Heloc Drive By Appraisal Process and Considerations

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A Heloc drive by appraisal is a convenient way to get a home equity loan without having to physically visit your home. This is because the lender sends an appraiser to drive by your property, rather than entering it.

The drive by appraisal is typically less expensive than a traditional appraisal, with costs ranging from $300 to $500. This is because the appraiser doesn't have to physically enter your home.

The drive by appraisal is usually done by a licensed appraiser who will assess the exterior of your property, taking note of its condition, size, and location. This information is then used to determine the value of your home.

The results of the drive by appraisal are usually available within a few days, allowing you to move forward with your Heloc application quickly.

What Is a HELOC?

A HELOC, or Home Equity Line of Credit, is a versatile credit line that's backed by the equity in your home. Equity is the current market value of your home minus any amount you owe on the house.

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You can withdraw funds from a HELOC as needed, and only pay interest on the amount you've used. This is different from a traditional home equity loan, which pays out a lump sum.

A HELOC has two loan periods: the draw period and the repayment period. During the draw period, you can draw funds and only pay interest, but you can also choose to pay down the principal.

You can't withdraw funds during the repayment period, and you must make monthly payments on the principal and interest. This is when the loan starts to feel more like a traditional loan.

Types of HELOC

Lenders have options on how to get an accurate property valuation. You may have a complete in-person appraisal or choose a less extensive option.

The appraisal value of your home will be used to calculate how much equity you have, and ultimately your HELOC credit limit. Borrowers who are looking to maximize their access to cash should try to get the highest appraisal possible.

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A complete in-person appraisal is a more traditional method that involves a licensed appraiser physically visiting your property to assess its value. This method can provide a more accurate valuation but may take longer to complete.

Borrowers who choose a less extensive option may be able to get a quicker appraisal, but it may not be as accurate. Depending on your lender, you may have different options available to you.

Getting a HELOC

A HELOC is a type of loan that allows you to borrow money using the equity in your home as collateral.

To qualify for a HELOC, you typically need to have a good credit score, a stable income, and a significant amount of equity in your home.

The amount of equity you need to qualify for a HELOC varies, but it's often around 20% of your home's value.

You can use the money from a HELOC for anything you want, from home improvements to paying off high-interest debt.

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The interest rate on a HELOC is often variable, which means it can change over time.

The draw period for a HELOC can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years, during which you can borrow and repay the funds as needed.

The repayment period, also known as the amortization period, can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, during which you'll repay the borrowed amount plus interest.

Understanding HELOC Costs

A HELOC appraisal can cost anywhere from $50 to $800 or more, depending on the type of appraisal and the complexity of the property.

For a standard home, a full interior/exterior appraisal can add around $450 to your closing costs.

Automated valuation models, or AVMs, are the cheapest option, costing lenders between $50 and $99.

Driveby appraisals typically range from $100 to $250, depending on the assignment's complexity.

Refinance appraisals cost about the same as a new HELOC appraisal.

Some lenders, like Figure, offer modern alternatives that may bypass traditional appraisal processes, simplifying access to your home's equity.

Using an AVM speeds up the lending process, allowing Figure to fund loans in as little as 5 days and keeps borrower costs down.

Drive-By Appraisal

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A drive-by appraisal is a type of appraisal that involves a professional appraiser conducting a visual inspection of only the exterior of your home. This type of appraisal is sometimes referred to as an exterior-only inspection.

The appraiser will take into consideration everything that an AVM (Automated Valuation Model) does, but also add their expertise to reach an opinion of value for your property. They'll consider factors such as location to amenities, accuracy on the number of homes recently sold, and the impact of distressed sales on home values.

Here are some additional items that are taken into consideration in a drive-by appraisal:

  • Location to amenities (entertainment, food, shopping, schools, etc.)
  • A greater level of accuracy on the number of homes recently sold
  • Number, type, and impact of distressed sales on home values
  • Proximity to negative external sources, such as a noisy road or power lines

Drive-by

A drive-by appraisal is a type of appraisal where an appraiser assesses a home by checking out only the external features.

This type of appraisal is also sometimes referred to as an exterior-only inspection or exterior-only appraisal.

The appraiser will consider everything that an Automated Valuation Model (AVM) does, but also add their expertise to reach an opinion of value for your property.

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You'll get a more accurate appraisal value with a drive-by appraisal compared to an AVM.

The appraiser will take into consideration factors like location to amenities, such as entertainment, food, shopping, and schools, that an AVM may not account for.

A drive-by appraisal also provides a greater level of accuracy on the number of homes recently sold, which is important for determining the value of your property.

Additionally, the appraiser will consider the number, type, and impact of distressed sales on home values, which can affect the overall value of your property.

Distressed sales, such as foreclosures or short sales, can have a negative impact on home values, so it's essential to consider them in the appraisal process.

A drive-by appraisal will also take into account the proximity to negative external sources, such as a noisy road or power lines, which can affect the value of your property.

This type of appraisal is especially useful if you've recently done interior renovations or improvements that significantly add to the home's value.

What Is an Appraisal?

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An appraisal is the process of estimating the monetary value of a property by assessing its current condition and comparing it to similar properties in the area.

This process is crucial for determining the market value of a property, which is necessary for various financial decisions, such as getting a loan or refinancing a mortgage.

An appraisal can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but some modern lenders offer a no-appraisal option, like Figure, which uses automated valuation models (AVMs) to quickly assess a home's value.

