The Appraiser’s Edge for Home Buyers

Know the Numbers Before You Make the Offer

Buying a home is more than finding a property you like. Once you find it, you have to decide what you are willing to pay, how you want to structure the offer, and how quickly you need to act.

That is where my background is different.

I’m Tom Dunphy Realtor with Fulton Grace Realty, and I’m also Thomas J. Dunphy III, State-Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser RD8755. I bring my appraisal experience into the home-buying process to help my buyers better understand the property and the market before we make an offer.

Before We Start Looking

If you are financing your purchase, one of the first things I am going to ask about is your financing.

Before we become serious about making offers, I want you to have a conversation with a qualified lender and obtain the appropriate pre-approval. That helps establish the price range in which you are comfortable purchasing and allows us to be prepared when the right property becomes available.

If you are purchasing with cash, we will discuss the documentation that may be needed when submitting an offer.

I don't want to find the property first and then start figuring out whether we are prepared to buy it.

Preparation comes first.

Then We Define What You Actually Want

We will talk about more than bedrooms, bathrooms and price.

Location, property type, HOA preferences, lot size, pool, garage, waterfront, age, construction, condition, commute, pets and other characteristics can all influence the search.

The objective is to narrow the market to properties that actually make sense for you rather than spending your time looking at homes that don't.

We Find the Property. Then the Appraiser’s Edge Begins.

This is where my appraisal background becomes particularly useful.

When you identify a property you are seriously considering, I can analyze the relevant comparable sales and competing market data from an appraiser's perspective.

I am not simply looking at what the seller is asking.

I want to understand where that particular property fits within its market.

Depending on the property, that can include differences in:

  • Gross living area
  • Site and location
  • Condition and quality
  • Bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Garage and parking
  • Pool and outdoor improvements
  • Waterfront or other views
  • Renovations and upgrades
  • Comparable settled sales
  • Current competing listings
  • Current market conditions

From that analysis, I can develop a supported range of values to help us discuss the offer.

Then We Decide How to Approach the Offer

A supported range does not mean there is only one price you can offer.

Market conditions matter.

If inventory is limited and a property has just entered the market with significant buyer activity, we may need to move quickly.

If inventory is expanding, the property has accumulated market time, or there are several competing properties available, we may have more negotiating room.

The analysis gives us information. Then we use that information to develop our strategy.

My objective is for you to understand what we are buying, what the market data indicate, and why we are approaching the offer the way we are.

From Contract to Closing

Once you are under contract, I remain involved throughout the transaction. Inspections, financing, appraisal, association requirements, title issues and other matters can arise between contract and closing.

My role is to help you navigate the process, communicate with the other professionals involved, and keep the transaction moving toward closing.

The Appraiser’s Edge

Most buyers eventually ask the same question:

“What do you think this house is worth?”

That is a question I have spent my career analyzing.

When you buy with me, you aren't just getting someone to open the door.

You're getting a Realtor who can bring an appraiser's perspective to the property before we decide how to make the offer.

THE APPRAISER’S EDGE. THE RELOCATOR’S INSIGHT.

Tom Dunphy Sells Real Estate. Just Does More.

 

Disclosure

The information provided on these pages is for general informational and educational purposes and is not an appraisal, broker price opinion, mortgage or financial advice, or a guarantee of a property's value, purchase price, sale price, or future market performance. Any analysis performed as part of real estate brokerage services is provided to assist buyers or sellers in making informed real estate decisions and should not be represented or relied upon as an appraisal. A formal appraisal is a separate professional service performed under an applicable appraisal engagement and scope of work.

Tom Dunphy Realtor (Fulton Grace Realty)
Licensed Florida Real Estate Sales Associate

 

Thomas J. Dunphy III
State-Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser RD8755
APPRAIS