Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale | Homes for sale in Rochester, NY, LOCAL Rochester real estate listings, market data, REALTOR® info, and high quality content updated every 15 minutes! Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:50:30 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-SITE-LOGO-512-x-512-1-32x32.png The Value Showdown: Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value – Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com 32 32 June Home Maintenance Checklist: 40+ Must-Do Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-home-maintenance-checklist-summer-prep/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20501 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> May Home Maintenance Checklist: 30 Essential Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-home-maintenance-checklist/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20484 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> April Home Maintenance Checklist: How To Prepare Your Rochester NY Home For Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/april-home-maintenance-checklist/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20364 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> March Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Your New York Home Ready for Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/march-home-maintenance-checklist/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20338 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Buy a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buy-a-house-in-new-york/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19906 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Sell a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-a-house-in-new-york/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19905 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Risks of Buying a Non-Warrantable Condo In New York: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/non-warrantable-condo/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19796 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Builders Should Know About Spec Construction Loans In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/builders-spec-construction-loans/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19795 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Moving To The Finger Lakes Region Of New York | Guide To Relocating To The Finger Lakes https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-to-the-finger-lakes-region/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19875 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Navigating the Numbers: The Pros and Cons of Using Online Home Value Estimators For New York Real Estate https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-online-home-value-estimators/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19794 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Role of Location in Home Valuation In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/role-of-location-home-valuation/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19768 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Lowe&#8217;s vs U-Haul: A Review of Truck Rental Companies https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/lowes-vs-uhaul/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19758 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Understanding the Importance of a Seller&#8217;s Property Condition Disclosure https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/property-condition-disclosure-statement/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19632 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What are Delayed Showings and Negotiations in Real Estate In New York? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/delayed-showings-negotiations/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19547 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 8 Viable Tactics to Selling Your Home and Moving Out of State https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-moving-out-of-state/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19542 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Unconventional Methods for Selling a House: Thinking Outside the Box https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/unconventional-methods-for-selling-a-house/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19519 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Should I Sell My House Off Market: Pros and Cons Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-house-off-market/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19503 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What is PITI and How Does It Affect Your Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-is-piti/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19498 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How To Set A Home Renovation Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-renovation-budget/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19490 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How Does A Co-Borrowers Credit Scores Affect A Home Purchase? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/co-borrower-credit-score/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19474 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> New Construction Final Walk-Through Checklist: Ensuring a Seamless Home Inspection https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/new-construction-final-walk-through/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19458 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Essential Tips for Pumping a Septic Tank: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pumping-a-septic-tank/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19450 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Can You Submit Multiple Offers On Homes At Once &#8211; A Legal And Ethical Analysis https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/multiple-offers-on-homes-at-once/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19414 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Get Your Home Photo Ready for Real Estate Listings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-photo-ready/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19409 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Does a Home Builder&#8217;s Warranty Cover? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-builders-warranty/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19394 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> July 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/july-2023-rochester-ny-real-estate-market-update/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19403 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Who Pays Real Estate Commission When You Buy or Sell a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-commission/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19366 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Quitclaim Deeds: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/quitclaim-deeds/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19358 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What to Know About Selling a Home As Is for Cash https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-as-is-cash/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19347 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Know if My House Has Paranormal Activity https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/is-my-house-haunted/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19342 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Why Find The History of a House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/find-history-house/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19316 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> June 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19313 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-lawyer/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19181 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> May 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19162 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What to Know About Buying a Home For The First Time https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-home-first-time/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19058 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> <strong>What Should a Buyer Look For at a Home Inspection?</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-look-for-home-inspection/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18983 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Companies That Buy Houses For Cash Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/companies-buy-houses-for-cash/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18889 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Does Home Staging Work and What is The Cost? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/does-home-staging-work/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18814 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What to Avoid When Getting a Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/avoid-when-getting-mortgage/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18797 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> <strong>5 Options For Replacing a Roof Reviewed</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/replacing-roof/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18771 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Are Restrictive Covenants in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/restrictive-covenants/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18714 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Can The Court Force The Sale of Your House in Divorce? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/court-force-sale-divorce/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18693 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Real Estate Agent vs. Broker: What&#8217;s The Difference? