Birmingham Appraisal Blog

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Entries Tagged as 'Realtor Tips'

Seller Tips: Picking The Right Comps To Help Narrow The Gap Between List Price and Sale Price

December 19th, 2011 by Tom Horn · 6 Comments · Appraisal, Appraisal Tips, FSBO Tips, Realtor Tips

After looking over a weeks worth of real estate sales data I have found a trend in some market areas.  That trend is the increasing gap between what a house was initially listed at and the final sales price.  This is one of the statistics appraiser’s  look at, and this week in one area I [...]

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Thoughts On Value And A Homes Self Esteem: Is Labeling A Home As An “Estate Sale” The Kiss Of Death?

June 27th, 2011 by Tom Horn · 6 Comments · Market Trends, Realtor Tips

Some readers may not see the correlation I did with houses and people but let me try to explain myself.  If you have a troubled child (or maybe not even troubled) and you treat the child as though they are a hassle, getting on to them all the time, and not spending time with them, [...]

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5 Reasons Why A Realtor Should Order An Appraisal Before Listing A House

June 15th, 2011 by Tom Horn · 2 Comments · Appraisal, Appraisal Tips, Realtor Tips

Realtors are experts at selling houses.  They are versed in what buyers want in a home.  They keep up with the latest in architectural styles, neighborhood trends and financing options.  Ideally all of this knowledge is maximized on every listing, but realistically that may not always be the case.  There may be times when one [...]

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The Media Is Now Confirming What Appraisers Have Been Reporting All Along

June 1st, 2011 by Tom Horn · 6 Comments · Appraisal, Appraisal Tips, FSBO Tips, Market Trends, Realtor Tips

When I first got into the appraisal profession the guy I learned from would always say: “Appraisers don’t make value, they report it”.  This is more true today than ever before.  Appraisers have been getting a lot of bad press, especially recently, because we are being accused of killing deals.  In my opinion, which I [...]

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Birmingham, Alabama Real Estate Agent Tips: What is an MPR?

October 27th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 9 Comments · Appraisal Tips, FAQ's

I talk with real estate agents quite a bit in my day to day work as a real estate appraiser.  It seem like FHA appraisal requirements are the most confusing to them in relation to what appraisers look for during our appraisal inspections.  By knowing what an appraiser looks for, the agent can better prepare [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Realtor Tips For FHA Appraisals

February 25th, 2010 by Tom Horn · No Comments · Appraisal

In recent months FHA financing has been on the increase.  With the decline of the sub prime lending market, and related creative financing programs, many lenders have been offering FHA loans to many homeowners for refinancing and home purchases.  Current FHA requirements are not as stringent as they once were.  If you are interested in [...]

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