Your Home Value

Whether you’re purchasing a home or looking to refinance, determining a property’s value is an essential step in the mortgage application process. You can help by providing precise and accurate information about your property.

The value of a property is determined by a number of different criteria, each of which can influence how much your home is currently worth. These criteria range from the square footage and the age of your home, to its location, construction quality, architectural features and even the number of bathrooms.

Property valuation and mortgages

When applying for a mortgage, you’ll be asked a series of questions about your property. This information will help establish the property value – a critical element for determining the amount of your mortgage loan.

If you’re buying a home, your mortgage application will include the purchase price along with a detailed description of the property. For refinancing, the lending value will be established after considering recent sales in your area, the latest municipal value assessment and any significant improvements you’ve made to the property.

If you want to add the cost of any planned improvements to your mortgage application, be sure to provide all of your plans and cost estimates.

Professional appraisal

A professional appraisal may be required if a more in-depth assessment of the value of your property is needed.

This process includes a professional assessment of the property’s physical and functional characteristics, a detailed comparison of the home to recent comparable sales in nearby areas and an assessment of current market conditions affecting the property. It’s important to allow the appraiser access to the property in a timely manner, in order to minimize the time required to obtain financing.