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Pilgrim Colonial – Appraisal Definitions & Jargon
ABSORPTION RATEThe ratio of the number of properties in an area that have been sold against the number available. Used to show the volatility of a market.ABSTRACTION METHODThis method of estimating the value of property uses similar properties available in the same market to extract the value of a parcel of land.ACCELERATION CLAUSEA provision in a mortgage that gives the lender the right to demand immediate payment of the outstanding loan balance under certain circumstances. Usually when the borrower defaults on the loan.ACCESSORY BUILDINGA building separate from the main structure on a property. Often used for a specific purpose, such as a workshop, storage shed or garage.ACCRETIONThe natural growth of a piece of land resulting from forces of nature.ACRE43,560 square feet. A measurement of area.ACTUAL AGEThe amount of time that has passed since a building or other structure was built. See also: EFFECTIVE AGEADJUSTMENT DATEThe date the interest rate changes on an adjustable rate mortgage.AD VALOREM TAXTaxes assessed based on the value of the land and improvements.ADDENDUMA supplement to any document that contains additional information pertinent to the subject. Appraisers use an addendum to further explain items for which there was inadequate space on the standard appraisal form.ADJUSTABLE-RATE MORTGAGE (ARM)A type of mortgage where the interest rate varies based on a particular index, normally the prime lending rate.ADJUSTED BASISThe value of an asset (property or otherwise) that includes the original price plus the value of any improvement, and less any applicable depreciation.ADJUSTED SALES PRICEAn estimate of a property's sales price, after adjustments have been made to account for differences between it and another comparable property.AESTHETIC VALUEThe additional value a property enjoys based on subjective criteria such as look or appeal.AFFIRMATIONA declaration that a certain set of facts are truthful.AFFORDABILITY ANALYSISA calculation used to determine an individual's likelihood of being able… Continue Reading
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Small Business in the Pandemic Era
What Does the Future Hold For Small Business? According to Forbes, American Billionaires have collectively risen in net worth of upwards of $1 Trillion dollars. This comes to no surprise as many businesses were mandated to close at some point during this pandemic. We all hope 2021 brings better news for all of us. While we are all in this together, small businesses across America have felt the pain of this crisis more so than others. Small businesses need to be supported more so than ever. Local employment coupled with financing requirements by lenders account for a large portion of real estate values in a given region. Small businesses, especially those in towns or communities that are more remote from metro areas likely will experience price volatility and/or declining real estate prices if small businesses close more frequently. The Federal Reserve has implemented "QE Infinity" which creates an interesting element to home values.The Fed and "QE Infinity" The Federal Reserve is the central bank given the power to create fiat currency. This currency is backed by US Bonds / Treasuries in which for each dollar created a US bond is sold as collateral. The crux here is the Federal Reserve is now monetizing their own debt by purchasing US Treasuries. With the creation of trillions of dollars being injected into the economy all while the Fed purchasing its own collateral, this sets the stage for three possible scenarios:Inflations of goods and services with relatively low employment (stagflation)Inflation of goods and services with resumed employment (inflation)Collapse of the US Dollar / Creation of a new currency (likely a digital based dollar similar to the digital Yuan)After America resumes to its pre-COVID era, its important to note that while Wall Street was record setting, government deficits were at all time highs.… Continue Reading
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Best In-The-Field Tool For Real Estate Appraisers
While the tools carried by appraisers are fairly limited, there are tools today that create a more effective and efficient appraiser. Appraisers are often known as the professionals behind the scene as often times they inspect vacant properties or they complete inspections with a brief and (appearing to be a very) cursory visit. The report writing process takes hours of an appraiser's time. The inspection represents typically only 5-10% of their time on a property. While an appraiser's goal is to conduct a thorough inspection, these inspections differ from home inspections. While the inspection for an appraiser's is not as verbose as a home inspector, they do gather several key features about a property. Tools of the Real Estate Appraiser One standard tool for real estate appraisers is a measuring tool for the property. This often varies from a tape measure to a laser measure. Technology has increased the accuracy and efficiency of measuring properties so vastly that often you will see that laser measures have become the standard for measuring properties. While some appraiser's do utilize other measuring tools, the laser has been able to increase accuracy and efficiency of the inspection process. If a property has acreage or it is a land appraisal, often appraisers are equipped with drones or work with local drone pilots to gather additional data on the land. While appraisers still physically inspect the land, the drone has a superior advantage in portraying key features of a property (topography, woodlands, wetlands, etc.). With the latest drone technology, the photos provided to the client give a more clear overview of the property which convey better within a report. Some realtors often will engage a local appraiser for marketing photos for their listing properties as drones simply give unrivaled images of properties. Smartphones and Tablets Being that appraisers are often… Continue Reading
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Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors
They are a crucial part of home safety. They are typically required to be installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms most states recommend installing alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations. This may even be required if your home does not burn fossil fuels. Be safe and purchase a Carbon Monoxide detector from amazon. They are relatively cheap and can save a life. Not to mention, these may hold up the sales process if they are not properly in place.
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Real Estate Prices and Inventory in East Longmeadow – 2 Year
This is a high level view of Real Estate Transactions that have occurred in the the town of East Longmeadow, MA - Hampden County over the past 2 years. We often gauge local markets for trends, inventory, values etc. and often tend to focus on medians for a measure for central tendency. While averages are fairly common to represent data, averages may often be heavily weighted by outlier sales. If you would like to see data within your town/city or neighborhood, please contact us today.
