How a Home Appraisal Affects a Mortgage Decision
An appraisal can affect a lender’s collateral review and loan-to-value calculation, but the lender decides loan approval, terms, and mortgage insurance.
20 Home Appraisal Pitfalls: Condition, Records, and Comparables
A practical look at 20 condition, property-data, and comparable-sales pitfalls that can affect an appraisal or lead to factual errors—without promising a fixed value change.
Selling a Virginia Home As-Is: Value, Repairs, and Buyer Questions
Selling as-is can save repair time but may change the buyer pool and negotiation. Compare realistic options and understand where an independent appraisal fits.
ANSI Z765-2021 in Home Appraisals: Fannie Mae’s Current Rules
See how Fannie Mae uses ANSI Z765-2021 to report home area, why appraisal and listing square footage may differ, and what to check if you find a discrepancy.
Appraisal Management Company Fees: What Borrowers Should Know
Understand the difference between an appraiser’s fee and an AMC charge, what Virginia law says, and which questions to ask your lender about appraisal costs.
Pre-Listing Appraisals in Hampton Roads: A Seller’s Planning Guide
Learn when a pre-listing appraisal is worth considering, how it compares with a CMA, and how Hampton Roads sellers can prepare and use the report.
PMI Removal and Home Appraisals: Eligibility, Ordering and Cost
A home appraisal may support a PMI cancellation request, but your mortgage servicer sets the rules. Learn the original-value and current-value paths before ordering a valuation.
FSBO Appraisal Services in Hampton Roads: How to Hire
A for-sale-by-owner seller can hire a private appraiser for a defined listing decision. Learn the scope, credential, property information and lender limitations.
Private Appraiser vs. City Assessor in Virginia Beach: Who Should You Call?
Joe Ellington explains when to contact a private appraiser or Virginia Beach assessor, why values can differ, and what he verifies during a home appraisal.
Home Appraisal Process Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide
Home appraisal process explained by a Virginia appraiser: who orders it, seven steps, fees, timing, preparation, report delivery, and what happens next.
Why I Believe Your Appraiser Should Be Local
Joe Ellington explains why he recommends local appraisers, how Virginia Beach neighborhoods differ, and why appraisal quality should come before the lowest fee.
What Lowers a Home Appraisal? Factors That Matter
Condition, location, recent sales, and timing can affect an appraisal. Review the evidence before challenging a report.
What Does an Appraiser Look For in a Home?
An appraiser observes the property and researches local sales. Learn what to prepare and how an appraisal differs from an inspection.
Home Inspection vs. Appraisal: What Each Report Tells You
An inspection investigates condition; an appraisal develops a value opinion. Buyers may need both, and neither report substitutes for the other.
Extraordinary Assumptions in Appraisals: What They Mean
An extraordinary assumption addresses an uncertain assignment fact that could affect value if false. Learn how it differs from a hypothetical condition.