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Renovation Mortgage Process Step #4

Renovation Mortgage Process: Appraisal Stage

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Understanding Residential

Renovation Mortgage Appraisals

Understanding Renovation Mortgage Appraisals

A critical component to buying a home is the appraisal. An appraisal is a third-party professional evaluation of the value of a property that is used to help determine the amount of a loan.

In compliance with government regulation, appraisers hired for a mortgage transaction on a conforming loan are chosen from a pool of qualified appraisers at random. Neither the borrower nor lender have the flexibility of deciding which appraiser will inspect your home.

Once the Work Write-Up from your HUD Consultant or detailed Bid from your Contractor is completed and reviewed by the Lender, it will be sent to an appraiser who uses it to estimate what the property value will be based on completed improvements. (Note: At times once the appraisal is received Bid additions/updates/tweaks/clarifications may be requested from you or your Contractor to helpfully clear the Property Approval stage.)

Mortgage Loan Process

Step 1: Documentation

Step 2: Contractor Selection

Step 3: Renovation Inspections

Step 4: Appraisal

Step 5: Underwriting

Step 6: Conditional Approval

Step 7: Clear To Close

Step 8: Closing

Step 9: Renovation Work Begins

Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions about your loan status or the next steps in the process.

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Appraisals 101

A few key components of an appraisal

  • The Site: Location, view, topography, lot size, utilities, zoning, external factors, highest and best use, landscaping features…
  • Design: Quality of construction, finish work, fixed appliances, and any defining features…
  • Condition: Age, deterioration, renovations, upgrades, added features…
  • Health and Safety: Structural integrity, code compliance…
  • Size: Above grade and below grade improvements…
  • Neighborhood: Is the property comparable to others in the neighborhood?
  • Functional Utility: Is the property functional as built – style and use?
  • Parking: Garages, carports, shops, etc..

Other Factors in Determining Value:

Curb appeal, lot size, and conforming to the neighborhood are obvious to the appraiser when they drive down into the neighborhood and pull up in front of your home.

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