Best real estate agents near Estancia, NM

Yes, a garage apartment is generally considered a valuable asset as long as the new structure has been legally built. It's important to weigh the cost to build a garage with an apartment against the cost to convert a garage to living space if you already have a garage.

Mortgage underwriting is often the next step after an appraisal, and this process can take anywhere from a week to a month or more. The timeline depends on the mortgage lender’s requirements, how quickly the buyer gets the required documentation to their lender, and whether there are any issues during the underwriting process.

You can be present during a home appraisal, but it’s best to stay out of the appraiser’s way. Make yourself available, but don’t engage or interrupt, and don’t discuss value or your target sales price. If possible, have your agent present in the house instead of being present yourself.

If a home's appraised value comes in lower than the offer price, it can create complications with financing. Lenders typically won't issue a loan for more than the property's market value, as this can push the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio too high and may prevent the loan from being approved. Your options depend on whether your purchase agreement includes an appraisal contingency. If there is no contingency, both parties may be locked into the deal, meaning the buyer pays more than the appraised value. If a contingency exists, the buyer can usually renegotiate the price or withdraw from the deal. If a buyer still wishes to proceed, they can try to negotiate a lower price, increase their down payment to cover the difference, or get a second appraisal.