It doesn’t matter what part of the home buying process you are a part of — the buyer or the seller — a real estate appraiser is important to you and necessary to the home transaction. An impartial appraiser will come in and check out the home and property and come up with true value. The appraiser does this in order to protect the seller, buyer and lender, all of whom are involved in a home purchase. Here are some reasons why real estate appraisers are important.
Discovery of the True Value of a Property
A seller will naturally want to take the home and promote how much it is worth. That’s because it will make for a higher selling price, which if it works out for the seller will be more than what was paid for the home. For a buyer, there is a desire for the knowledge that the price is right. And the lender wants that true value to know that the money loaned out is worth it and it is a good business move for them to fund. If a true value was to come in lower, then it might not make for a good business deal for the lender, especially if the home may not sell for a profit in the future.
With the impartiality of the appraiser, all parties can expect an honest finding of the value of the property, which is based on its neighborhood, its market, its improvements and the size of the home.
How it Works for the Buyer
If you are the prospective buyer, you will want to make sure you are getting something of real worth in your new home. With the appraisal, you get to see what that fair price is and from there you can decide if you want to spend money on it. If not, you can always reconsider what you want to pay for the property and could decide not to make the deal.
How it Works for the Seller
If you are a prospective seller, you want to discover the value of your home so you can make a fair selling price for your property when you put it out into the market. If you have a low valued home, you may change the cost of the home or make more improvements in order to increase the value.
How it Works for the Lender
As the lender, the bank is making a gamble by lending money to the prospective buyer. To the lender, determining the value of a home will enable the best possible contract with the buyer. Instead of giving money to the buyer for the price they paid, the lender knows the entire value of the home and can then assess the risk.
And that’s where the role of the appraiser comes in — assuring that the property’s value is right for all involved. Without the home appraiser, the true value won’t be known, which impacts all of the parties who are touched.
Archive for the ‘Property Appraiser’ Category
Why is a Property Appraiser Important to Home Buying Process?
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009Why is an Iowa Real Estate Appraiser so Important?
Saturday, October 10th, 2009Like other professionals you need during your life doctors, bankers, etc., when you have come to point of wanting to buy, sell or refinance a home, you will need a real estate appraiser. Why? Because without one you can’t do any of the above transactions. When you need to find out the value of your home, you will definitely need a real estate appraiser.Here are some other reasons why you will need an appraiser.
What Exactly Does an Appraiser Do?
The job of an Iowa real estate appraiser is finding out the true value of your home. They do this by coming to your home, measuring the square footage, examining the structure for renovations and then researching the similar home values in your neighborhood. After this appraisal visit, which only should take a few minutes, they gather up a report with the details of the value of your home and property.
Appraisers and Iowa Sellers
Using an Iowa real estate appraiser when you are considering a home sale will give you a true idea of how much your home can go for. The value of the appraisal will help you decide on a price for your home or move you in the direction of making more improvements to your home to increase the value. A home appraisal will give you a base of knowledge and help you decide during the pre-selling process what exactly you want to do. If you discover that your home has a high value, you may not sell in order to wait and sell for a higher price as the value goes up even more laser.And your home’s value is low, you may wait on selling until the market improves.
Importance of an Appraisal for an Iowa Buyer
If you are getting ready to buy a home or a winter home, you will want an Iowa real estate appraiser to come in to find out the value of the property. This makes sure you are making a good deal and you’re spending a reasonable amount of money. You don’t want to be taken by the seller. This is why lenders require a home appraisal to protect all of the parties in the transactions, including the buyer and the bank.
Importance of an Appraisal for an Iowa Refinance
If you are investigating whether you want to change the terms of your mortgage, you will want to have the value assessed to make sure you are making the right move. If the value is lower, you might be able to get a better deal on the interest rate. If it’s higher you may be better off staying with the mortgage you have.
Armed with an appraisal, you can find out the true value of your home and how it will work with your financial future, no matter what you choose to do.
All about Home Appraisals
Saturday, October 10th, 2009What are appraisals and why is it important. If you have not purchased a home yet, you probably do not understand the need for appraisers and appraisals. They are essential to identify the possible value of a certain property. However, it is not the same with the comparative sales. Lenders use this to be certain that the property you are using as collateral has at least similar value with the amount you are borrowing.
A person called the appraiser does this. He is trained for the job and has done internship to ensure that he knows what he is doing. He knows what to check and what to evaluate in order to come up with the information that is useful for all parties involved. To ensure fairness, the appraiser has to be someone who does not have any kind of interest on the property being appraised.
Most lenders and banks have their own appraiser. However, in most cases, they hire someone who is not among their staff. If you are a borrower and you choose an appraiser that is not approved by the lender, expect his reports to be reviewed first before your loan can be approved.
The appraisal is essential because it provides very helpful information. If you are purchasing the property, this gives you the opportunity to know the current state of the property. However, do not mistake this for a home inspection. The appraiser will give you details about the condition of the real estate market in that community and how the property is, compared to other similar properties.
Lenders also use this especially if you are going to use your property as collateral. Since you will need to have your property appraised, you have to make necessary preparations. Among the preparations you need to make is get to know the appraiser before you let him inside your property. This will make you feel more secured about the process.
You have to prepare your property as well. Present it as if you are selling the property. Remember, impressions count. If you want the property to have good evaluation, you have to clean it. If there are boxes because you are preparing to move, it is all right as long as you arrange them properly. Always remember that the information that the appraiser will write in his report is about what he sees in your property.
The property should be ready for the evaluator as well. He will enter each room and measure the walls and certain areas of the property. Make it easy for him to access by removing objects that will make it challenging for him. You should also warn him about certain threats like holes and the like. If you have a dog, do not let it near the appraiser even if he is friendly. This is to make sure that it does not attack him.
Several parties can benefit from the appraisal. The seller could use it to determine the value of the property. The lender can refer to it in approving a loan application. And the buyer will have an idea about the actual value of the property.
Magic Masons Explains all about Buying Property in goa
Friday, October 9th, 2009Can I see the Title Deeds? What will be my undivided share in the property? Are you building within the permissible FSI? Will you give me an Allotment Letter? Will you give me a comprehensive Agreement of Construction? Can I have a copy of PDA’s approved plan and planning permit, before commencement of construction? What are your commitments after you complete and deliver the flat?
1. Can I see the Title Deeds?
1. In order to own a flat that is yet to be constructed. You will have to first buy an undivided share in the property on which the flat is going to be built. Before buying this, you must make sure that the title deeds of the property are in order. The title deeds are the set of documents that would unequivocally establish the seller’s ownership of the property and his right to sell it.
2. Therefore get a written opinion on the title from the Builder’s advocate along with photocopies of the title deeds. Certified by an advocate. If this is not available, get an opinion from your own advocate. You must also see the Agreement of Sale between the Owner and the Builder.
