I ran across a funny video today that made me think about a simple but well known phrase, “Dress For Success”. We’ve all heard this phrase but as appraisers have we really thought about it and how we apply it to our own business practices.
As you can see from the video it is important to [...]
Entries Tagged as 'Appraisal Tips'
Dressing For Your Appraisal Success
August 12th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 2 Comments · Appraisal, Appraisal Tips
Tags:appraiser dress·dress for success·dressing for your job·first impressions·professionalism
Birmingham Alabama MLS Adds Square Foot Option to Listings
July 29th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 2 Comments · Appraisal, Appraisal Tips
The Birmingham Alabama MLS (Multiple Listing Service) has recently added an option for Realtors to list GLA (gross living area) for their listings. The new feature will go live on August 2, 2010. Realtors are given an option of entering GLA data obtained from an appraiser, building plans, or tax records.
The first two sources are [...]
Tags:Appraiser·Birmingham Alabama MLS·Birmingham MLS·GLA·House Measuring·How to measure a house·Thomas Horn·Tom Horn
Can a “Messy House” Make My House Appraise For a Lower Amount?
July 21st, 2010 by Tom Horn · 8 Comments · Appraisal, Appraisal Tips, Photos From The Field
The short answer to this question is “no”. You may think this is an odd topic for a post but I get asked this question more than any other, and it is usually asked by the lady of the house. I normally take pictures of every room because it helps me to remember things about [...]
Tags:alabama appraisals·appraisal requirements·Property condition·property damage
Real Estate Agents-How To Look Like a Champ In Your Customers Eyes
April 25th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 8 Comments · Appraisal, Appraisal Tips, Market Trends
I know that some of you will say “Why should I get an appraisal when I am an agent and can do my own market analysis?”, but there are benefits to the appraisal. My main concern here is with the homeowner who want you to over price their home. When you know that they are [...]
Tags:Alabama·Home Values·jefferson county·Market Trends·marketing·Realtor Tips·sell·selling·shelby county
Getting The Most Bang For Your Buck In Home Improvements
April 14th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 2 Comments · Appraisal Tips, Home Improvement
If you’re like most homeowners you want to get the most bang for your buck in home improvements. Sometimes certain improvements to your home cost more than the value you get from them. This is one of the most frequent questions I get asked in my job as a real estate appraiser. My answer most [...]
Tags:Alabama·Appraiser·Birmingham·cost versus value·Home Improvements·jefferson county·shelby county
An Alternative to Selling in A Slow Market
March 25th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 4 Comments · Appraisal Tips, Market Trends
As an appraiser I estimate value. My estimate is based on several different methods, however the approach that is usually given the most emphasis is the market approach. This approach, which is also known as the sales comparison approach, utilizes recent sales of similar homes within the subject property’s market area. In today’s economic climate [...]
Tags:AHI Corporate Housing·Alabama·Birmingham·Declining Values·Foreclosures·Jefferson County Alabama·Lease·Rent·Shelby County Alabama·Thomas Horn·Tom Horn
FHA Tip: Turn The Water On To Save Your Borrower Money
March 14th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 4 Comments · Appraisal Tips
I recently did an FHA appraisal on a property. The home was relativily new so there were not major issues with peeling paint, inadequate electrical service, or other typical concerns. The only issue was the fact that the water had not been turned on. The property was a foreclosure so this is not untypical, however [...]
Tags:Alabama·Alabama FHA appraisals·Alabama Mortgage Loans·Appraisal·Appraisal Inspection·FHA·FHA Loans·FHA Requirements·FHA Tips·HUD Minimum Property Requirements·MPR·Realtor Tips·Tips
