Three reasons why you should never get a desktop appraisal

<<>> A real estate desktop appraisal is an appraisal that is completed at the desk of the appraiser. The appraiser never physically inspects the home. The appraiser will confirm data from public records and MLS data and compile an appraisal report. In these reports, the appraiser does give you an opinion of your home value. Here are three reasons when you should never order a desktop appraisal.

1. If you know the value range of homes in your area that have sold, then there is no need to purchase a desktop appraisal. Make sure you understand home values in your area. Many times, a realtor’s opinion is not the correct one, so if you decide to use a realtor to figure out home values, make sure they give you real sales that are similar to yours and not just an average and not just a bunch of listings, especially if they don’t look like your home.

2. If your home is unique to the market and offers superior quality, superior amenities, is above average for the market area, offers a specific desirable amenity such as your home is set up for horses, cross fencing. Your home is an underground home or something significantly different then, I would not order a desktop appraisal. In these cases, it is best for the appraiser to physically look at these homes to determine the value.

3. A desktop appraisal can not be used for lending purposes. The bank or loan officer will order an appraisal based on their risk management data. The bank will not be able to use a desktop appraisal when it is used for the loan. I recommend ordering the desktop appraisal before the loan process. This will give you an idea about the value, but this appraisal will not be use for lending purposes.