3. The manner by which the Owner acquired the property decides the key documents that must be seen:
A. Property was purchased by the Owner:
See the Registered Deed by which he purchased it.
B. Property came to them by a will (i.e. Bequest):
This is known as Testamentary Succession. See the Probated Will. If no Executor / Executrix has been appointed, see the letters of Administration granted by District / High Court according to law.
C. Property devolved through succession:
If the earlier Owner died without leaving a Will, the legal heirs and successors obtain a Deed of Succession issued by the Sub-Registrar or an Inventry of the assets from the District Court, which must be seen (obtain a noterised copy).
D. Property developed through a Gift / Partition / Settlement / Exchange:
The Deed relating to such transfer of Title – Gift Deed / Settlement Deed / Deed of Relenquishment / Exchange Deed – must be seen.
4. The other ancillary / supporting documents that must be seen are :
A. Form I&IV in the name of the Owners, issued under the Seal of the Mamlatdar.
B. Nil-Encumbrance Certificate (EC) for the preceding 31 years, preferably showing no mortgage or other encumbrance that are still existing on the date of purchase. Exercise caution if an uncleared mortgage or other lien on the property is shown in the Encumbrance Certificate.
C. The property being sold must be free of restrictions for sale under the Urban Land Ceiling Act (U.L.C. Act). If a Clearance Certificate for the Property issued by the U.L.C. Authorities is not available, then it has to be ensured that with reference to the land held by the Owner(s), and the nature of their family membership, the built-up area of the construction thereon and the appurtenant / contiguous land around the built-up area fall within the ceiling of Ownership and therefore can be freely said.
5. If the property is not being transferred by the Owner(s) directly but through an Agent, acting as Power of Attorney Agent (POA) of such owner(s), ask for the original or attested copy and scrutinise it. Such a Power can be given either through a Notarised Document or Registered Document. However, a notarised power may not be accepted for property transfer by all governmental/financial agencies.
6. Besides the above, it is advisable to check the following:
A. Property Tax Demand Notices and Receipts for payments to the Corporation.
B. Water and Sewerage Tax Demand Notices and Receipts for Payments to the Panchayat or Municipal Authority.
C. Electricity Bill and Receipts for Security Deposits and Additional Deposits. The latest electricity bill is the best source of proof for payment of dues by the Owners to the Panchayat or Municipality.
2. What will be my undivided share in the property?
Your Undivided Share of land must be equal to:
The built-up area of your flat as in the approved plan/ Total built-up area of the project as in the approved plan This is usually expressed as a percentage of the total land. Therefore, the percentage undivided shares of land of all the flat owners in a complex must be equal to 100. This ensures that the title to the entire land as well as the entire building rests with the group of flat-owners of the complex.
The Sale Deed transferring the Undivided Share in your favour must be duly registered before the commencement of construction of the flat.
3. Are you building within the permissible FSI?
1. The Floor Space Index (FSI) is an important parameter you should know about.
F S I = Total buildt-up area of your complex plan/Total area of the plot on which it is to be built.
2. The permissible FSI for all residential complexes other than multistoreyed buildings in all the end-use zones listed below is 1.5: Primary Residential, Mixed Residential, Institutional and Commercial zones
3. The total construction as declared in the plans of- fered by the promoter should not exceed the FSI permissible.
4. This FSI is fixed by the Planing and Development Authority (PDA) which is the regulatory body governing architectural, structural and environmental parameters pertaining to development within the State of Goa.
5. The rules and regulations governing the above parameters are spelt out in the Development Control Rules (DCR), a copy of which can be purchased from the PDA.
If the permissible FSI is exceeded, you as a flat-owner run the risk of demolition of the construction.
4. Will you give me an Allotment Letter?
Insist on an Allotment Letter at the time of booking, which must clearly indicate:
>> All-inclusive firm and fixed price (clearly indicating the various components such as land cost, registration and stamp duty for the transfer of undivided share of the property, and construction cost) and the schedule of payments.
>> Plan of the flat (as per sketch scheme), built-up-area and the features offered.
>> Committed commencement and delivery period and commitment for liquidated damages for any delay.
>> Post-delivery product warranty by the builder.
If your builder does not provide you with an Allotment Letter, you face the uncertainty of not knowing
>> The exact amount you will end up paying for your flat.
>> When you will get possession of your flat.
>> Whether you will get all the features promised.
5. Will you give me a comprehensive Agreement of Construction?
1. The Agreement of Construction substantiates the commitments relating to land cost (your share), stamp duty and registration fee, construction cost, schedule of payment, list of features, time of delivery, post- delivery warranty etc.
2. If defines the responsibilities and obligations of both the Contractor (or Builder) and the Contractee (or Buyer) and is normally put down on a Rs.10.00 stamp paper and signed by the Builder and the Buyer in the presence of witnesses.
3. The Agreement of Construction is the only source of your title to the flat, read in conjunction with the Property Tax Assessment and Demand Bill in your name. Since it is the document of ownership, funding agencies would demand it, when you apply to them for a loan.<
br/>
6. Can I have a copy of PDA’s approved plan and planning permit, before commencement of construction?
1. The plan given to you at the time of booking may not be fully conforming to the Development Control Rules and the plan actually approved by the PDA may consequently be different. Therefore insist that you are given a copy of the approved plan and the planning permit before the construction of the complex commences. Check whether the area of your flat in the approved plan is as per the allotment letter.
2. If you have a copy of the approved plan and the planning permit, you can monitor the actual construction and ensure that it is as per the approved plan. If the building is not constructed as per the approved plan, you as a flat-owner, could face the threat of its demolition.
7. What are your commitments after you complete and deliver the flat?
1. Ensure that the builder gives you the Completion Certificate issued by the PDA, which confirms that the construction is as per the approved plan.
2. Ensure that the builder gives the Association of Flat Owners (of which you would be a member) with a set of detailed drawings covering structural, plumbing, electrical wiring, drainage and water supply details.
3. Ensure that the builder commits to rectify defects in your flat and the complex in materials or workmanship.
4. The Completion Certificate confirms the adherence of the completed complex including your flat to PDA’s approved plan, and eliminates all chances of demolition of the construction.
5. In the obsence of the drawings, maintenance of your flat (and the building) will be difficult.
To know more visit:
http://www.magicmasons.com
Abatement notice:
A notice served on the owner(s) or occupier(s) of a property from which a private nuisance arises, warning them of the intention to enter on the land in order to abate the nuisance.
Absolute title:
1. The right of ownership of a mortgage deed, which gives the right, in certain specified circumstances, to demand repayment in full, of the outstanding debt than the due date.
2. A clause in a deed or contract, which provides for the early termination of an exciting interest in land, in certain specified circumstances, thereby advancing the future interest.
