After the buyer and seller come to a "meeting of the minds" on the price of a house, there is one more person who must be convinced that the house is worth the selling price--the mortgage company's appraiser.

The appraiser looks for three similar houses that have sold in the same area within the last several months, and compares the selling prices of these homes with the one that is now on the market. The appraiser makes adjustments to account for the differences in each property, and averages the adjusted prices of the other three homes to arrive at a final opinion of value. In subdivisions or condominium projects where there are many similar properties and numerous recent sales, the appraiser's job is relatively easy. In neighborhoods of older homes that have been renovated or remodeled over the years, it can be like comparing apples and oranges.

If the appraiser's evaluation is lower than the selling price, it can stall the transaction because the lender may decline the buyer's loan because of the discrepancy. A real estate agent can work to minimize potential delays associated with the appraisal process by helping the seller to price the home as close to fair market value as possible.

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Brenda Fontaine
Fontaine Family - The Real Estate Leader
336 Center Street
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Office: 207-784-3800
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Brenda Fontaine became a Real Estate Agent in 1983. Brenda has helped over 4000 families buy and sell their home. Brenda ranked NUMBER 1 for a nationwide franchise for "Top All Around Realtor" for 6 years. Brenda's success is due in part, to her caring attitude, her consistent follow through and also her strong work ethic. Brenda is supported by an experienced and dedicated team of licensed professionals that consist of a client care manager, Melissa Field, marketing manager, Crystal Bergeron, showing/feedback coordinator, Angie Larochelle, field Coordinator, Claude Fontaine, marketing assistant, Marilyn Larochelle, listing manager, Marie Beaulieu and eight Listing & Buyer agents, Bill Bergeron, Clayton Larochelle, Beth Favreau, Deb Morin, Nick Trider, Harriet Cummings, Matt Lavallee & Pat Long-Cressey. The Family team of fifteen licensed professionals work together to help families buy and sell their property. They want to be your "Realtors for life" and they will give you superior service to earn that honor. The Wall Street Journal recently posted America's Top Performing Real Estate Professionals on their website. (wsj.com) Amongst the top 400 is local real estate professional Brenda Fontaine. Fontaine who ranked 44th on America's Top Performer list, is broker owner of Fontaine Family - The Real Estate Leader located at 336 Center St. Auburn, Maine.

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