Birmingham Appraisal Blog

"appraisal bloggin for your noggin"

Birmingham Appraisal Blog header image 4

Entries Tagged as 'Appraiser'

So, How IS The Birmingham, Alabama Real Estate Market??

April 30th, 2012 by Tom Horn · 4 Comments · Appraisal, Market Trends

Funny you ask.  I get asked this question a lot and I have my own thoughts, but it’s nice to know that other professionals agree.  In addition to experiencing the local Birmingham market from a first hand experience, I read a lot of market data to assist me in my real estate appraisal business. Local [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:··········

An interesting trend in the Birmingham, Alabama real estate market

February 13th, 2012 by Tom Horn · No Comments · Appraisal, Market Trends

I have noticed an interesting trend in the Birmingham, Alabama real estate market.  The trend involves the segmentation of the market in various areas, but mainly where foreclosure activity is prevalent.  I noticed it most recently in the Centerpoint area of Birmingham.  The segments include the following: foreclosures “normal sales” and flip properties The “normal” [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:··············

10 reasons NOT to get a pre-listing appraisal

February 8th, 2012 by Tom Horn · 10 Comments · Appraisal, Appraisal Tips, FSBO Tips, Realtor Tips

1. It costs too much money- Really? If you think about the fact that by pricing the home correctly you could cut the marketing time down and reduce marketing costs, this becomes a no brainer.  In addition, the modest cost would probably not exceed future price reductions that you may need because it was priced [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:·············

How Shelby County, AL homeowners can find useful property information online

February 6th, 2012 by Tom Horn · 2 Comments · Appraisal

I would like to share with homeowners in Shelby County, Alabama how they can find useful property information online.  Have you ever wanted to find out exactly how big your lot is?  Ever wondered where your house sits on your lot?  How about finding out what school system the house you want to buy is [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:·········

Market Value: The X-Factor in Most Real Estate Transactions

November 16th, 2011 by Tom Horn · No Comments · Appraisal, Appraisal Tips

Most people have a good idea of what market value is.  A short and abbreviated definition of Market Value is as follows: Market value is the most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller, each acting prudently, [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:······

Could Alabama Appraisers Be In Violation Of State Law?

October 13th, 2011 by Tom Horn · 4 Comments · Appraisal, Legal Matters

Do you do work for Appraisal Management Companies (AMC’s)?  If you do and they are not registered with the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board, you could be subject to discipline.  As of October 1, 2011 any AMC’s doing business in Alabama must register with the state.  Pursuant to §34-27A-20(a)(9) of the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:····

A Man’s Home Is His Castle, Right?

April 11th, 2011 by Tom Horn · 4 Comments · Photos From The Field

We’ve all heard the old saying that a man’s home is his castle, right?  This was exactly what I thought of when I saw this house in Shelby County, Alabama. It got me to thinking about personal taste and  how that may translate into how others may feel about architectural styles that are atypical.  Do [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:······

Are You Secretly Under Surveillance?

January 13th, 2011 by Tom Horn · 16 Comments · Appraisal

Have you recently moved into your dream home in a great neighborhood, only to find out that you are secretly under surveillance?  Have you looked out your windows to see someone taking pictures of your home?  Do they speed off when they see you so they can’t be caught?  You may consider it a fluke [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:·····

Birmingham Alabama Appraiser : Hoover Alabama-Greystone Market Trends-2010 Update

January 6th, 2011 by Tom Horn · 2 Comments · Market Trends

I recently did some market research in the Greystone development of Hoover, Alabama for an appraisal assignment I am working on.  This development is one of the more popular subdivisions in the Hoover, Alabama market.  The neighborhood surrounds a championship golf course that has hosted The Seniors Tour in the past.  Although the Greystone development [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:··········

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 [...]

[Read more →]

Tags:·······