Appraisers provide independent, regulated property valuations for lenders using standardized methods, while real estate agents analyze comparable sales to support their clients’ pricing goals, whether maximizing sale price or minimizing purchase cost. When determining home value, professional appraisers work as neutral, state-licensed professionals who follow Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal

Property appraisals can make or break your mortgage approval in New York City’s competitive real estate market. When buying a home, the appraisal process identifies potential red flags that lenders use to determine whether they’ll approve your loan. Understanding these common appraisal problems before you make an offer helps you

A commercial property appraisal is a professional valuation that determines the market value of income-generating real estate properties including office buildings, retail spaces, multifamily housing, and industrial sites. These third-party assessments are conducted by licensed appraisers and typically take 2-4 weeks to complete depending on property complexity. Commercial appraisers use

ACRIS is specifically designed for New York City property records, but it doesn’t cover all five boroughs. The system includes Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn only; Staten Island is excluded from ACRIS coverage. For Staten Island property records, you must contact the Richmond County Clerk’s office instead. While Staten

There is no specific age at which you completely stop paying property taxes in NYC. However, homeowners aged 65 and older can qualify for significant property tax reductions through the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption program, potentially saving up to 50% on their annual property tax bill. For comprehensive property tax

NYC property prices are not dropping significantly. The median asking price reached $1.1 million in May 2025, showing a 2.3% year-over-year increase, with modest growth of 4-6% expected through 2026. For professional property valuations and market analysis, Block Appraisals provides comprehensive real estate appraisal services throughout the New York City

A house with a view is typically worth the investment, according to professional real estate appraisers who regularly evaluate these premium properties. Properties with scenic views can increase home values by 25% or more compared to similar homes without views, with waterfront properties commanding the highest premiums. Beyond the financial

Public property records in New York are official government documents that contain comprehensive real estate information including deeds, liens, mortgage details, plat maps, and ownership history. These records are publicly accessible through county tax assessor offices or online databases and serve as essential tools for real estate investors, professional appraisers,

During a home appraisal, avoid these critical statements that can lower your property’s valuation: claiming your house is worth more than market data suggests, comparing to higher neighbor sales, mentioning DIY renovations without permits, citing online estimates like Zillow, discussing other scheduled appraisals, or following the appraiser around. Instead, provide