Agreement for lease/sale:
A contract to enter into a lease (or sale), which in order to be enforceable either must be evidenced in writing and signed by the person against whom action is taken for the breach of the alleged contract and there must be a sufficient act of part performance.
Alternative user value:
The value of land and buildings, which reflects a prospective use, which is different from that of the current use.
Amortisation:
1. (UK) The concept of writing off the capital cost of a wasting physical asset by means of a sinking fund.
2. (USA) Payment of a debt in equal installments of principal interest, as opposed to interest -only payments. Anchor tenant: One or more department or variety chainstores, or supermarkets, introduced into a shopping center in key positions to attract the shopping public into the center for the purpose of encouraging other retailers to lease shops n route. The larger the developments the more anchors required.
Annuity:
A sum of money paid each year during the life of the recipient. An annuity is usually paid as a legal obligation under a contract or undertaking, as through a pension scheme, and may be paid in installments more frequently than once every twelve months.
Asset valuation in the property market:
This expression is applied to the valuation if land and buildings or plant and machinery. The term is often used to describe an expert opinion of the worth of a property, which may be incorporated into company accounts, where the ownership of the asset is not necessarily to be transferred but the valuation is required for the company takeovers, share flotation or mortgages.
Assignment:
The transfer of a property interest, especially a lease, from one party to another.
Atrium:
An entrance hall of a building, often rising through a number of storeys and containing lifts, reception areas and plants. Originally the hall or chief apartment of a Roman house.
B
Balloon payment:
A repayment of a loan bond, usually but not necessarily the final repayment, which is larger in amount than other installments.
Bare shell :
This Depicts the condition of any property after completion of construction activity and installations of basic building services. A bare shell includes basic flooring – tiled, mosaic, cement or granite and plastered walls. Apart from this, pantry and toilet facilities may also be operational in such condition.
Basic rent:
A monthly rental net of maintenance and interest costs charged or quoted by landlords for any property. The base rent comprises of only the payment made for Usage of the subject property under a lease agreement. Imputed costs such as holding costs fit out costs and building service charges are not usually included in the base rent.
Bayana:
An Indian term used to denote the token money given to the landlord to informally freeze negotiations on a particular property, after the initial terms and conditions have been formalised.
Breach of contract:
An act, or omission, contrary to enforce specific performance to rescind the contract and / or to claim damages, the remedy available depending upon the nature of the breach.
Broker/dealer:
A person or company who acts as a medium of bringing owners and proposed buyers together with a view to complete a real estate transaction.
Brokerage:
1. Commission paid to a broker.
2. The activity of a broker in bringing together two parties in a transaction.
Building byelaws:
Local authority control of building standards promulgated to regulate and control the usage of land, property and areas in cities and towns.
Building contract:
A contract between an owner or occupier of land and a building contractor, setting forth the terms under which construction is to be carried out, basis of remuneration, time scale, and penalties, if any, for failure to comply with terms of the contract.
Business center:
Commercial premises usable by the occupiers for a short period on a membership basis of the center. Usually, a business center charges for the full service accommodation, which is generally substantially higher than the rental of a standard office space, and higher than the rental of a standard office space, and usually includes cost of HVAC, housekeeping, electricity, and security systems.
Business park:
A landscaped area containing high tech, other amenities for business purposes, as a distinct from high-tech park or a science park. Building density is lower than would be usual in a traditional industrial estate. Business parks are preferentially located where motorway, rail and airport communications are within a short distance.
Buy-out rate:
In a funding agreement between a developer and a prospective purchaser, the pre-determined investment yield which will be used to capitalize the annual income receivable at the time of sale to determine the buy out price.
C
Capitalisation:
1. At a given dat
e the conversion into the equivalent capital worth of a series of net receipts, actual or estimated, over a period.
2. A method of calculating a final purchase price for a development using an agreed formula to convert actual, or assumed, income from initial lettings into a capitalism. Such capitalised sums may be offset against a purchasing fund’s interim finance payments, any excess being paid to the developer.
3. In relation to a company’s reserves, the conversion into capital of money, which is then distributed as a capitalisation issue.
Catchment area:
1. The area of land from which finds its way into a particular watercourse, lake or reservoir.
2. By analogy, the area which contains those people who can be expected to obtain goods, services, employment or other benefits from a particularly property. More especially related to retail premises, where the success of forecasting depends on the accuracy of estimating the number of purchasers (catchment population) likely to be attracted from the different parts of the area and the average expenditure, which might be expected, from them.
Central business district:
The functional center around which the rest of a city is comparison shopping, office accommodation, leisure facilities, buildings for recreational use, public museums, art galleries and governmental functions. Generally the area of highest land values within a city.
Clearance area:
An area, which is to be cleared of all buildings. Generally promulgated by way of a government declaration, which is normally followed by the acquisition of the land and the clearance of the area. Completion certificate/statement:
1. (UK) statement prepared by solicitors, usually those acting for a purchaser and a vendor respectively, following the conveyance of an interest in property, giving a schedule of sums received leading to a balance being the final amount due to the vendor. In some case the statement is prepared at a later date and may show a figure recoverable by the purchaser from the vendor.
2. A certificate issued by the local development authority certifying that all necessary works have been completed and that the property is fit for occupation.
Condominium (USA):
A building or a structure of two or more units, the interior space of the individually owned and the balance of the property (both land and building) being owned in common by the owners of the individual units.
Conveyance:
A document transferring title to land from one person to another.
Current yield:
The remunerative rate of interest, which is, or would be, an appropriate at the date of valuation, assuming the property to be let at its full rental value. It will be the same as the reversion yield where the reversion is to full rental value, and the same as the term yield where the rent receivable under the lease is full rental value.
D
Developer:
An entrepreneur who has an interest in a property, initiates its development and ensures, that this is carried out (for occupation, investment or dealing) and from the outset accepts the responsibility for providing or procures the requisite funds needed to finance the whole project.
Development control:
The powers of a local planning authority to control the development and use of land, which includes inter alia,
a) the refusal or grant (with or without conditions ) of planning permission;
b) the issue of enforcement notices;
c) the making of revocation, modification or discontinuance orders;
d) the grant or refusal of listed building consents;
e) the designations of conversion areas;
Development yield:
In a valuation to ascertain a ground rent, the rate at which costs are decapitalised to find the annual deduction from the occupation rents; it comprises:
a) an investment yield
b) an annual allowance for developers risk and profit and, in some instances
c) an annual sinking fund element
Discounted cash flow analysis:
Techniques used in investment and development appraisal whereby future inflows and outflows of cash associated with a particular project are expressed in present -day terms by discounting. The most widely used forms of DCF are the internal rate of return (IRR) and net present value (NPV). The techniques may be used for such purposes as the valuation of land and investment, the ranking of projects or their components.
