🔍 What Is a Home Appraisal?

 

 

A home appraisal is a professional, third-party assessment of a property’s market value. It’s typically required by lenders during a home purchase or refinance to ensure the loan amount doesn’t exceed the value of the property.

 

 

 

🧑‍💼 Who Performs the Appraisal?

 

 

A licensed or certified appraiser—who is neutral and independent—is hired by the lender (but paid for by the buyer or homeowner).

 

 

 

📝 What Factors Affect an Appraisal?

 

 

The appraiser examines:

 

• Comparable sales (recent sales of similar homes in the area)

• Condition of the home (maintenance, repairs, renovations)

• Size and layout (square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms)

• Location (neighborhood quality, proximity to schools, amenities, etc.)

• Market trends (local housing demand, price trends)

 

 

 

 

🏠 Appraisal Process Steps:

 

 

1. Inspection – The appraiser visits the home to document condition, layout, features, and upgrades.

2. Research – They review recent sales of comparable properties (comps).

3. Analysis & Valuation – Using this data, they calculate a fair market value.

4. Report Delivery – A formal appraisal report is sent to the lender (and you may request a copy).

 

 

 

 

💰 Why It Matters:

 

 

• For Buyers: Ensures you’re not overpaying.

• For Sellers: Helps you price your home competitively.

• For Lenders: Confirms the property is adequate collateral for the loan.

• For Refinance: Determines how much equity you have access to.

 

 

 

 

❗ What If the Appraisal Comes In Low?

 

 

• Renegotiate price with the seller

• Challenge the appraisal with better comps or evidence

• Bring more cash to cover the gap

• Cancel the deal (depending on contract terms)

 

 

House Keys is brought to you by 

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An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a type of home loan where the interest rate can change over time, usually in response to changes in a financial index (like the 1-Year Treasury rate or SOFR).   ⸻   🏠 Key Features of an ARM:   1. Introductory Fixed Rate Period • You get a low fixed interest rate for a set number of years (commonly 3, 5, 7, or 10). • Example: A 5/1 ARM means your rate is fixed for the first 5 years, then adjusts once per year afterward.   2. Adjustment Period • After the fixed period, the interest rate adjusts periodically (usually annually). • The new rate is based on: • A benchmark index (e.g., SOFR or LIBOR) • Plus a margin (set by the lender)   3. Rate Caps • Initial cap: Limits how much the rate can go up at the first adjustment. • Periodic cap: Limits increases at each adjustment. • Lifetime cap: Maximum the rate can rise over the life of the loan.   ⸻   📊 Example: 5/1 ARM • First 5 years: Fixed at 4.25% • After year 5: Adjusts annually • Let’s say the cap is 2/2/5 (initial/periodic/lifetime) • Year 6 rate could jump to 6.25% max • Later years could go up 2% per year, but never more than 5% above the original rate   ⸻   ✅ Pros of an ARM: • Lower initial rate = lower monthly payments early on • Good if you plan to move or refinance before the adjustment kicks in • May qualify you for more home upfront   ⚠️ Cons of an ARM: • Rates can rise—your monthly payment may go up significantly • Less predictable than a fixed-rate mortgage • Riskier in a rising interest rate environment   ⸻   💡 When Is an ARM a Good Choice? • You’re only staying in the home for a few years • You expect interest rates to stay the same or drop • You want lower upfront payments and can handle possible increases later

House Keys is brought to you by 

Mountain Retreat Realty Experts

https://mtnretreatrealty.com

 

🔍 What “As-Is” Really Means: • The buyer gets the property exactly as it stands, with all its flaws—visible or hidden. • The seller makes no guarantees about the home’s condition. • The seller won’t fix any issues found during the home inspection. • The buyer still has the right to inspect the property, and can walk away or negotiate based on what’s found—but the seller isn’t obligated to fix anything.   ⸻   🛠 Common Reasons Homes Are Sold As-Is: • Distressed property or fixer-upper. • Estate sales or inherited homes. • Seller is financially unable or unwilling to make repairs. • Investor-owned property.   ⸻   ⚠️ Important Notes for Buyers: • Get an inspection—even if the seller won’t fix anything, you need to know what you’re getting into. • Check disclosure laws in your state—some still require sellers to disclose known issues (like mold, roof leaks, or foundation problems). • Be ready to handle repairs post-purchase, possibly major ones.   ⸻   💬 Real-World Example:   A home listed “as-is” might have an aging roof, outdated wiring, or plumbing issues. The seller says: “Here it is, take it or leave it.” You can still have an inspection—but if the inspector finds problems, the seller won’t negotiate or fix them. You either accept it or back out (assuming your contract allows it).

House Keys is brought to you by 

Mountain Retreat Realty Experts

https://mtnretreatrealty.com

 

 

 

🔑 Typical Buyer’s Costs in a Real Estate Transaction

 

 

 

1. Loan-Related Costs

 

 

• Origination fee: Charged by the lender for processing the loan (0.5%–1% of loan amount).

• Credit report fee: $25–$50.

• Appraisal fee: $300–$600 (paid to confirm the home’s market value).

• Underwriting fee: Charged by the lender for evaluating the loan application.

• Discount points (optional): Paid to reduce your mortgage interest rate.

 

 

 

2. Title and Escrow Fees

 

 

• Escrow fee: Charged by the escrow company for handling funds and documents.

• Title insurance (lender’s policy): Protects the lender from title issues.

• Recording fees: Paid to the county for recording the deed and mortgage.

 

 

 

3. Home-Related Expenses

 

 

• Home inspection: $250–$500 (optional but strongly recommended).

• Pest inspection: Often required by lenders (especially VA loans).

• Survey fee (in some states): Verifies property boundaries.

 

 

 

4. Prepaid Costs (Impounds)

 

 

• Homeowners insurance premium (first year paid upfront).

• Property taxes: A portion may need to be prepaid at closing.

• Prepaid interest: Covers the interest from closing day to the first mortgage payment.

• Escrow/reserve accounts: Lender may require reserves for taxes and insurance.

 

 

 

5. Other Potential Costs

 

 

• HOA transfer fees: If buying in a homeowners association.

• Attorney fees (in states where attorneys handle closings).

• Courier or wire transfer fees.

 

 

 

 

💵 How Much Are Buyer’s Costs?

 

 

• Typically range 2%–5% of the home’s purchase price.

• For a $300,000 home, expect $6,000 to $15,000 in buyer’s closing costs.

 

 

 

 

🤝 Can These Costs Be Negotiated?

 

 

Yes. Buyers can:

 

• Negotiate with the seller to pay some or all closing costs.

• Shop lenders for better rates and lower fees.

• Apply for buyer assistance programs in certain states or localities.

 

 

House Keys is brought to you by 

Mountain Retreat Realty Experts

https://mtnretreatrealty.com

 

 

Welcome to the first episode of House Keys

 

HOUSE KEYS is your go-to podcast for unlocking the world of real estate with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rob “Birdman” Hephner and featuring trusted real estate expert Stephanie Crain of Mountain Retreat Realty Experts, this series breaks down the complex terms, processes, and decisions involved in buying and selling homes. With over 20 years of industry experience and a reputation for unmatched integrity, Stephanie brings practical insights, real-world examples, and straight-talk explanations that empower listeners at every stage of the real estate journey. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or preparing to sell your home, HOUSE KEYS gives you the tools to navigate the market with ease and assurance.

 

House Keys is brought to you by 

Mountain Retreat Realty Experts

https://mtnretreatrealty.com