Homeowner and appraiser views of home values are diverging more each month. In April, appraisals were an average of 1.90 percent lower than what the owner expected, according to the National Quicken Loans Home Price Perception Index. This is the fifth consecutive month the gap between appraiser opinions and homeowner estimates of home value widened.

While the HPPI shows a widening perception gap, appraised values continue to rise at a steady pace. The National Home Value Index, the only measure of home value change based solely on appraisals, showed values rose 1.06 percent in April. Home values also increased when viewed annually, rising 5.08 percent year-over-year.

Home Price Perception Index
Owner estimates of home values were higher than appraiser opinions by 1.90 percent, as reported by the national HPPI. This is compared to a 1.77 percent disparity between home value opinions in March. April marks the fourth month the spread between home value opinions widened nationally. A wide range of perceptions persists across the country, but month-to-month change in most metros was minor. The study continues to find appraised values higher than expected in the West, while it was more likely to have appraisals lower than owners estimated in the Midwest and East.  

"The appraisal is one of the most important data points in a mortgage transaction. This single number can impact how much money a buyer needs to bring to closing, or the equity that is available to the homeowner on a refinance," said Quicken Loans Vice President of Capital Markets, Bill Banfield. "If homeowners have a grasp on home value differences throughout their local area, it can lead to a smoother mortgage process."

Home Value Index
Home value growth not only continued, but accelerated in April. The National HVI showed appraisal values rose 1.06 percent from the previous month and increased 5.08 percent since April 2016. This is compared to 3.30 percent year-over-year growth in March. All regions measured by the HVI show positive momentum, ranging from 3.54 percent annual growth in the Northeast to a 6.52 percent year-over-year increase in the West.  

"Home values were pushed higher once again by the demand for housing outpacing the stock of available homes. This effect is intensified by the start of the spring buying season," Banfield said. "While sellers are obviously thrilled as their investment continues to grow in value, this trend could make homebuyers set their sights on smaller homes or less pricey neighborhoods. I would encourage homeowners who are considering listing their home to take advantage of the opportunity they have in this sellers' market."  

*A positive value represents appraiser opinions that are higher than homeowner perceptions. A negative value represents appraiser opinions that are lower than homeowner perceptions.

*A positive value represents appraiser opinions that are higher than homeowner perceptions. A negative value represents appraiser opinions that are lower than homeowner perceptions.

*A positive value represents appraiser opinions that are higher than homeowner perceptions. A negative value represents appraiser opinions that are lower than homeowner perceptions.