E
Easement (UK):
A right appurtenant to a parcel of land entitling a dominant owner to use the land of the servient owner in a particular manner, or constraining the legal rights otherwise enjoyed by the servient owner, e.g. A right of way, right to light, right to support. Strictly speaking, easements cannot exist “in gross”, i.e. personal and unattached to the ownership of land, but rights similar to easements can be created by statute, usually for the benefit of public utility undertakings, and these are commonly referred to as “statutory easements”.
Effective rent:
The gross rent payable per month by the occupiers which includes the base rent, maintenance charges, imputed costs of loss of interest on security deposit and rental advance. The effective rent indicates the total cash outflow of an occupier every month on account of leasing any property.
Equity linked mortgage:
A mortgage whereby the interest on the principal in part or in whole is calculated, usually yearly, by reference on the security, e.g. It may reflect annual increase or possible decreases, in the annual return on, or the value of, the property in which the mortgage is secured.
Escalation clause specified in lease agreements wherein renewals of lease period are built in:
It involves an increment in the base rent at every renewal of a lease agreement in the base rent at every renewal of a lease agreement and is generally a percentage rate that is either pre agreed or negotiated before the renewal of the lease agreement.
F
Facilities management:
The coordination of many specialist disciplines to create the optimum working environment for staff.
Fail rent:
The rent determined by a rent officer (or, on appeal, by a rent assessment committee) under a regulated tenancy and registered.
FERA:
An act to regulate certain payments dealing in foreign exchange, securities, the import & export of currency and acquisition of immovable property by foreigners. Under Section 31 (1) of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act ( FERA) of 1973, It is mandatory for foreign corporations, which are not incorporated in India to obtain permission from the Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) to acquire, hold, transfer or dispose off in any manner (expect by way of lease for a period not exceeding five years) any immovable property in India.
Fire certificate:
A certificate covering matters of safety required under the legislation for hotels, boarding houses, factories, offices shops and railway premises, excluding those buildings containing less than a minimum number of employees. In order to obtain a fire certificate, one must apply to a fire certificate, one must apply to a fire officer, who then inspects the building and issues a list of requirements (e.g. Fire doors). Once the fire officer is satisfied that those requirements have been met he will issue the fire certificate. It enables fire officers, in the event of an emergency, to have prior knowledge inter alia of the permitted number of people on each floor; it also informs officials
if any authorised inflammables /explosives materials on the premises.
Fitouts:
Relate to the interior permanent furnishings required in a property including HVAC ducting, fire protection system implementation, establishment of workstations and telephone/computer cabling among other, in order to make the property fit for usage.
Flatted factory:
An industrial building of more than one storey, usually with two or more goods lifts, and constructed or converted for multiple occupation. The building is subdivided into small, separately occupied units, which are used for manufacturing, assembly and associated storage.
Force majeure:
A force, which cannot be resisted, in other words, something beyond the control of the parties involved. It includes acts of God and acts of man, e.g. Riots, strikes, arson. In many contracts and insurance policies, specific provision is made for damage or injury arising from force majeure. For example, the financial liability of a building contractor for failure to complete by a specific date may be relieved to the extent it was caused be force majeure. This is a common clause in most property contracts.
Foreclosure:
1. (UK) The mortgagees restricted power to extinguish the mortgagor’s right of redemption by transferring the mortgagor’s interest in the property to himself, if the mortgagors defaults in paying his dues or in complying with any other terms of the mortgage deeds.
2. (USA) The legal process by which a mortgagee can sell the mortgagors interest in the property to satisfy debt: also called “foreclosure sale”. Also applied to the extinguishment of a mortgagors right of redemption. Freehold:
In general parlance this is used as shorthand for the tenure of an estate in fee simple absolute in possession. Strictly speaking, however, freehold includes fee simple, entailed interests and tenancies for life. Frontage (line): The full length of a plot of land or a building measured alongside the road on to which the plot or building fronts. In the case of contiguous buildings individual frontages are usually measured to the middle of any party wall.
G
Greased:
Lease back The disposal by a freehold or leasehold owner of his interest on a property or leasehold interest where the rent payable is geared to a fixed percentage of some variables, often rack-rental value.
Gold cause (UK):
A clause in a lease, which provides for the rent to be reviewed by reference to the price of gold.
Green field site:
An area of land, usually in the edge of a town or city or away from substantial urban areas, hitherto undeveloped but for which development is now proposed.
Gross External Area (GEA):
The aggregate superficial area of a building taking each floor into account. As described in the RICS/ISVA Code of Measuring Practice (UK), this includes: external walls and projections, internal walls and partitions; columns; piers, chimney-breasts, stairwells, and lift wells; tank and plant rooms, fuel stores whether or not above main roof level and open-sided covered areas and enclosed car-parking areas, terraces etc.
H
Hi-tech building (high technology building):
Primarily a modern industrial building which is particularly suited to the flexible uses and space needs of business organisations engaged in modern technologies. Such activities usually require more office or laboratory space than a traditional factory and also more sophisticated and adaptable installations for services and communications.
High point loading:
A concentration of abnormally heavy floor loading at one point or more particular places in a building or other structure where extra support may be required.
HVAC:
Refers to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system installed in a building to regulate temperature. This includes air conditioning plants, chillers and ducting systems, which ensure the uniform transfer of the cold or hot air, as the case may be throughout the building.
I
Indian Stamp Act, 1899:
A legal statute, which provides for the payment of stamp duty in case of all real estate transactions to duty to the local government. The value of the stamp duty depends on the rental payable and the lease term or the sale value as the case may be. This duty is paid by purchasing non-judicial Indian Stamp Paper, on which the lease/sale agreements are documented.
Improvements:
Generally, physical changes which enhance the capital value of land or buildings. These may include additional buildings, extensions to existing buildings, installation of new services, e.g. Central heating and air conditioning and infrastructure works. On the other hand, mere replacement by a modern equivalent if something worn out would normally be regarded as a repair rather than an improvement. The distinction has legal and taxation consequences.
Indenture:
A deed between two or more parties, each party having his own copy. Originally copies were all included in a single document from which each was torn or cut along a wavy (intended) line. Institutional investors: These are generally taken to include banks, pension funds, insurance companies, unit trusts and investment trusts, which are together commonly referred to in the investment field as the “institutions”. Investment yield: The annual percentage return which is considered to be for a specific valuation in an investment being expressed as the ratio of annual net income (actual or estimated) to the capital value. It is therefore a measure of an investor’s opinion about the prospects and risks attached to that investment. The better the prospects and lower the risks, the lower the expected yield and thus the greater the capital value. The required yield from an investment is estimated in the light of such factors as:
a) the security in real terms of the capital invested;
b) the security in real terms and regularity of income;
c) the ability to adjust the income to reflect market conditions;
d) the complexity and cost of management;
e) the ease and likely cost of realizing the capital;
f) the tax position
Internal rate of return (IRR):
1. The rate of interest (expressed as a percentage) at which all-future cash flows (positive and negative) must be discounted in order that the net present value of those cash flows should be equal to zero. It is found by trial and error by applying present values at different rates of interest in turn to the net cash flow. It is something called the discounted cash flow rate of return.
