Home Appraisals

Anyone know how much an appraisal costs? Any recommendations?

 

I think appraisals cost about $350. The only time you usually really need one is for a bank, and they choose their own and work directly with them. Banks don't always (usually?) accept appraisals that have already been done as a basis for new loans.

Based on a previous job as a teenage secretary in an appraisal firm (out of state), I don't think appraisals are an exact science. I think the main thing in appraisals is the "comparables," or recently sold houses in the neighborhood. It's pretty easy to find them around here, since there are a lot of houses of the same type and the market is moving. Washigntonpost.com has a good database to search for recent sales, so that would be a good place to start if you just want to know about how much your home is worth. Major things like basements and bumpouts will make a big difference, as will the general condition of the house and cumulative of upgrades (counters, appliances, etc.) Also, keep in mind it takes a while for houses that have been sold to be registered.

Probably more than you wanted to hear from me...

Pam D.

 

If you don't want to wait to find the info on the Washington Post database you can look directly at the loudoun county database online. It is much faster than the post.

http://inter1.loudoun.gov/webpdbs/

Search by street, type it like this *highview*, and then click on an address, click on recent sales and you can look at the houses that sold in your neighborhood recently.

Suzanne

 

we're refinancing from an ARM to fixed. We just paid $350 for the appriasal

 

Thanks, everyone!

 

Anthony Appraisers, based out of Vienna VA, did our appraisal for $300. Ask for Jim Ryan at (703) 319-0500. We thought he did a very good and complete job.