It is no secret that sellers want to sell high and buyers want to buy low. But they often arrive at negotiating table with very different ideas on price. A fair and objective property valuation can help buyers and sellers find common ground and streamline negotiation process.

In end, property is worth what a buyer is willing to pay. But to help both buyers and sellers achieve their goals, both should have a fair and objective estimate of property value. Unfortunately, even objective estimates are still estimates, and there is no way to assure 100% accuracy:

* Appraisals performed by a certified appraiser are not 100 percent accurate. * CMA’s (Comparable Market Analysis) and BPOs (Broker Price Opinions) performed by a licensed broker or agent are not 100 percent accurate. * AVM (Automated Valuation Model) technology is not 100 percent accurate.

All these methods, when properly executed, can provide a good indication of value. Estimating value is a combination of art and science. Regardless of how scientific approach, actual sale price is subject to unique variables of each property transaction: property condition, upgrades, current market conditions, circumstances of sale and individual tastes.

For property owners, pricing correctly is a key to a successful sale. Under-pricing can result in a fast sale, but carries risk of leaving money on table. Sellers who price too high may find their properties lingering on market, and statistics show that values can erode at a rate of about 1.5 percent per month. Longer sales also increase likelihood of a “distressed sale” when sellers become frustrated or encounter difficult financial circumstances.

Likewise, buyers should avoid emotional purchases. Overpaying because of "falling in love” with a home is common. Homekeys' ValueKey Technology can help establish an objective, unemotional baseline for buyers and sellers so distressed sales and emotional purchases become exception, not rule.

The science of AVMs

Who would have ever guessed that there would be a home loan that would let you buy rental property with zero down? But it is a reality.

Here are three big things you must keep in mind when buying rental property with nothing down.

1. You must have a credit score of at least 680. This score is national average of credit scores.

2. You must have 6 months of payments in reserves. In other words you need 6 months of principal, interest, taxes and insurance readily available. The reserves can be in form of checking, savings, 401K, stocks, or bonds.

3. The lender may not allow rent to be included in your debt to income ratios if you have never owned rental property before. But they may also allow rents to be included if you already have a signed lease agreement. Each lender is different so it’s worth shopping around.

Please keep in mind that if you buy rental property with zero down you may have negative rents. In other words you may be losing money every month because you can not charge enough to cover your monthly payment. You have to decide if you can live with this kind of alligator.