2. An alternative explanation might be: the highest rate of interest (expressed as a percentage) at which funded f cash flow generated is to be sufficient to repay the original outlay at the end of the project life.
J
Joint agent:
One or two or more agents jointly instructed by a principal to act on his behalf. In the case of estate agents this is normally on the basis that if any one of the agents effect the sale, letting or other joint agent(s) will share the remuneration in agreed proportions. None of these agents would be entitled to a commission if the transaction is concluded as a result of someone else’s introduction.
Joint sole agent:
One of two or more agents jointly instructed as the only agents entitled to represent the principal. It is customary for the joint agents to share any commission earned on an agreed basis, irrespective of which agent effects the sale or letting.
K
Kiosk
:
A small enclosed retailed outlet, normally without toilet facilities and in the retail area, frequently located in a public concourse or other place where it may remain open place where it may remain open only during peak times and be closed securely when there are no customers. Kiosks are now sometimes included in managed shopping schemes.
L
Land assembly:
The process of forming a single site from a number of land, usually for eventual development or redevelopment. This will include acquisition of individual interest the eventual development or redevelopment. This will include acquisition of the individual interests, removal or discharge of any restrictive covenants or other encumbrances and obtaining physical possession, when required, from occupiers.
Landlord:
The owner of an interest in land who, in consideration of a rent or other payment (e.g. A premium), grants the right to exclusive possession of the whole or part of their land to another person for a specific or determinable period by way of a lease or tenancy.
Lease agreement:
An agreement, usually written, between the lessor and the lessee, which allows for the conveyance of property to the tenant under a contract, and confers usage and control rights to the tenant for the duration of lease. Apart from financial terms and conditions, several clauses describing the other binding terms and conditions of the agreement are also documented.
License:
The lawful grant of a right to do something, which would otherwise be illegal or wrongful. It may be gratuitous, contractual or coupled with an interest in land. The grantor of license is the licensor and the grantee is the licensee. A gratuitous (“Mere” or “bare”) license can always be revoked (i.e.. Cancelled), but revocability of a contractual license depends on the terms of the contract. A license coupled with an interest in land may be irrevocable and unlike the other two categories, may be binding on successors in title of the licensor. One example of license is permission, usually required in writing, given specifically by an owner to a tenant, enabling something to be done which otherwise would be in breach of a term of the lease. A license does not itself transfer any interest in the land but may authorise the licensee to enter the licensor’s land for some specific purposes of the license; the licensor may enter the land and use it in any way not inconsistent with the rights of the licensee. However, a landlord may authorise by license some act or omission by a tenant, which would otherwise be a breach of the terms of the lease.
Load bearing:
The capacity of an element in a building structure to support a weight in addition to its own, whether vertically or laterally. Thus a load-bearing wall is one, which supports part of the structure in addition to its own weight.
M
Maintenance in property parlance:
The keeping of a building, structure or other physical feature in a specified e.g. Wind and weather tight, condition. The approved cost of maintenance may be deductible for income taxation.
Mattha:
Frontage of a building with the main road.
Mortgage:
The conveyance of a legal or equitable interest in freehold or leasehold property as security for a loan and with provision for redemption on repayment of the loan. The lender (mortgagee) has powers of recovery in the event of default by the borrower (mortgagor). A mortgage is a form of land charge and can be either legal or equitable.
N
Negotiation:
Discussion, written or otherwise, between two or more parties no different sides, the aim being to reach a common agreement.
Non-confirming use:
The use of a property, which does not conform to the allocation of the area for planning purposes. Such a property may have been built in conformity with the planning requirement at the time and a policy change ensued; more usually, the property was constructed before planning control was introduced.
Net present value method (NPV):
A method used in discounted cash flow analysis to find the sum of money representing the difference between the present value of all inflows and outflows of cash associated with the project by discounting each at a target yield.
O
Open market value:
1. The best price which might reasonably be expected to be obtained at arms’ length for an interest in a property at the date of valuation, subject to any statutory assumptions which may be required.
2. For the purpose of asset valuations this is defined by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (UK) as the best price which might reasonably be expected to be obtained for an interest in a property at the date of valuation assuming:
-a willing seller
-a reasonable period in which to negotiate the sale
-that values will remain static during that period
-that the property will be freely exposed to the market; and
-that no account will be taken of any higher price that might be paid by a person with a special interest.
-Outgoings Costs incurred by the owner of an interest in property, usually calculated on a yearly basis. e.g. management, repairs, rates, insurance and rent payable to the holder of a superior interest, as appropriate to his contractual or other liabilities. It is prudent to make annual provision for future items involving expenditure at intervals of more than one year.
PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY. By accessing or using http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth below. If you do not agree with any of these terms and conditions, you should not access or use http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons
The information, products, software and services included in or available through the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons site/services owned and managed by “Goa Realty”, a Unit of “Magic Masons Marketing Services”, may include inaccuracies, discrepancies and/or errors. THE CONTENT ON http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND ON AN “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons and any third party providing materials, services or content to this website, disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, statutory or otherwise including, but not limited to, completeness or accuracy of the information, text, images and graphics displayed on the website, update or correctness of the information, implied warranties of merchantability, use, quality, suitability for a particular purpose, availability, timeliness, non-infringement of third party rights, freedom from computer viruses, or any violation of rights regarding services, products, material and contents of www.realtygoa.com.
You expressly agree that that any information or/and material and/or goods or/and services obtained through this website is done at your own discretion and risk and that you shall be solely responsible for any damage/s or/and cost or/and any other consequence/s resulting from any transaction arising as a result of your use of this site The use of this site is at your sole risk. It is solely your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of all information, opinions, advice, services, merchandise and/or any other information provided through the website. No advice or or/any information, whether oral or/and written, obtained by you from Goa Realty or/and through or/and from the service shall create any warranty not expressly stated herein. Goa Realty does not warrant that t
his site, its servers, or e-mail sent from http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons or magicmasons@gmail.com are free of viruses or other harmful components, or that defects if any, in the website will be corrected.
