Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Network Realty
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Home appraisals: What to expect

by Dianne Drinkwater 06/12/2023

As a homebuyer or home seller, it’s essential to be knowledgeable of the appraisal processes, as it’s one of the final steps during the closing of a home. By understanding the factors affecting how long an appraisal may take, proactive steps can be taken to make sure this process goes according to plan. 


How long do appraisals take?

Home appraisals are done by lenders to see if your home is worth the loan amount you’re requesting to complete the homebuying process. Typically, the appraisal process can take around 1 to 2 weeks but when the market is busy, an appraisal can take upwards of about a month. 


What would cause an appraisal to delay?

When a home doesn’t meet certain standards, and the appraised value comes in lower than the asking price, issues can arise. When this happens, a lender may require repairs to be made on the property and then for an additional appraisal report to be submitted. 

In addition, if the market in the area you wish to purchase a property in is busy, the home appraisal process may take longer if there is a lack of appraisers available. 


What happens after appraisal comes back?

If the appraised value comes in lower than the asking price, either the difference needs to be met, or an additional appraisal needs to be done for the mortgage loan to be approved. 

However, once the appraisal is approved, the mortgage lender then starts the underwriting process, in which a mortgage underwriter ensures needed documents and conditions are placed before issuing the loan. 

During this process, they examine the borrower's credit, debt-to-loan ratio and other relevant factors to make sure the borrower is fit for a mortgage loan. 

A home appraisal is a vital step of the home buying journey, so it pays off to work closely with a lender to explore your options to solidify a smooth appraisal process.

About the Author
Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida. 

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson. 

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you? 

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you. 

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market? 

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater