Appraisal Report Bedroom Count is Different from Actual Number of Rooms

[Joshua Thang]

Hi,

So I have a situation where Cuyahoga County records states my house has 2 beds but my house has 3 beds. The appraiser came in and appraised it as a 2 bedroom and called the 3rd bedroom as a "Den". Is this something I can dispute and get the 3 bedroom so I can increase the appraisal value? What is the process like to change Cuyahoga County records? Are there any risks?

Thanks,

Joshua

[Cameron Green]

Hi Josh,

You can definitely dispute the classification of your property to reflect it as a 3-bedroom instead of a "Den." Here’s how you can approach this:

1. Gather Evidence: Start by collecting any evidence that supports your claim. This can include photos, floor plans, or documentation showing that the room meets the necessary criteria for a bedroom (e.g., size, egress windows, heating).
2. Contact Cuyahoga County Records: Reach out to the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office or the local assessor’s office. They can guide you through the process for disputing the classification and updating the records.
3. Submit an Application: You may need to fill out a formal application or request to change the property records. Include all your evidence and any relevant details about the property.
4. Appraisal Process: If your request is approved, it might impact future appraisals positively, as the property will be officially recognized as a 3-bedroom.
5. Risks: While there’s generally little risk in disputing the classification, it’s important to ensure that all changes are accurately documented. Inaccurate claims could lead to complications down the line, especially during future sales or refinances.

Overall, the process is straightforward, but patience may be required as it can take some time to update records. Good luck!