Who are you going to call?

…Ghost busters!

Social media can be rife with misinformation, such as when the information presented is well intentioned, but of a national scope. National studies are not local studies, and blanket statements presented as fact are potentially misleading. Real estate agents are professionals who are involved in selling houses on a daily basis and know their markets — as well as what drives interest with the buyers and sellers they are working with. Their job is difficult; often rewarding, and they make lasting relationships with the people they have worked with. Most agents are “people persons” who thrive on human interactions, and on being able to make a difference in the lives they touch.  Agents do know what their buyers are willing to pay for certain features in certain markets and price ranges, but often do not approach the valuation process in the manner that appraisers do.

Take this ad for example. The agent had a great talking point related to how various remodeling projects can add to the appeal of a property and perhaps the eventual sales price, but the talking points were incorrectly presented. There are a few issues with this ad, one is that there are very specific percentages expressed, and another that there is no source citation for these percentages. The main issue however is, if a real estate agent is the right individual to state what adds value on a home appraisal?

While advertising is critical in today’s market, advertising specific percentages or numbers about specific remodeling projects gleaned from national sources, can be misleading. Stating that these features add value to an appraisal, and that the reader should ask a real estate agent about what adds value to an appraisal, is illogical. Instead, simply go to a source, such as your local appraiser and get an appraisal completed.

For the percentages above, we have no idea where this hypothetical property is located; what price range or market segment it is in, or what the source for information is. In addition, the numbers are so precise that they are not logical. If one were to replace a garage door for $3,000, would it truly add a return of 98.3% or $2,949?  Would that manufactured stone you put on the house, that some buyers will like and others hate, truly add 97.1% return? Do buyers even look at a property and say that they will pay $50.47 more per square foot than another house that was 95-sqft smaller? These types of advertisements are catchy, but they could also be misleading.  In addition, the ad clearly points the reader to contact a real estate agent to tell you how much value a renovation adds to a home appraisal. This too is illogical, since an agent is not an appraiser and the job functions are not the same.

A professional appraiser, who knows the local market, has the ability to both provide a current value, and a value “subject to” the proposed changes. Appraisers approach each problem to be solved in a competent, independent, impartial and objective manner. There is significant training and experience required to become a certified appraiser.  Real estate agents have a lot of specific training and education as well, but their roles are different and agents work on helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals of purchasing/selling real property. They are often functioning in multiple roles, such as acting as mediator, stager, chauffeur, diplomat and therapist. While they deal with sales prices, and know what buyers are willing to pay for properties, their view on the properties is much more “larger picture” than an appraiser specific, researched and analyzed determination.

When considering buying or selling a property, the agent is the first to call. When considering a remodel or addition and the effect on the value on the property, the appraiser is the first to call.