Detached single family residences, as they are termed by the appraisal industry, are lovely in Forest Heights. Homes currently on the market range widely in price, as do Forest Heights condos. The range is from $399,000 to a handsome $1,499,000. The average listing price of $688,000 converts to an average price per square foot of $186. As much as make-believe statisticians like to talk about average prices, averages are often misused, especially in real estate.

Forest Heights supports a wide range of views, no small consideration for buyers of up-scale to high end homes. The differences can send price per square foot up or down by 15% or more. The intent of the developers was that each house should be unique and that the variety should contribute to the charm of the neighborhood. Interiors and interior finishes also vary. Consequently, buyers often look at several houses before they find their new homes. Average cost per square foot is a good starting point, but a buyer will want to use an expert to help him or her evaluate the asking price.

Homes in Forest Park that have been correctly priced have remained on the market about three months if brought to market in the past six months. During the entire past year, not the strongest real estate market of the past several years, properly priced homes have taken about four months to sell. One lesson a buyer should take away from these numbers is that if he or she finds a home that is a good fit, and if the hired expert thinks the price is “right,” the best move is to offer at or very near the asking price.

A word of caution: do not think you can buy an appraisal from a mortgage appraiser, which is the same as saying from an appraiser who does large numbers of cheap appraisals to make his living, and come away with a meaningful opinion. Mortgage appraisers, who may charge only $400 for a private appraisal, focus on “How many appraisals per day can I do.” When I was appraising for court, the question was whether I could manage as many as two appraisals per week. When appearing on the witness stand, thoroughness and quality matter more than how many.