Why use an appraisal in a divorce?

 Some people use Zillow to determine the value of the house in a divorce. Mistake.

“Divorce” houses have very often been neglected for quite a while before the divorce starts. So they’re not in good shape, resulting in a loss of value.

Here are some examples of recent work I’ve done recently:

1) Zillow, who has never been to the house, valued the property at $342,000, with a range from $315,000 to $369,000.

My appraised value after actually seeing the house was $180,000. My appraisal fee was $665.

So by spending $665 somebody gained between $135,000 and $189,000 in the divorce.

2) Zillow, who has never been to the house, valued the property at $552,000, with a range from $519,000 to $585,000.

I appraised it at $383,000 after actually seeing the house. My appraisal fee was $565.

So by spending $565 somebody gained between $136,000 and $202,000 in the divorce.

3) Zillow valued the property at $382,000, with a range from $348,000 to $416,000.

My appraised value after actually seeing the house was $336,000. My appraisal fee was $678.

So by spending $678 somebody gained between $12,000 and $80,000 in the divorce.

Why be off by that much to save so little? Get a real appraisal.

Please contact me with any questions.