Fullerton Real Estate – No Bobby, The Appraiser is NOT the Devil…..

When I took a listing on in the highly sought after Downtown Fullerton area, I knew I had my work cut out for me. This lovely home on Jacaranda showed wonderfully and though we listed it right at Christmas time when most buyers typically stop shopping. We were able to get it sold right away with multiple offers.

The work wasn’t so much in the listing, but in getting the Appraiser to see the value too! I mean I had just sold a home for the highest price in quite some time in the neighborhood and now I had to make sure the apprasier agreed! 

The dreaded words….Appraisal!  I have heard appraisers referred to as “deal killers” for brining the value in too low.  Since the fall of the real estate market, it is tougher than ever for them! 

This is not the appraiser!

Sure, we listed on the high side.  I was confident we could get what we were asking for.  At our open house, the residents of this lovely Downtown Fullerton neighborhood all came by and echoed the same sentiment, “We hope you can get the value, it will be so good for the neighborhood”.   I must admit, I got nervous…for about a minute.

Lucky for me, I worked for a major lender years ago and had extensive appraisal training. I would work closely with what we called the Appraisal Review Department and learned exactly what they were looking for and how they wanted the value justified.  Trust me, I did not forget.

When the appraiser called about appraising the home, I made sure I made it as easy as possible for him.  Often times, Realtors just show up and unlock the door.  I guess that is one way to do it but by making sure they understand the upgrades, the neighborhood, how you came to the value, the offers….etc….you would be surprised at how much they appreciate the help and in UNDERSTANDING WHY THE VALUE IS THERE!

Appraisers have a tough job right now.  They have much stricter guidelines now and are held accountable for every little thing. Their job is stressful to say the least!   This was just reiterated by an appraiser that called me (because the home on Jacaranda has now closed and is showing as a comparable sale).  She was trying to justify the price on something else in the neighborhood and she was floored when she saw how much my home sold for.  We talked a long time about how hard it is for them right now.  Since I know every single home in the neighborhood, and what they all sold for, I was able to help her and explain how we were able to justify the sold price on our Jacaranda home.

Appraisers are not trying to be bad guys or deal killers. Sometimes they just need a little help in justifying the value. The least we can do is try to help! It is good for them…..and our sellers!

If you are interested in hearing more about values and appraisals or anything else relating to Fullerton real estate or real estate in North Orange County, please contact me.