Goa Realty will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of or as a result of action taken by you based on information obtained from this site including but not limited to rental or purchase of property or any loss of business or profits, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages
You agree that, neither Goa Realty nor its owners, directors, representatives, employees, affiliates, suppliers, contractors, and successors or assigns of each, shall be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or related to the use of the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons web site or any products/services offered by Goa Realty or through this web site. This limitation of liability applies to direct, indirect, consequential, special, punitive or any other damages you or others may suffer, as well as damages for lost business or profits, business interruption or the loss of data or information, even if Goa Realty is notified in advance of the potential for any such damages. In addition you agree to indemnify the same from any claim, demand, or damage, including attorneys’ fees, asserted by any third party due to or arising out of your use of the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons site/services.
This agreement is governed by the laws of the republic of India. You hereby irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in Goa, Maharashtra, India in all disputes arising out of or relating to the use of the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons site/services or any products/services offered through the website. Use of the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magicmasons site/services is unauthorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these terms and conditions, including without limitation this paragraph.
Finding an Appraiser
Monday, October 5th, 2009If you have been thinking about purchasing a real estate property for personal use or as an investment, you’ll need to hire the services of a real estate investor. If you play to finance your home through a bank or other lender, you’ll more than likely need to get the property appraised first. Banks and most lenders want to know the value of the home for your protection, as well as make sure that the home they are financing is worth the total amount that you take on the loan.
In most cases, the appraisal indicates that the home does indeed meet or exceed the asking price. In some cases however, the appraisal will come back saying that the home is worth less than the selling price. If this is the case, the buyer normally has to either drop the deal or try to negotiate with the seller to get a price that meets the appraisal.
For those very reasons, a real estate appraiser is very important. When you are dealing with a home, one appraisal can make a deal or break it. Even though you may not be financing your purchase through a lender or the bank, you should still make an effort to get the home appraised and find out the true value. You should also make a point to find the best appraiser that you can afford. If you hire an appraiser who isn’t that experienced, you’ll pay for it later when you discover that the property isn’t worth what you paid for it.
A real estate appraiser will go through the home performing an evaluation, and then provide you with a written evaluation after he has gathered all necessary information. Appraisers will also taken into consideration the replacement costs as well. Also, they will have to very land descriptions as well. There is a lot of work involved with appraisals, which is why it’s so very important that each step of the process is performed correctly by a qualified real estate appraiser.
If you have a real estate agent, he or she will more than likely be able to make a recommendation. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean the recommendation is the best; it’s just someone who your agent works with. To ensure that you get the right appraisal on your home you’ll need to find yourself an appraiser who is capable of completing the job.
When you look for your real estate appraiser, you should look for someone who comes highly recommended. You can ask family and friends for their opinions, or search local papers, even the Internet. If you take your time and search for the best real estate appraiser that you can find – you’ll normally get an appraisal that is right on target.
Five Things you Must Know Before Hiring a Home Appraiser
Thursday, September 24th, 2009Homeowners who are seeking a property appraiser often ask “How should I choose which real estate appraiser to use?” When selecting a property appraiser to use keep the following in mind:
Always make sure a property appraiser is licensed or certified by the state to perform real estate appraisals. While state licensing and/or certification isn’t always an indication of quality, it ensures that an individual is has met certain standards and been authorized to perform property appraisals. Some states do not require licensing to perform real estate appraisals. It is unwise to use the services of any professional who is not licensed or certified.
Don’t be afraid to ask an appraiser for a copy of their license. A good appraiser will readily provide this documentation. Copies of licenses are commonly requested by mortgage brokers and loan officers. Once you get a copy of their license, it’s a good idea to check with the government agency which issued the document to ensure the license is active and in good standing.
Many excellent real estate appraisers carry a professional designation. The most widely known industry designations are SRPA, SRA and MAI. These designations are issued by the Appraisal Institute. These designations demonstrate an appraiser’s commitment to continuing education and ethical standards. Oftentimes, the standards required to obtain these designations exceed those set forth by state licensing/certified requirements.
Ask the real estate appraiser what percentage of their work is performed in the neighborhood in which the property is located. Appraisers who do a lot of their work or live in a particular area often have a deep knowledge of property values in that area. Additionally, they are more likely to know how “neighborhood variables” such as school districts and fire departments affect the property values in the area.
Lastly, find out if the property appraiser has experience performing appraisals for consumers as opposed to real estate professionals. Mortgage brokers and loan officers have distinctly different needs than homeowners. An appraiser who understands the needs of homeowners is more likely to help you learn about the appraisal process and answer questions you may have along the way.
Publisher’s Directions: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link (where possible) are included.
Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The , Steve Hoogenakker will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.
How to Estimate & Determine a Property's Value Accurately!
Monday, September 21st, 2009As an Certified Appraiser I can tell you that the most common mistake that many beginning real estate investors make is that they pay too much for property. Fact is overpaying for property is often cited as the number one reason why so many newcomers fail to make it as profitable real estate investors. That’s because most beginning real estate investors are woefully under capitalized, and they don’t have the deep pockets that are needed to subsidize their overpriced real estate investments.
For many neophyte investors, paying too much for their first investment property usually proves to be a very costly and fatal mistake, and marks the beginning of the end of their foray into real estate. That’s why it’s imperative that you learn how to accurately estimate the current market value of potential investment properties! As far as I’m concerned, it’s the single most important aspect of the entire real estate investment business!
A Fast $50,000 Profit for Knowing the Value of a Condemned House
I once bought a real estate option on a filthy, neglected, run-down, but structurally sound house in a neighborhood-in-transition within Los Angeles, California, that had been condemned for building, safety, health and fire code violations. This place looked like something right out of downtown Baghdad, Iraq! It had what code enforcement inspectors commonly refer to as accumulations of every type of debris, garbage and junk known to mankind! The property’s owner lived in Westerville, Ohio, and wanted the steady stream of threatening letters from the Winter Park Code Enforcement Board to stop.
I had done my homework, and knew the property was worth at least $450,000 after it was cleaned up. I ended up paying $2500 for a six month option to purchase the house for $365,000. It cost me $10,000 to have all of the accumulations removed from the property, and the house, driveway and walkways pressure washed. Three weeks later, I sold my real estate option agreement for a $65,000 profit! This never would have happened if I had been clueless about how to estimate property values. Since I had an accurate estimate as to how much the property was worth in its current condition, I was able to negotiate a below market purchase price that was based on the property’s filthy, neglected, run-down non-marketable condition, and not on how much it might have been worth after it had been cleaned up.
No Kelly Blue Book for Real Estate Investors to Look Up Property Values
Sadly, there’s no Kelly Blue Book equivalent for real estate investors to lookup used property prices in, so you’re going to have to learn for yourself how to estimate the current market value of potential investment properties. However, thanks to computers and the Internet, in most real estate markets it’s not that difficult to get a rough estimate of a property’s current market value. This is especially true for real estate investors located in counties where all property ownership, sale and tax assessment records are available online.
