Historic Home Appraisals: Costs, Comparables & Preservation
I explain how I evaluate older and historic homes, including comparable sales, original features, preservation rules, restoration costs, and appraisal fees.
How to Request a Reconsideration of Value for a Home Appraisal
Think a lender-ordered appraisal contains an error? Learn how to gather relevant evidence and submit a reconsideration of value request through your lender.
Real Estate Measuring Tools for Appraisers: Choosing and Checking
Compare laser meters, tapes, sketches, and field notes for residential measuring. The right tool supports a verified method and consistent area definitions.
Common Home Measurement Errors: A Troubleshooting Checklist
When square-footage records conflict, check dimensions, sketch geometry, area definitions, additions, and the source date. A practical appraisal measurement error guide.
How to Measure a House for Appraisal: Field Workflow
Sketch each level, measure and cross-check dimensions, calculate sections, and classify finished area under the applicable standard. A practical field workflow.
Where Appraisers Find and Verify Comparable Sales
Appraisers use MLS, deeds, assessor records, maps, and transaction verification to analyze comparable sales. Learn what each source can—and cannot—tell you.
IRS Estate Valuation vs. Qualified Appraisal: What’s Different?
Estate date-of-death valuations and qualified appraisals for charitable donations follow different rules. Learn which questions to ask before hiring a residential appraiser.
How Appraisers Classify a Bedroom in Virginia
A bedroom count involves layout, safety, code questions, lender reporting, and market evidence. Learn why a closet or listing label alone does not settle the issue.
The History of Home Appraisal: From Caves to Computers
Travel through home appraisal history with caveman guides, verified milestones and Joe Ellington’s firsthand story of changing tools and enduring judgment.
Hybrid Appraisal Reports in 2026: How They Work
A hybrid appraisal uses a trained property data collector and an appraiser’s independent valuation analysis. Learn how it differs from traditional and desktop reports.
October 2024 Economic Insights for Real Estate: An Archive
A corrected historical reference with October 2024 inflation figures from BLS and BEA, plus context for interpreting national data in local appraisals.
How Appraisers Adjust for Square Footage
Square-footage adjustments are based on market evidence, not a fixed rate per foot. Learn how measurements, comparable sales, and other differences affect the analysis.
Will a Home Appraisal Raise My Taxes?
Will a home appraisal raise my taxes? I explain who receives your report, how Virginia Beach assessments work, and when an appraisal can help with an appeal.
UAD 3.6 Appraisal Reports: 2026 Rollout and Homeowner Guide
UAD 3.6’s November 2, 2026 mandate remains, with temporary exceptions for approved Sellers. Review official GSE submission and retirement dates.
Home Appraisal After a Disaster: Flood, Fire & Storm Damage
I explain how home appraisals work after flood, fire, or storm damage, which value date you need, what records help, and how repair costs and rebuilding rules fit.