Harris Appraisal Services

Harris Appraisal Services Appraisal of single family homes, 2-4 unit properties, condominiums, and undeveloped land.

04/23/2024

The secondary mortgage market has provided a list of about 150 words that can no longer be used in appraisal reports anymore. Many of the words I do understand why they are no longer appropriate. Today I got a "correction" request on using the word CONVENIENT, this was referring to "convenient routes ### to employment centers and amenities. Can anyone explain how this word is offensive???

03/28/2024

I have tried hard not to voice an opinion on the recent change to buyers representation BUT...
I am working on an appraisal now, the contract is written by an agent for the seller, and what concerns me is the lack of representation for the buyer. This contract has the seller having the right to look for "suitable" housing until the day before closing and if they cannot then the buyers deposit money will be refunded. there are 2 problems, first this is the day before closing so I would assume the buyer is packed up and ready to move, and second the buyer will pay for a home inspection, appraisal, and title search with no refund for these. Tell me how this is better for a buyer???

03/04/2024

Save the Date! Saturday March 16th is the Seacoast Homebuyers Fair, sponsored by New Hampshire Housing. This year it is at the Mall at Fox Run and will be from 10:00 to 2:00. The best place to enter is the Men's Macy's entrance. There will be prizes and seminars, 11:00 to 12:00 is " Intro to Home Ownership" and 12:30 to 1:30 is "Cracking Credit's Code" I will be an exhibitor, answering questions about the appraisal process and raffling off a gift card.

11/20/2023

Be aware that closed $ prices in the MLS system are not verified with public records. New construction is the biggest issue because sometimes the upgrades are not included in the sales price but are presented in the MLS. Today I was researching a comparable sale in the MLS at $2,995,000 which when verified was only $1,275,000, it turned out to be land only and not a new home with specs that were presented in the MLS. Remember our MLS is only as reliable as the information/data put in.

09/06/2023

Short Term Rentals. Everyone is talking about them and how valuable they are in this market. When considering the value of residential real estate, it does not include the furnishings or the established business. I think of a property as vacant when doing an appraisal and if that was posted on a short term rental platform, there is no added value, strictly long term rental value. I hope this helps understand the residential appraisal process.

I feel the need to share with you some information about solar panels when it involves appraisals for FHA or Fannie Mae....
08/16/2023

I feel the need to share with you some information about solar panels when it involves appraisals for FHA or Fannie Mae. When appraising a property an appraiser cannot make any adjustments to add value for existing solar panels! The guidelines state that the energy system must be a new system, not existing (definitely not leased) and the borrower must qualify for the total loan with the solar system.

You just never know what surprises you will find when appraising homes. This is definitely a Disney fan!
06/09/2022

You just never know what surprises you will find when appraising homes. This is definitely a Disney fan!

I recently saw this bathtub, modified so an elderly person could use it as a walk in shower. I thought this was really ...
11/17/2021

I recently saw this bathtub, modified so an elderly person could use it as a walk in shower. I thought this was really clever.

I saw this on an appraisal today, this is genius!
08/03/2021

I saw this on an appraisal today, this is genius!

This was my sun room yesterday as I prepared for Marc Heberts Money Sense radio show. I was invited by Marc Hebert and...
04/19/2020

This was my sun room yesterday as I prepared for Marc Heberts Money Sense radio show. I was invited by Marc Hebert and Jamieson Dustin to talk about appraisals and the current real estate market. We have the New Hampshire advantage living here and the real estate market shows it. Properties are being listed for sale, going under contract quickly and closing prices are strong too. NH strong!

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170 Commerce Way, Ste 200
Portsmouth, NH
03801

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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