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Homeowners, Appraisers Continue to Diverge

unnamedHomeowner estimates and appraised values continue to diverge, according to the National Quicken Loans Home Price Perception Index released on Tuesday. Appraised values were 1.9 percent lower than homeowner expectations in April.

Owner estimates were 1.77 percent lower than appraised values in March. April is the fifth month in a row the gap between appraiser and homeowner has expanded.

According to the report, the discrepancy between homeowner and appraiser values is widest in the West. In the Midwest and Eastern parts of the country, appraisals were more likely to come in lower than the owner’s expectations. These homeowners are likely to have a better mortgage experience due to their more accurate grasp on the marketplace, said Bill Banfield, VP of Capital Markets at Quicken Loans.

"The appraisal is one of the most important data points in a mortgage transaction,” Banfield said. “This single number can impact how much money a buyer needs to bring to closing or the equity that is available to the homeowner on a refinance. If homeowners have a grasp on home value differences throughout their local area, it can lead to a smoother mortgage process."

On their own, appraised values rose for the month. According to the National Home Value Index (HVI) appraised values increased by 1.06 percent for April. Year-over-year, they jumped more than 5 percent. The HVI showed increases in appraised values across all regions measured, with the West seeing the biggest annual increase at 6.52 percent. The Northeast had the small increase in values, rising 3.54 percent over the year.

According to Banfield, tight inventory is to blame for the nationwide jump—and it could push buyers into smaller, more affordable homes.

"Home values were pushed higher once again by the demand for housing outpacing the stock of available homes,” Banfield said. “This effect is intensified by the start of the spring buying season. While sellers are obviously thrilled as their investment continues to grow in value, this trend could make homebuyers set their sights on smaller homes or less pricey neighborhoods. I would encourage homeowners who are considering listing their home to take advantage of the opportunity they have in this sellers' market."

About Author: Aly J. Yale

Aly J. Yale is a longtime writer and editor from Texas. Her resume boasts positions with The Dallas Morning News, NBC, PBS, and various other regional and national publications. She has also worked with both the Five Star Institute and REO Red Book, as well as various other mortgage industry clients on content strategy, blogging, marketing, and more.
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