved and qualified to produce FHA reports. We're trained and understand the rules and procedures in FHA's guidance and policy documents.
Home Inspection Tips
August 28, 2016
When it comes to the home inspection, it's important for you to be there and to get to know the condition of the house you are buying, and to choose the right inspector - plus so much more.
7 Reasons to Skip a Free Home Valuation
July 19, 2016
Have you seen the websites promising to tell you the value of your home with just an address? Homeowners using "free online home value” forms need to know what those results aren't telling them. Find out more.
Three Approaches to Value
May 18, 2016
There are three ways to determine the value of anything, and each plays a part in property appraisal. Find out how your home will be evaluated, critiqued, and compared before an appraiser can determine your property value.
Why Get A Home Appraisal?
April 21, 2016
It has become an understood and accepted part of a real estate transaction. "Let's bring in the expert and make sure we're not spending too much on this property."
But is this the only reason to get a home appraisal? Are there other times when the services of a certified, licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy? You bet.
What Is A Home Appraisal?
March 18, 2016
A home appraisal is how we determine a current home or property value, and here are 3 things you need to know about your home appraisal.