Curb appeal language

[snooky]

We recently appraised a property for a sale transaction which was architecturally good (newly constructed), which is directly across the street from a newly constructed larger home, still active over 160 days in a market where homes are selling over ask within 30 days. The comparable property lacks the curb appeal of the Subject by leaps and bounds. Neither one conforms to the neighborhood yet, since this is one of those neighborhoods where 1950 built splits and ranches are being torn down and replaced with properties similar to the Subject. Anyway, my management company kicks back the report if I use the words "curb appeal" . Discriminatory? Any suggestions. I was originally trained as a realtor and after the location impact, curb appeal was second on the list of things buyers are looking for!

 

[J Grant]

Substitute "market appeal" for curb appeal. Curb appeal is a RE agent term and while some clients may accept it, just better practice not to use it in appraisals.

 

[CANative]

"Curb appeal" is not an objective term. Although my dad (the Realtor® since '64 and appraiser since the late 70's) used it without hesitation.

Like J said "market appeal" would probably work but it would be best if you described the term objectively in your comments and why you applied the term to the property.

 

[Peter LeQuire]

I've never found any curb particularly appealing.

 

[Lost Cause]

Pretend you're British and use "kerb appeal".

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

The forms used to say design appeal. I'd go with that, or adjust for style.
Good architecture vs boring. Detail vs plain. Or, maybe under quality.

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

Perhaps the client is accustomed to reading the term "curve appeal" in the typical listing, and thinks that you spelt in wrung.

 

[VolcanoLvr]

If I'm understanding this post correctly, you want to make an adjustment for the 'comp' across the street that is architecturally dissimilar to the subject....but you are using it because it is proximate.

Two ways to do this: Design/Style adjustment ... which might be hard to quantify and qualify.

Or a Quality adjustment. The 'plane jane' house is considered inferior due to lack of detailing, interesting roof lines, increased fenestrations, etc. This line item adjustment will probably flow through a reviewer's analysis quicker and easier than the Design/Style version.

I suggest you don't 'double dip' the adjustments........use one or the other of the above. Use the KISS principle to describe the adjustment.

 

[Deleted member 128537]

I hate making design adjustments unless there is a clear demonstration in the market. But I would do a qualitative adjustment by reconciling the property toward the higher end if I believed it warranted.

I think superior design and exterior fenestration would be good words, and then describe what that is in a short sentence.

But I agree with last post. This might be better done on the quality adjustment.

 

[Metamorphic]

Curb appeal is what it is and everybody knows what is, even if its tough to define. I'm not saying I wouldn't use it, but more likely I would try to be somewhat more specific. "The improvements are not oriented perpendicular to the street which diminishes the visual appeal of the property." "The landscaping and general sense of maintenance and upkeep at the initial viewing is superior." Something like that.