To qualify for a no-appraisal HELOC, you'll generally need a strong credit score, sufficient home equity, and financial stability.

This streamlined process can save both time and money, enabling faster access to your home's equity.

Basics

A HELOC drive by appraisal is a relatively quick and straightforward process. It's a great way to access the equity in your home without having to sell or refinance.

The appraisal focuses on the area around your house, which is less expensive than a full appraisal. This is because lenders only need to inspect the property from the outside to get an accurate estimate of its value.

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You can expect the process to be faster than a full appraisal, often taking just a few minutes. This is because lenders only need to inspect the property from the outside and update records for taxes, zoning, market conditions, and amenities surrounding the property.

The lender will inspect any necessary repairs and take note of the property's condition. This information helps them determine the loan amount based on your current equity.

A HELOC drive by appraisal is a convenient and efficient way to access the equity in your home. It's a great option for homeowners who want to tap into their home's value without the hassle of a full appraisal.

Factors to Consider

Traditional lenders often require an appraisal to determine your home's current value and available equity, with HELOC appraisals typically being quicker and less costly than full property assessments.

Some lenders may offer modern alternatives like automated valuation models that can bypass traditional appraisal processes, simplifying access to your home's equity.

These alternatives can make getting a HELOC more accessible and convenient, but it's essential to research and understand the specific requirements of your lender.

Factors That Influence

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The condition and age of your home play a significant role in its appraised value. A well-maintained home with modern features can command a higher price.

Recent renovations or upgrades can also boost your home's appraised value. This is especially true if you've invested in energy-efficient features or smart home technology.

The current real estate market conditions in your neighborhood have a direct impact on your home's appraised value. If the market is hot, you may be able to sell your home for a higher price.

Being proactive about enhancing your home's appearance and addressing any maintenance concerns can potentially boost its appraised value. This can make a big difference in the long run.

Is a Heloc Necessary?

A HELOC is a type of revolving credit secured by the equity in your home.

Traditional lenders often require an appraisal to determine your home's current value and available equity.

HELOC appraisals are typically quicker and less costly than full property assessments.

Some lenders, like Figure, offer modern alternatives like automated valuation models that may bypass traditional appraisal processes.

This simplifies access to your home's equity and can make the process easier and faster.

Hybrid and Equity Loan Options

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You can avoid a home equity loan appraisal by asking your lender if they can accept an appraisal report from another lender, as long as it was done within the last 180 days.

Most lenders consider appraisals to be valid for 180 days, especially for home equity loans, but this can vary from lender to lender.

A second mortgage is a lien taken out against a property that already has a home loan on it, essentially working alongside your existing mortgage.

What Is a Second Mortgage?

A second mortgage is a lien taken out against a property that already has a home loan on it.

It's essentially a loan on top of a loan. This type of mortgage works by allowing homeowners to borrow more money using their home as collateral, in addition to their existing mortgage.

Homeowners can use the funds from a second mortgage for various purposes, such as home renovations, paying off debt, or financing large expenses.

A second mortgage typically has a separate interest rate and repayment terms from the first mortgage.

Hybrid Offers Middle Ground

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A drive-by hybrid appraisal, also known as a broker's price opinion (BPO), is a middle ground between an automated valuation model (AVM) and a walk-through appraisal. It's a combination of both valuation types, where an appraiser pulls up to your home and takes exterior photos to assess the condition of your property and neighborhood.

This method is generally faster than a walk-through appraisal, but not as swift as an AVM. A drive-by appraisal can establish an estimated value of a property, but it's not as thorough as an interior appraisal of a home, as it's generally based on the view from the street.

To prepare for a drive-by appraisal, consider boosting your home's curb appeal by trimming hedges, planting flowers, and even re-painting or replacing a front door before the appraisal is conducted.

If you're expecting a drive-by appraisal, be sure to research comps, or comparable sales, to get an idea of what the value might be in advance of the appraisal. This will help you determine whether your home equity can help you meet your goals.

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Here are some key differences between drive-by and walk-through appraisals:

Keep in mind that most lenders consider appraisals to be valid for 180 days, especially for home equity loans, but this can vary from lender to lender.

Example

A home appraises for $300,000, leaving a significant amount of equity for the owner to tap into.

The appraised value of the home is $300,000. This is the amount that the home is worth according to a professional appraisal.

To determine the potential line of credit, we need to calculate the percentage of the appraised value that the owner still owes on the mortgage. In this case, the mortgage balance is $150,000, which is 50% of the appraised value ($150,000 รท $300,000 = 0.5 or 50%).

The percentage of the appraised value that the owner still owes on the mortgage is 50%. This means that the owner has 50% equity in the home.

The potential line of credit is calculated by subtracting the mortgage balance from the appraised value. In this case, the potential line of credit is $75,000 ($300,000 - $150,000 = $150,000).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a drive-by appraisal back?

A drive-by appraisal typically takes 6-20 days to complete, with results available within this timeframe. The appraisal process starts when the appraiser begins their evaluation.

How long after appraisal to close HELOC?

The HELOC closing process typically takes 3-6 weeks after appraisal, but you can take steps to expedite the process and close your HELOC faster.

Tasha Kautzer

Senior Writer

Tasha Kautzer is a versatile and accomplished writer with a diverse portfolio of articles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she has successfully covered a wide range of topics, from the lives of notable individuals to the achievements of esteemed institutions. Her work spans the globe, delving into the realms of Norwegian billionaires, the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, and the experiences of Norwegian emigrants to the United States.

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