
A home appraisal will determine if the asking price is lower or higher than the actual value of the property.
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A home appraisal also protects the bank from getting stuck with property that's worth less than they've invested. And it protects you from paying too much for a house simply because it was love at first sight. The home appraisal is a no-nonsense factor in a decision that is often emotional for the buyer.
In this article, we'll take a look at the methods appraisers use to value property and find out what's included in the appraisal report. We'll debunk some common myths -- for example, will dirty dishes in the sink affect your home appraisal? What about a wet basement? We'll find out where the appraiser gets the information that determines the value of the property. And, if you get a low appraisal, what happens next?
HOME APPRAISAL OR HOME INSPECTION?
A home appraisal is not the same thing as an inspection. If you're buying a home, you'll want to hire an experienced home inspector to point out any potential problems that could turn into costly nightmares in the future. Property appraisers will likely make note of any obvious issues, but they won't test your heat and air, check the chimney, or determine if your plumbing is up to code. That's the job of the inspector.