Sam Affanhe, REALTOR®
Bryan and College Station, TX Real Estate
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New Year, New Market, and New LAWS!!!
December 31st, 2009 Categories: B/CS Market Reports, Community Information, Home Buying Tools, Sellers Guide
Here in the College Station, TX real estate market we are fortunate that our market was not as effected by the national downturn of the real estate markets, however YOUR College Station real estate is still subject to the new federal and state regulations that have been enacted recently. One of those most pertinent in the Texas real estate market pertains to appraisals and was addressed by Governor Rick Perry recently.
Governor Perry highlighted several new laws that take effect Jan. 1, 2010, which institute important reforms to the appraisal process which in turn will help property taxpayers, to read the full article click here.
Getting an accurate appraisal on your home can be tricky these days. Prices are fluctuating in many markets, and with fewer sales taking place, appraisers are having a difficult time finding recent comparables to value homes. But getting an accurate appraisal could mean the difference between selling your home and watching it languish on the market.
There are things you can do, however, to help ensure that your home is appraised fairly. Here are some tips:
- Consider getting an appraisal before you list your home. The listing agent can use the information it contains to help set a realistic listing price.
- Make sure you and your agent are present when the appraiser comes. Follow him around the property, and make sure he doesn’t miss anything important that may affect the home’s value.
- Provide information to the appraiser to help him determine the property’s value. A current survey, tax bill, list of personal property being sold with the home, title insurance policy, and proposed improvements can be helpful. Consider preparing a “brag sheet” that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the date of their installation, and cost.
- Take a look at the houses that the appraiser is using as comparables, and don’t be afraid to let the appraiser know if your property is worth more.and why.
- Make sure all areas of the home are accessible.
For a consultation regarding how these new changes may affect you and YOUR College Station real estate give me a call today!
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