What All Buyers Need To Know About The Home Appraisal Process

Do you know what a home appraisal is, or why it’s so important for you to have? Many people misunderstand this crucial component of the home buying experience.

In a nutshell, an appraisal is a valuation of your home; it’s a way for lenders to ensure that they aren’t providing a mortgage that isn’t worth what the home is worth. Your appraisal must match or exceed the value of your loan, otherwise you’ll run into hiccups.

An appraiser is someone who uses comparable sales in your neighborhood as well as the condition of your home in order to make a sound valuation of your home. They’ll include factors both inside and outside the house.

If an appraisal is lower than the amount you thought the house was worth, there are several options, including renegotiating the deal and paying the difference. If it’s higher, it benefits the buyer. But knowing more about appraisals, whether you’re a homebuyer or seller, can help the whole process go more smoothly. Use this graphic from our friends at Title Source to get started.

Click the graphic to see a larger version.