Appraiser jargon

 

Have you heard an appraiser use any of these terms? Did you just hear one of our appraisers use it and you came here to figure out what it meant? We don't mean to speak a foreign language, but every profession has its own jargon. What "res ipsa loquitur" is to a lawyer and "triple witching" is to day traders, external obsolescence is to appraisers. Here are some of the most common examples of real estate appraiser jargon and their meanings:

 

 

Adjustment.  When comparable properties have been identified, the appraiser adjusts the value of the subject property according to differences in gross living area, land area, frontage, amenities, et cetera.  This is where the professional expertise of an appraiser is most valuable.

 

Comparable or "Comp” for short.  Other properties similar to the subject property as close as possible which have sold relatively recently, used as a basis to determine the estimated market value of the subject property in the sales comparison approach.  The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) establishes clear guidelines for the comparable selection.

 

Drive-by.  An exterior residential appraisal that is limited to examination of comparable sales and a determination that the property is actually there and has no obvious defects or damage visible from the outside.  Fannie Mae's form for this type of residential appraisal, is its 2055, so you may hear a drive-by referred to as a "2055."

 

Fair market value.  The appraiser's opinion of value, as written in his or her appraisal report, should reflect the fair market value of the property.  A very simple definition of fair market value is "what a willing seller would pay a willing buyer in an arm's-length transaction".

 

GLA.  "Gross Living Area," the sum of all above grade floor space, including stairways and closet space.  GLA is calculated by using exterior measurements.  Below grade floor space (basement area) is NOT part of gross living area (GLA).

 

Latent defects.  A defect on the property that is not readily apparent but which impact the fair market value.  Structural damage or termite infestation would be examples.

 

MLS.  A Multiple Listing Service is a proprietary listing of all properties on the market in a given area and their listing prices, as well as a record of all recent closed sales and their sales prices.  Created by and used primary by real estate agents, many appraisers pay for access to these databases to aid in comparable selection and adjustment research.  In the Indianapolis area, it's the BLC or Broker Listing Cooperative.

 

Obsolescence.  The value of assets diminishes as their capabilities degrade or more desirable alternatives are developed.  Functional obsolescence is the presence or absence of a feature which renders the property undesirable.  Obsolescence can also occur because the surrounding area changes, making a feature of the property less desirable.

 

Subject.  Short for the real estate being appraised -- the "subject property."

 

Useful life.  The estimated time during which a property can provide benefits to its owner.

 

URAR.  Short for the Fannie Mae form called the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report, Fannie Mae form 1004, it is the form most residential lenders require if they need a full residential appraisal (that is, with walk-through inspection).

 

USPAP.  Short for Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, USPAP promotes standards and professionalism in appraisal practice, and is often enacted into law in a state.  It is promulgated by the Appraisal Foundation, a non-governmental entity chartered by Congress to, among other things, maintain appraisal standards.  All real estate appraisals by us are completed in compliance of USPAP.

 

Walk-through.  An inspection that includes a visit to each part of the interior of the improved improvements (e.g. house, office / warehouse, etc.) used in estimating value.