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-vs-broker/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18650 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How To Determine Square Feet In Your House For More Accurate Property Estimates https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/determine-square-feet/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18167 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 3 Things That Often Results in a Real Estate Agent Getting Sued https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-sued/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18133 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Top 5 Types Of Home Inspections Buyers Should Consider https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-types-home-inspections/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18119 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Pros And Cons Of Rent To Own Homes: What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-rent-own-homes/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18104 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 5 Smart Things To Do Before Moving That Will Help Ease Your Transition https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-before-moving/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18084 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Become a Real Estate Agent https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/become-real-estate-agent/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18071 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Renting A House Or An Apartment: Which Is The Better Option https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-house-apartment/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17871 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The 5 Most Important Factors To Consider When Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-factors-buying-house/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17851 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Buyers And Sellers Need To Know About An Appraisal Gap https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/appraisal-gap/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17827 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Pros And Cons Of Renting With Roommates – What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-with-roommates/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17794 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 6 Things You Should Know About Buying Land https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-know-buying-land/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17773 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How Long Should Home Sellers Wait To Respond To An Offer On Their Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-sellers-wait-respond-offer/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17745 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How To Buy A House With A Low Credit Score https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-buy-a-house-with-a-low-credit-score/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16819 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Things To Consider When Shipping A Car https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-to-consider-when-shipping-a-car/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16248 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Home Depot Truck Rentals: What to Know Including Pricing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-depot-truck-rentals-what-to-know-including-pricing/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16156 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 16 Things To Do Before Listing Your Home For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/16-things-to-do-before-listing-your-home-for-sale/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16138 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Biggest Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-home-inspection-mistakes-to-avoid/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16112 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Ability To Buy A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-credit-score-impacts-buying-house/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16086 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top Winter Home Selling Mistakes | 7 Errors Made While Selling A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-winter-home-selling-mistakes/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16051 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top Winter Home Buying Mistakes | 11 Errors Made While Buying A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-home-buying-mistakes/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16013 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Address Change Form Should I Use At The Post Office? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/address-change-form-post-office/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15981 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Does Contingent Status Mean in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-does-contingent-status-mean-real-estate/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15956 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> DIY Renovation Ideas For Your Backyard https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/diy-renovation-ideas-backyard/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15937 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Rent Your First Apartment Guide https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-rent-an-apartment/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15931 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Tips For Selling A Home Virtually https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-selling-a-home-virtually/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15907 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Complete Winter Storage Checklist For Your Belongings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-storage-checklist/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15885 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Should I Waive My Home Inspection When Buying A House? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-waive-my-home-inspection/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15870 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Biggest Self Storage Companies Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-self-storage-companies/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15836 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Earnest Money and House Deposits Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/earnest-money-house-deposits-explained/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15760 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Moving Mistakes To Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-mistakes-to-avoid/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15568 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top Mortgage Myths | Demystifying Common Home Loan Misconceptions https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-mortgage-myths/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15102 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-mistakes/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14815 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 10 Tips For Adding Appeal To Your Home This Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/10-tips-adding-appeal-to-home-this-summer/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14237 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Exploring The Merits of Smart Home Technology When Selling a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/smart-home-technology-selling-a-home/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13782 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top Frequently Asked Questions From Home Sellers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-frequently-asked-questions-home-sellers/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2424 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> First Time Home Buyer Programs In Rochester NY &#8211; Updated January 2025 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-programs/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock http://rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=580 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How New Doors &#038; Windows Can Boost Your Home Value https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-new-doors-windows-boost-your-home-value/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13643 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top 5 Things To Know When Flipping Your First House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-things-to-know-when-flipping-your-first-house/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13574 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Are The Best Mortgage Options for Self Employed Borrowers? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/mortgage-options-for-self-employed-borrowers/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13450 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Top 10 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-10-best-places-see-christmas-lights-rochester-ny/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=10236 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Are The PROs And CONs Of Multifamily Homes? