347) Detached vs Attached

Good Morning Henry:
Could you please clarify what the definition is for a property type classified as DETACHED versus a property type classified as ATTACHED? For an appraisal assignment of a 2 unit duplex on two levels, what would be the accurate property type on the appraisal?

Sue Erzinger serzinger@baylake.com

Dear Sue,
Attached means that the units have at least one common wall or floor/ceiling. Detached means they have no common walls or floors. Since the floor of the upper unit is the ceiling of the lower unit, they are considered ATTACHED.
H2

127) Attached or Detached?

Dear HENRY,
On the 1025 form there is a section under general description asking \"attached or detached.\"

For a two to four unit property with attached units, i have always put \"attached\" because they share a wall or ceiling to floor. I thought that \"detached\" would be a situation where there are multiple units on a parcel that are not attached. Ie: a duplex to the front of the lot and a cottage to the rear of the lot, which would make for 3 total units -- two that are attached and one that is detached.

Please advise as to what is correct.

JOSEPH MAZUREK JMAZUREK@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Dear Joe,
I agree that detached usually refers to two separate buildings, not a typical 2, 3 or 4 family house. There are some gray situations such as the one that you describe. It doesn't really matter which box you check as long as you clearly explain in the comments or in the addenda what you found when inspecting the property. Pictures and sketches are also helpful, especially in such a case.

H2

26) Attached Vs. Detached Garage

Dear Henry,
Is an adjustment to be made for an attached garage versus a detached garage?

Charlie calkiva@aol.com

Dear Charlie,
You have to make a decision about what different physical characteristics between the subject and the comparable sales need to be adjusted. There is no standard rule -- it is a matter of judgment based on what goes on in your market area.

Often there is an adjustment needed for the difference between an attached garage and a detached garage, but not always.

H2

20) Breezeway To Garage

Dear Henry,
Is a garage with a breezeway considered attached or detached?

Linda Phillips lphillips@communityfirstbank.net

Dear Linda,
Where I come from, a garage with an unenclosed breezeway is considered to be a detached garage. It may be different in your market area.

It really doesn't make much difference what you call it, as long as you clearly describe it in the comments and explain what it is. If your comps have attached garages which open directly into the house, however, I'd be careful to adjust for any difference in market acceptability.

H2