Certified Value

Value Tips

An evaluation is a quick snapshot look at the property's current value. It is accurate and conservative. This is a very good first step in researching a property's value.

The 3 year appreciation option will give you an indication if the property is going up or down in value based on the local area.

Property value should be based on the local neighborhood not properties outside the local area.

Property values are also based on condition. The CertifiedREI property evaluation does not take condition into account because there is no inspection done. We treat every property as if it is in average condition.

BPO and Drive-by appraisals do consider the condition of the property and neighborhood using a simple external inspection, hence the term drive-by.

Full appraisals factor internal and external condition of the property into the final value.

Any value is just an opinion and opinions can vary from one type of evaluation/appraisal to the next. The more information you have the better informed you can be.

Be careful not to be the largest or the smallest home in the neighborhood. It can hurt more than it can help. Over-improvements and under-improvements can hurt your maximum property value. It’s always best to fit into the neighborhood.

Finishing out basements will not give you the same added value as adding square footage to the property above ground.

Adding amenities to your property such as swimming pools and detached garages when no one else has them may not give you the effect on property value you were expecting.

Value Terms

AVM: AVM stands for "Automated Valuation Model". The AVM report pulls data from county tax records to create a residential valuation report.

Assisted AVM: The same data is generated as in an AVM, but then the report is reviewed by a real estate professional for accuracy.

Property Evaluations: These are automated evaluations that can estimate the market value of a property. No physical inspection is done.

BPO: Evaluations done by a real estate professional who is familiar with the area. A picture of the property is provided, but no physical inspection is done.

Drive-by Appraisal: A simplified appraisal done by a licensed appraiser from the area. Pictures of the property and comparables are included, but no physical inspection is done.

Full Appraisals: The most extensive appraisal offered. Completed by licensed appraisers from the area, this includes pictures of the property, pictures of the comparables, and a full interior and exterior inspection.

Title Information: Title information on a property gives you the legal owner's name, the legal description of the property and current liens of record. You find out who owns the property and how much is owed on it.