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-multifamily-homes/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13219 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> What Low-Cost Home Improvements Should You Make Before Selling Your Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/low-cost-home-improvements-you-should-make-before-selling-your-home/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13114 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 15 Things Millennial Home Buyers Look At While Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/15-things-millennial-home-buyers-look-at-while-buying-a-house/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13028 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How Does A Fence Increase The Value Of Your Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-does-a-fence-increase-the-value-of-your-home/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12995 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 5 Simple &#038; Low Cost Fixes To Make Your Home More Appealing To Buyers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-simple-and-low-cost-fixes-to-make-your-home-more-appealing-to-buyers/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12779 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How To Improve A Homes Curb Appeal In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-improve-a-homes-curb-appeal-rochester-ny/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12665 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 7 Ways to Create an Energy-Efficient Home While Conserving Your Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/7-ways-create-an-energy-efficient-home/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12633 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Hiring Movers Vs. Moving Yourself | The PROs &#038; CONs Of Each https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/hiring-movers-vs-moving-yourself/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12592 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Purchasing a Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pay-off-student-loans-before-purchasing-a-home/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12531 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Should I Build A New Home Or Buy An Existing Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-build-a-new-home-or-buy-an-existing-home/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2497 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> Buying A Condo Vs. Renting A Condo | What Are The PROs &#038; CONs? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-a-condo-vs-renting-a-condo/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12402 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 9 Money Saving Moving Tips | How To Cut Costs When Moving https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/9-money-saving-moving-tips/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12341 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> How to Create a Proper Home Maintenance Checklist https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-create-a-proper-home-maintenance-checklist/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12300 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> 5 Tips For Tenant Screening | How To Weed Out Bad Tenant Applicants https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-for-tenant-screening/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12291 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Best Social Media Blogs For Real Estate From 2017 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-social-media-blogs-2017/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12045 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Best Home Improvement Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Remodeling https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-home-improvement-blogs-2017/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12044 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]> The Best Mortgage Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Financing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-mortgage-blogs-2017/ Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:00:01 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12043 The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value The Value Showdown - Appraised Value VS. Assessed Value VS. Market Value[/caption] Ask a home owner if they know what the "value" of their home is.  It's almost guaranteed they will respond with some number.  Proceed on asking the home owner, what value does that number reflect.  In most cases, the "deer in headlights" look is what will be seen next!  A very common discussion with buyers and sellers is the difference between an appraised value, assessed value, and the market value. Whether buying or selling a home, be cautious of what type of information and what sources are being used to research.  With all of the information that is available nowadays on the internet, much of which is very unreliable and/or incorrect, it is important to understand what the difference is between an appraised value, assessed value, and market value. [caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="217" class=" "]Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller! Appraisals that are less than the agreed sale price can be frustrating to a seller![/caption] Appraised Value Once a buyer and a seller agree to the terms of a contract, if the buyer is financing the home with a mortgage, a bank appraisal must be completed prior to the lender approving the loan.  The purpose of an appraisal is to ensure the price that was agreed upon between the buyer and seller, is fair market value or greater.  Appraisals for the various mortgage options (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) have different "shelf-lives."  The "lives" of these appraisals can vary from a few months to a year. It is common that sellers feel their homes are worth more than what the local real estate market is reflecting.  For example, it would be great if a seller was to receive accept an offer of $300,000 on their home (even though a local real estate agent advised them their homes market value was $275,000).  Problems arise when the buyers lender performs the appraisal, and the value is indeed what the local real estate agent suggested of $275,000.  Lets look at a few different solutions for when the appraised value is less than the agreed sale price. Negotiate a New Sale Price Once the lender completes the appraisal and the fair market value is determined to be less than the agreed upon sale price, the buyer and seller have the opportunity to renegotiate the sale price.  The negotiated sale price would have equal to or less than the appraised value.  This is often a tough pill to swallow for the seller, however, if they want to sell their home it is sometimes what needs to be done.  Negotiating a new sale price is the most common solution resulting from an under valued appraisal. Contest the Appraisal If a home under appraises, there is always the option to contest the appraisal.  While this option is often ineffective, having a local real estate market expert, can be the difference.  When contesting the appraisal, the real estate agent needs to supply recent home sales (the more the better) that they feel are great "comparable" properties.  The appraisal can decide to either use or not use the "comparable" properties supplied by the real estate agent.  In this situation everyone involved is at the mercy of the appraiser. Buyer Covers the Difference Rare, but a possible solution, the buyer has the opportunity to adjust their down payment amount to meet the new loan to value (LTV) and down payment requirements.  Most buyers are not going to pay more for a home than their lender indicates it's worth. Cancel the Contract If none of the solutions above are able to resolve the problem of the under appraisal, the contract can be cancelled.  The buyer should be granted their deposit and both parties are relieved of their contractual obligations. Assessed Value Also known as "Tax Value," the assessed value of a home is very different from the appraised value and market value.  The assessed value of a home is available to anyone through local municipality or county websites.  Many consumers think a homes assessed value is what the homes fair market value is, which is not true.  It's common for a buyer to say, "The home is assessed at $100,000 and it's listed for $125,000, why is it listed for so much more?  It's not worth that!"  On the reverse side, it's common to hear from a seller, "My home is assessed at $150,000 and you want me to list it for $135,000, it's worth more than that!" Assessments can be contested through the local municipality and there is normally a time-frame that allows a home owner to contest the assessed value.  There is no guarantee that a municipality will adjust an assessed value, but there are a few ways to increase the probability.  Get a recent "comparable market analysis" (CMA) done by a local real estate professional.  Another option would be to have an appraisal done on the home.  The cost of an appraisal normally ranges from $300-$500. [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="290" class=" "]Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road! Pricing correctly "out of the gate" will reduce problems down the road![/caption] Market Value While closely related to the appraised value, there are some differences between market value and appraised value.  The market value can be determined by a licensed or unlicensed professional, while an appraisal must be completed by a licensed appraiser.  This is to prevent any bias when determining the fair market value. When a real estate professional is determining the market value of a prospective listing, they should look at "comparable" recent sales, pending sales, closed sales, and expired listings.  The data, like an appraisal, in a perfect world should be within the past 6 months.  If unable to find "comparable" data within the past 6 months, it can go as far back as 12 months.  A home that sold 18-24 months ago, is not a good reflection of the current real estate market.  A great real estate agent with experience in the local marketplace, can greatly reduce the chances that there will be a problem with the appraised value.  Not only can this help eliminate any frustration down the road for the seller once the bank appraisal is done, but it should also get a seller an excellent price for their home in a reasonable amount of time! Understanding the difference between these three values is important for any home owner or prospective home owner.  Whether selling, buying, or neither, it's helpful to understand what these values are and why differs then from one another. Other Excellent Resources Regarding Appraised, Assessed, or Market Values   If you're selling your home in Rochester, NY, contact us and we'd be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).  If you're buying a home in Rochester, NY and you're wondering if a home is priced well or not, contact us, and we'd be happy to share our opinions and thoughts. About the authors:  The above article The Value Showdown: Appraised Value Vs. Assessed Value Vs. Market Value was provided by the Keith Hiscock Sold Team (Keith & Kyle Hiscock).  With almost 30 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY. Visit our website at www.HiscockHomes.com.]]>