HOME BUYER SERVICES

If you are planning to buy a home, it might be 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 true real estate values.  We aren’t talking about how much you have to invest in a home, payments you can afford, how much you are willing to pay, or how much you, or anybody else thinks a home is worth.  We’re talking about the true market value of a home, which could really save you $$$ in principal and interest payments in the long run!

BUYING A HOME (FSBO)
More and more homeowners today are choosing to buy their homes FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and foregoing the help of a real estate agent.  Buying your home by this method can end up saving the homeowner a potential “hefty” commission (industry average is 5-7% of the home’s selling price).  Plus many FSBO sellers feel that they have more control in the process of selling their home since they’re in essence making all the rules.  But buying your home on your own will require a significant amount of "homework" if you're going to do it right.  One piece of advice that is consistently given by the experts in buying a FSBO home....Do NOT "Overpay" for your Home! Just because there is no real estate agent commission, the asking price may still be too high. For sellers it is very hard to be objective about their own home because of their emotional attachment to it.  A professional appraiser is objective and will tell you what you need to know.

LISTING APPRAISAL
If you’re working with a real estate agent to find a property, more than likely  they’ll provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that lists selected properties for sale in the area as one of the first steps in determining what is available and what you can afford.  This step is important if you're going to maximize your investment and minimize the time to find your new home.

 But even if you're working with the most experienced real estate agent, it's probably in your best interest to have an "objective" third-party's opinion of value prior to signing a Purchase Agreement.  And that’s where we come in.  We can provide you with an appraisal so you have an accurate description of your home's features and a detailed analysis of the most recent and similar "comparable sales" or as they're commonly called, "Comps".  In addition to helping you set an offer price that will attract the seller, a professional appraisal can:

• Be a very valuable negotiating tool in your potential purchase
• Make you aware of the property history and pertinent information that may eliminate last-minute hassles, or that might delay a closing
• Decrease the chances of financing problems that cause sales to fall through
• Increase confidence in your decision to purchase and at a price you feel good about

Many people are surprised when they find out that the market value of a home is different than what they bought it for, so investing in a professional appraisal could have allowed these people to save money when they purchased their home. Appraisal fees are minimal compared to the potential savings. Most sellers have an inflated opinion of their home's value and an appraisal helps the buyer see through the myriad of asking prices.  A home may be overpriced and may not be attracting buyers, which means no offers and no closing and that seller is wasting valuable time, money, and efforts. An appraisal may be just the thing you need to get the home you want.

CONSULTATION
Maybe you feel like you don't need an "appraisal" but you'd still like some help gathering local property and sales data from on objective source with no interest in the transaction.  Our reports help you to make an informed buying decision. We understand the complexities of buying a home and know what you are going through and will do our best to make it easier for you by giving you a high quality, professional appraisal that you can depend on!

When you order an appraisal report from us, you can expect. . . .

• Prompt response to your initial inquiry: We will give you personalized information for your particular appraisal need. Just tell us your situation and we will make suggestions. Quick turnaround time: Typically one week or less from the date the request is received. If you've chosen to receive a copy of your appraisal or consulting report via the Internet (EDI), you'll receive it within MINUTES of its completion.
• Appraisal and consulting reports formats to suit YOUR needs: When it comes to appraisal and consulting, "One size does NOT fit all!" We offer a variety of report types and delivery methods. Express mail too slow? We can deliver your report attached to a standard email, or meet with you personally when it is completed!
• Quick response to follow-up questions: reports are clearly written, understandable, and meet or exceed the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice that governs the appraisal practice. If you have any questions regarding your appraisal, after you've read the report, we encourage you to email or call us!