Words Matter
Words are powerful and language matters in all situations, but today, I want to specifically talk about the importance of how we use language in the real estate profession. There are several key words...
HOME VALUE Blog
Appraisers Who Are Also Agents
It is possible to be simultaneously licensed and practicing as a real estate appraiser while also being a licensed and practicing real estate agent. The answer is yes, but there are a couple potential...
Tax Assessments Driving You Crazy?
Bannock County residents furious over high property assessments – Rachel Cox-Rosen, KPVI POCATELLO — There was chaos at the Bannock County Assessor’s Office Tuesday morning. “The phone just rings and rings and rings so...
Appraisers Don’t Use Race When Valuing Homes ~ by Ryan Lundquist
Last week in a congressional hearing on the future of the appraisal profession, some research was used to suggest appraisers are showing racial bias and essentially undervaluing black neighborhoods. I was not expecting the...
A New Lender Requires a New Appraisal
We have discussed ownership and privacy laws on this blog before, but in short, whoever orders an appraisal owns it. Appraisers are restricted from sharing an appraisal with anyone who is not the owner....
A Basic Overview of Comps in a Home Appraisal
The term “comps” is shorthand for “comparables.” Comps are one of the key aspects of the real estate appraisal process. If an appraisal is done on your home, then the appraiser will search the...
These Changes Don’t Always Add Value to Your Home
Sometimes homeowners make improvements to their home in the hope that these upgrades will add value to their home if they decide to sell in the future. Now, some upgrades often do add value...
Can Zillow Really Zestimate My Home’s Value?
In the old days, if you really wanted to find out how much your property was worth in the current market, you called an appraiser. A licenced and qualified appraiser is trained, experienced, knowledgeable,...
Is Your Appraiser Geographically Competent?
While setting up an appraisal appointment, individuals sometimes get a bit concerned if the appraiser does not live within a short distance to of the house to be valued. This is a valid...
Guest Blog on Major Home Repairs
The following is a guest article from Julian Lane “The Fix It Champ.” You can follow Julian at www.thefixitchamp.com. Thank you for your submission Julian! How to Prevent and Save for Renovations and Replacements...
Selling & Buying Price Does Not Determine Worth
I received this interesting email from a local real estate agent recently. I shared part of it here, not to throw him under the bus (notice I have removed any information that might tie...