The Definition of Market Value
The Appraisal Foundation’s Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, defines market value as: “The most probable price a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the sale price isn’t affected by undue stimulus.”
The Difference Between Assessed Value and Appraised Value
The difference between a property’s tax-assessed value and its appraised value is as follows:
1. Tax Assessed Value: Tax-assessed value is the value established by the local taxing authority for a parcel of land and the improvements placed upon the land for property tax purposes. For example, in Florida, owner-occupied single-family houses are generally assessed at around seventy percent of their fair market value by county property appraisers.
2. Appraised Value: Appraised value is the value estimate given to a property by a licensed property appraiser using accepted appraisal methods for the type of property being appraised. For example, the accepted appraisal method to accurately estimate the fair market value for an owner-occupied single-family house is the comparison sales method where a property’s value is based on the recent sale of comparable properties within the same area.
The Three Common Methods Used to Estimate Property Values
The three most common methods used by property appraisers to estimate property values are the:
1. Comparison Sales Method: The comparison sales method bases a property’s value on the recent sale prices of properties that are within the same area and comparable in size, quality, amenities and features.
2. Income Method: The income method is used to estimate the value of an income producing property based on the net income the property produces.
3. Replacement Cost Method: The replacement cost method is based on what it would cost to replace the improvements on property using similar construction materials and construction methods.
The Comparison Sales Method of Estimating a Property’s Value
The comparison sales method of estimating a property’s value is based on the recent sale prices of properties within the same area that are comparable in size, amenities and features. In order to be accurate, sale price adjustments must be made for comparable properties that have been sold at unrealistically low prices or on overly favorable financial terms not readily available to the buying public.
The Income Method of Estimating a Property’s Value
The income method is used to estimate the value of an income producing property based on the net income the property produces. Under the income method value is calculated using a:
1. Capitalization Rate. The capitalization rate, or cap rate, is calculated by dividing a property’s annual net operating income by its purchase price.
2. Gross Rent Multiplier. The gross rent multiplier, or GRM, is calculated by dividing the purchase price by the property’s monthly gross operating income.
Watch Out for Owners Using Fuzzy Math
A word to the wise: when you read a property’s income and expense statement, you should always go under the assumption that the owner is probably practicing fuzzy math by fudging on the numbers, and telling little white lies to back them up. Also, use a monthly income and expense analysis worksheet like the sample copy below, to cross-check everything that’s listed on a property’s income and expense statement in order to reconcile the statement with receipts and tax returns against what’s shown on:
1. Schedule E (Supplemental Income and Loss) of the owner’s latest federal income tax return.
2. The property’s latest annual tax assessment income and expense statement on file at the county property appraiser or assessor’s office.
3. All of the rental agreements for the past year.
4. Water, sewage, solid waste, gas and electric bills for the past year.
5. Repair and capital improvement bills for the past year.
The Replacement Cost Method of Estimating a Property’s Value
The replacement cost method of estimating a property’s value is based on the cost of replacing the improvements on the property minus the cost of the land to estimate a property’s value. Replacement costs are calculated on a per square foot basis by dividing the total number of square feet in the building by the per square foot construction cost. For example, a two thousand square foot convenience store that cost $375,000 to build would have a replacement cost of $187.50 per square foot, $375,000 divided by 2000.
How to Get Free Building Replacement Cost Estimates
You can usually get a free building replacement cost estimate by calling a local independent insurance broker who represents insurers t
hat specialize in providing property and casualty insurance coverage for residential and commercial buildings. When you call a broker, tell them that you want a replacement cost quote. Property replacement costs are calculated by using a replacement cost formula that’s based on the property’s geographical location and its:
1. Street address.
2. Age.
3. Type of construction.
4. Number of stories.
5. Type of roof.
6. Current use.
7. Heating and cooling system.
8. Square footage.
Use the Eight-Step Approach to Estimate a Property’s Current Market Value
Use the following eight-step approach and the current value worksheet on the following page to get a rough estimate of a potential investment property’s current market value:
Step # 1: Log onto your county’s property appraiser or assessor’s Web site to obtain the tax assessed value of the property under consideration.
Step # 2: Search your county’s property tax rolls for recent sales of three to five properties that are comparable in size, amenities and features, and located within two miles of the property under consideration.
Step # 3: Carefully analyze any comparable properties that you find, and make sale price adjustments for differences in amenities, special features and the property’s physical condition.
Step # 4: Verify the income and expenses that are listed on the income and expense statement of the property under consideration.
Step # 5: Analyze the property’s income and expenses for the past twelve months to estimate its net operating income potential.
Step # 6: Calculate the property’s capitalization rate by dividing its potential operating income by the estimated value that you derived from analyzing recent sales of comparable properties in step number three.
Step #7: Estimate the property’s value by multiplying its net operating income by the capitalization rate you came up with for the property.
Step # 8: Calculate the cost of replacing the improvements on the property using the same building materials and method of construction.
Commercial Real Estate Appraisal
Sunday, August 16th, 2009Commercial Real Estate Appraisal
Commercial real estate appraisal is a combination of art and science. Knowledgeable appraisers gather and analyze data prior to making informed decisions about real estate value. The appraisal profession has developed a series of well-established analytical techniques; the cost approach, income approach and sales comparison approach. The most appropriate approaches depend upon the characteristics of the subject property.
The cost approach is considered most applicable for commercial real estate appraisals for relatively new properties and special-use properties. Commercial real estate appraisers are less likely to use the cost approach for older properties due to the difficulty of precisely calculating the amount of depreciation.
The income approach is considered most applicable for investment or income properties. Appraisers gather data regarding the actual income and expenses for the subject property, rental comparables, expense comparables, industry expense data, market occupancy, and rental market trends. The commercial real estate appraiser then estimates gross potential income, other income, effective gross income, operating expenses, and net operating income. Net operating income is converted into an indication of market value using a conversion factor termed the capitalization rate, using the following formula:
Market value = net operating income/capitalization rate. This process is termed direct capitalization.
The income approach can also be calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis. Revenue and expenses are estimated for a period of years and the resulting annual cash flows and gross proceeds from a projected sale of the property are discounted to a present value using a discount rate.
Commercial real estate appraisers also utilize the sales comparison approach to estimate market value. The sales comparison approach is often considered most comparable for owner-occupied properties. After obtaining data regarding similar properties that recently sold, the appraiser makes adjustments to generate an indication of market value for the subject property.
After considering each of the three approaches to appraisal and preparing an analysis for the approaches which are considered relevant, the appraiser reconciles the indications of value to a final value conclusion. The quality and quantity of data for each of the approaches is considered when reconciling to a final value conclusion.
