RISMedia » What’s My Home Worth

What kind of return can I expect from home improvements?

Freelance — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:11:20 +0000

This will vary depending on the type of work that is done. Remodeling magazine publishes an annual “Cost vs. Value Report” that can answer this question in more detail, based on the top 15 home improvements. A recent study it …

What about appraised value and market value?

Freelance — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:40:38 +0000

A certified appraiser who is trained to provide the estimated value of a home determines its appraised value. The appraised value is based on comparable sales, the condition of the property, and several other factors.

Market value is the price …

What is the difference between list price and sales price?

Freelance — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:38:59 +0000

The list price is a seller’s advertised price, or asking price, for a home. It is a rough estimate of what the seller wants to complete a home sale.A seller can price high, low—which does not happen very often—or very …

Are there standard ways to determine how much a home is worth?

Freelance — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:33:34 +0000

Yes. A comparative market analysis and an appraisal are the two most common and reliable ways to determine a home’s value.

Your real estate agent can provide a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on the recent …

How do you determine how much a home is worth?

Freelance — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:28:28 +0000

The short answer: a home is ultimately worth what is paid for it. Everything else is really an estimate of value. Take, for example, a hot seller’s market when demand for housing is high but the inventory of available homes …

What about appraised value and market value?

Freelance — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:04:55 +0000

Market value is the price …

What is the difference between list price and sales price?

Freelance — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:02:44 +0000

The list price is your advertised price, or asking price, for a home. It is a rough estimate of what you want to complete a home sale. A good way to determine if the list price is a fair one …

Are there standard ways to determine how much a home is worth?

Freelance — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 20:59:59 +0000

Yes. A comparative market analysis and an appraisal are the two most common and reliable ways to determine a home’s value.

Your real estate agent can provide a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on the recent …

How do you determine how much a home is worth?

Freelance — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 20:57:43 +0000

Drought Imperils Second-Home Markets, Prices

Paige — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:39:36 +0000

By Curtis Seltzer

RISMEDIA, Oct. 31, 2007-At least with a flood, Noah could escape on an ark. With drought, he would have been stuck in the mud.

Drought has beset more than one-third of the U.S. in 2007. Much of …

Tips for Selling Houses in the Fall

Paige — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:40:58 +0000

RISMEDIA, Oct. 22, 2007-If you are looking to sell your home this year, don’t let the negative press surrounding the housing market discourage you. With favorable interest rates and a large buyer pool, this fall season can be a great …

New California Appraisal Law is Good First Step to Protect Appraisers and Homeowners

beth — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 19:52:45 +0000

RISMEDIA, Oct. 11, 2007-Last Friday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law, SB 223. This bill is an attempt to reform the system that puts pressure on appraisers to hit a predetermined value for a property, set by the mortgage …

In a Recession, Does Land Offer Refuge?

beth — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:42:29 +0000

By Curtis Seltzer

RISMEDIA, Oct. 8, 2007-If a recession is coming, is rural land a good place to have your money?

The answer does not depend on what your definition of “is” is. But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because much …

Real Estate 2.0: Sites Allow Users to Exchange Information about Houses

beth — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:44:17 +0000

RISMEDIA, Sept. 18, 2007-(MCT)-It used to be you went to online real estate sites in search of pictures and information about homes for sale. Then came virtual tours, aerial maps, and easy access to data about comparable sales. Now comes …

The Kitchen Goes on a Diet As Homeowners Trim Budgets

beth — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:37:59 +0000

By June Fletcher

RISMEDIA, Sept. 18, 2007-(WSJ.com)-Many Americans are losing their appetite for costly kitchen makeovers. With pending home sales at a six-year low and home prices flat, people are no longer willing to sink as much money into their …

How to Donate Your Unwanted Time-share to Charity

beth — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:36:14 +0000

By Lew Sichelman

RISMEDIA, Sept. 12, 2007-(MarketWatch)-Question: I have owned a time-share in Southern California since the early 1980s. The maintenance fees have risen beyond reason and it is next to impossible to find a decent exchange for it. I …

New Siding Could Spark Home Sale

beth — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:15:05 +0000

By Steve McLindenm

RISMEDIA, August 29, 2007— (Bankrate.com)–Siding replacement continues to pay back as much or more per remodeling dollar spent in a home’s resale value than any other major improvement. So, yes, it is obviously one of the most …

Why It Makes ‘Cents’ to Include a New Garage Door in Your Home Remodeling Project

beth — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:43:38 +0000

RISMEDIA, August 17, 2007—According to an online survey, 71% of homeowners who recently replaced their garage door believe it increased the value of their home.

And when real estate agents were shown “before” and “after” photos of houses that upgraded …

Homeowners Get Real Estate Advice with Launch of ‘Help Us Sell Our House’ Portal

beth — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 21:38:02 +0000

RISMEDIA, August 13, 2007–Sparo Publishing International, Inc. has announced the launch of Help Us Sell Our House™ (www.HelpUsSellOurHouse.com). The consumer-based Web portal identifies addresses and provides solutions for homeowners selling both primary residences and investment real estate holdings.

The Web …

Beyond Curb Appeal: Take a Closer Look at a Home’s Landscape

beth — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:38:51 +0000

By Amy Hoak, MarketWatch

RISMEDIA, August 1, 2007—(MarketWatch)—An infestation of carpenter ants signaled the demise of a shade tree in Doug Cowles’ yard almost 20 years ago when he lived in Downers Grove, Ill. In retrospect, he knows he should …