FAQs
What is an Appraisal?
An appraisal is a professional appraiser’s opinion of value. The preparation of an appraisal involves research into appropriate market areas; the assembly and analysis of information pertinent to a property; and the knowledge, experience, and professional judgment of the appraiser. Appraisals may be required for any type of property, including single-family homes, apartment buildings and condominiums, office buildings, shopping centers, industrial buildings, and land. The reasons for performing a real property appraisal are just as varied. They are usually required whenever real property is sold, mortgaged, taxed, insured, or developed. For example, appraisals are prepared for mortgage lending purposes, tax assessment and appeals of assessment, negotiation between buyers and sellers, government acquisition of private property for public use, business mergers or dissolutions, lease negotiations and more.
What is the Role of the Appraiser?
The role of the appraiser is to provide objective impartial, and unbiased opinions about the value of real property-providing assistance to those who own, manage, sell, invest in, and/or lend money on the security of real estate. Appraisers assemble a series of facts, statistics, and other information regarding the specific properties, analyse the data, and develop opinions of value. Each appraisal assignment challenges the appraiser’s ability to put analytical skills into practice, exercise sound judgment, and communicate effectively.
What is Market Value?
The most probable price, as of a specified date, in cash, or in terms equivalent to cash, or in other precisely revealed terms, for which the specified property rights should sell after reasonable exposure in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, with the buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably, and for self-interest, and assuming that neither is under undue duress. Implicit in this definition are the consummation of a sale as of the specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby:
- Buyer and seller are typically motivated;
- Both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in what they consider their own best interests;
- A reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market;
- Payment is made in terms of cash in Canadian dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto
- The price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.
Why would a person obtain a home appraisal?
- Mortgage or other financing
- Buying or selling a home
- Prenuptial agreements
- Matrimonial settlements
- Property tax appeals
- Foreclosure & expropriation proceedings
- Estate planning