O’Connor & Associates is the largest independent appraisal firm in the southwestern United States and has over 40 full-time staff members engaged full-time in valuation and market study assignments. Their expertise includes valuing commercial real estate, single-family, business personal property, business enterprise value, purchase price allocation for businesses, valuation for property tax assignments, partial interest valuation, estate tax valuation, expert witness testimony and valuation for condemnation. They have performed over 20,000 commercial real estate appraisals since 1988.
To obtain a quote or further information for a commercial real estate appraisal, contact either George Thomas or Craig Young at 713-686-9955 or fill out our online form.The appraisal division of O’Connor & Associates is a national provider of commercial property real estate appraisal services including cost segregation studies, due diligence, insurance valuations, business personal property valuations, business purchase price allocations, single family litigation support and business valuations.
All commercial property types benefit from our appraisal services including multi-family housing, retail stores, hospitals, hotels, industrial properties, manufacturing facilities, medical offices, commercial offices, restaurants, self-storage units, shopping malls, shopping plazas and warehouse/distribution centers.
Getting an Orange County Property Appraiser
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009When you need a home appraiser, you may not want to spend much time on the process initially. But it is important that you do some work in selecting an appraiser because they will be the person to decide the value of the home you are selling or the home you are buying. In some cases, the bank will select the appraiser, but you will have a chance to hire an independent appraiser to be on the same side. Here are some ways to locate and select a property appraiser in Orange County.
What You Need
Before starting to look for the right property appraiser in Orange County, you need to figure out who will be right for your deal. If the bank says its OK for you to help them choose the appraiser, they could make you adhere to guidelines, like that the appraiser will have to meet certain qualifications or be located in a certain area. Check with the lender to see what guidelines are needed for the appraiser to meet before you begin your search.
Where to Look for a Property Appraiser
The first place to look for a property appraiser is the local phone book. There should be listings for ‘appraisers’ and ‘property appraisers’, which makes it easy. You will see in those listing both single appraisers and companies. If you choose one over the other, that’s up to you. But it’s important to remember that companies have more solid background of qualifications and training.
You can also check with local banks that you have used in the past to see if they can recommend property appraisers. They are often more willing to give this information to account holders, but if you ask, they will often share their list.
The internet is another good place to go for property appraiser listings. You will get many, many more names, which makes it pretty tricky in separating legitimate appraisers from ones who aren’t. Make a list of the appraisers you find and begin the process of elimination there.
Getting the Right Answers from the Right Appraiser
When you have gotten together a list of property appraisers, they can all look the same. To find out which are different — and best — ask these questions.
* How long have you been in business? For you, the longer the better.
* What kind of training and certifications do you have? Your appraisal should be licensed, bonded and certified.
* When are you available? Your appraiser should be able to make your appointment. If they can’t, pick someone else.
You also need to get contact information from these appraisers as well as looking into what the Better Business Bureau has to say about complaints to these businesses.
Beneath The “Dirt” of a Foreclosed Property
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009I was sitting in a local restaurant by myself for lunch this week when I overheard two gentlemen talking about foreclosure properties. Both of these men had their own opinions regarding the market and where to find the best deals. It was interesting listening to both men’s opinions and interesting enough, both of them were wrong. It is amazing how many people claim to be subject matter experts but have no formalized training or accreditation to support their hypotheses.
According to national statistics there are approximately 2,203,295 foreclosure filings and about 1,285,873 foreclosed properties on the market today. The substantial increase in foreclosures has flooded the supply of available properties which then forces home values to decrease. We all learned about supply and demand in high school economics class and many home owners are feeling the effects today.
Finding that deal may not be as easy as it may seem, you need to look beneath the dirt. Understanding the value of a home, cost of repairs and legalities of submitting an offer is critical and you need the help of a licensed Real Estate Expert to navigate you through the foreclosure maze. Get with a Realtor team that has the resources and connections to help you with every step of the purchase transaction.
Great Realtors, or as I call them the top 1%, will have a “Dream Team” that will be able to work with the client. They will have a solid mortgage broker, a reputable property appraiser, a reliable insurance agent, a mold consultant, a conscientious property inspector, an esteemed general contractor and a renowned ASP certified staging professional. Being able to go to one Realtor and obtain all the necessary professionals to complete a transaction is critical.
Having a team of these professionals will reduce your exposure of making a mistake and buying a home that is not of value or has too many substantial repairs to make it worth the investment. It is important to use a professional Realtor who is experienced, trustworthy and a true professional.
Here are some essential tips you need to know when you start your foreclosure prospecting.
Pick out a geographical area that you would be okay with living, even if this is a property you plan on using as an investment. It is easier to rent a property with outstanding schools, shopping and amenities. Understanding and qualifying the benefits of a surrounding area will ensure you are picking a good location. A Realtor can provide you with any additional information you may need to pick the area. Understand and research the average dollar per square foot for homes in the area you are looking. If you are looking at foreclosure properties that are $ 39 per square foot and the average home price is currently selling for $ 52 per square foot are you getting a great deal? The truth in the matter is that if the property you are looking at is a 3 bedroom, 2 baths, and 2 car garage property and is 1700 square feet, your deal is only $ 22,100 less than the average home price. Now add into that your repair cost then ask yourself again is this a good deal. If your repair cost in this example exceeds 50% of the difference, you are probably better off not purchasing a foreclosure and going with a turn key property. Understand the foreclosure law in your own state. You can research this easily enough on the web. You should know the difference between Foreclosure by Judicial Sale and Foreclosure by Power of Sale. You will need to pick a 1% Realtor to assist you in selecting properties. They will listen to what you are looking for and search for homes that exceed your criteria but still within your price range. They will be able to conduct a market analysis on the area to provide you with sales data of homes that sold in that area. They will also arrange for all the showings and provide you with listing flyers that give you pertinent information. And as stated earlier, a 1% Realtor will give you access to their Dream Team of real estate professionals. Once you narrow your search down, you will need to determine an offer. How much should you pay is a question that your Realtor should be able to help with. Extremely inexpensive homes that are substantially lower in price than the market average maybe the best buy depending on the repair cost. The only other advice I can give on making an offer or bid is you need to be decisive and take action. I have had several clients second guess the market and like the two men from lunch determine that the market has not hit bottom yet and that there are better deals out there only to have the right property sold from right under their noses. The great deals don’t stay on the market long so you need to be able to act fast. Most banks require proof of funds or for you to be pre-qualified before you bid or make an offer on these foreclosed properties.
The bottom line is there are great deals beneath the dirt of a foreclosure. Having a vision of what that looks like for you as the buyer is important. Understanding what you are looking for in a property a year from now is the perspective that you need to have. Many clients that buy homes spend money on remodeling, changing out carpets or cabinets, or putting in new floors. If you are going to go through and spend money on a property improving it to your taste why not get that property at a bargain-basement price. If you are interested about Real Estate Dream Teams please see my website www.fortmyers-naples-realestate.com.

