Home Value

Everything You Need to Know About Appraisal Gaps

With mortgage interest rates remaining low compared to historic averages, many people are financing their home purchases – a move that makes a lot of financial sense.

Whenever you buy a property and intend to take out a mortgage on it, whether it be a house, condo or cooperative, all mortgage lenders will require an appraisal, which is an unbiased estimate of the true or fair market value of the property. All lenders order an appraisal during the mortgage loan process so that there is an objective way to assess the home's market value, and ensure the amount of money requested by the borrower is appropriate.

The Top 8 Home Improvement Projects for Winter

While winter is the season when you may want to curl up under a blanket to stay warm and cozy, it doesn’t mean you should take a break from maintaining your home. Instead of hibernating during the coldest months of the year, give your home some TLC with these projects.

Hardwood Floor Maintenance Tips

Everyone loves a shiny hardwood floor, but there are a variety of daily activities that can cause wear and tear, such as moisture imbalances, pet claws, and common foot traffic. To keep that attractive sheen you love, it’s incredibly important to keep up regular, proper maintenance.

6 Great Fall Home Improvement Projects

The days are growing shorter, the leaves are changing colors, and the temperatures are cooling down—fall is here. The season is perfect for creating memories with your loved ones, but it is also an excellent time to take care of some vital home improvement projects. Sure, raking leaves is probably on the agenda, but don’t forget to tackle some of these additional chores this autumn.

Here’s What to Expect During the Appraisal Process

While many home buyers and sellers are familiar with the home inspection that occurs at the beginning of the contract period, they may be less familiar with another inspection that can have an even greater impact on the home sale: the appraisal. The home appraisal looks at the property, both individually and within the context of its market, to determine whether it is being sold at fair market value.

Why Now Is a Great Time to Tap Into Your Home’s Equity

If you’re a homeowner, you’re in luck. US homeowners are currently enjoying a boom in residential equity value. According to CoreLogic’s Homeowner Equity Insights Report, approximately 63 percent of US homeowners are experiencing an equity increase of more than 10.8 percent year over year between Q3 of 2019 and Q3 of 2020. That represents a combined equity value of more than $1 trillion in just one year. During the same period, negative equity fell by 18.3 percent year over year, resulting in greater security and financial stability for hundreds of thousands of homeowners.

Eco-friendly Upgrades That Pay for Themselves

Reducing your home’s carbon footprint has a host of benefits, from savings on the operation of your home’s systems to reducing their impact on the environment. However, many environmentally responsible choices are expensive and it can feel overwhelming to try to retrofit your existing home with eco-friendly changes.