After the buyer and seller come to a "meeting of the minds" on the price of a house, there is one more person who must be convinced that the house is worth the selling price--the mortgage company's appraiser.

The appraiser looks for three similar houses that have sold in the same area within the last several months, and compares the selling prices of these homes with the one that is now on the market. The appraiser makes adjustments to account for the differences in each property, and averages the adjusted prices of the other three homes to arrive at a final opinion of value. In subdivisions or condominium projects where there are many similar properties and numerous recent sales, the appraiser's job is relatively easy. In neighborhoods of older homes that have been renovated or remodeled over the years, it can be like comparing apples and oranges.

If the appraiser's evaluation is lower than the selling price, it can stall the transaction because the lender may decline the buyer's loan because of the discrepancy. A real estate agent can work to minimize potential delays associated with the appraisal process by helping the seller to price the home as close to fair market value as possible.

	See All Tips In The "About Appraisals" Category >
	See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Leigh Hill
Weichert Realtors
142 Main Street
Chester
New Jersey 07930
Leigh Hill's Cell : 908-256-2364
E-Fax : 1-888-859-0247
E-Mail: leighHill@aol.com

The Leigh Hill Team is dedicated to providing the best possible professional service in the real estate industry for the past 30 years. Leigh, A NJ MILLION DOLLAR GOLD CLUB Award winner for 7 years, Leigh Hill's priorities include a high degree of quality-executed sales for her and Maria's clients. Leigh and Maria are responsible for some of the most prestigious residential developments,and single family homes in Morris and Somerset County. Their knowledge, honesty and commitment to results are the foremost reasons for their continued success. Contact "The Leigh Hill Team" for all of your real estate needs in Northwest New Jersey.