Find Your Home Value
Home Appraisal Tips & Advice
Home Renters Beware: The Foreclosure Crisis Affects You as WellAugust 11, 2008
Home foreclosures have created an overlooked victim: what happens when the home you rent goes into foreclosure? The vicious circle of declining home values and rising foreclosures.
July 11, 2008
Home values drop when foreclosures rise creating a vicious circle. Is there help in sight or a way to take advantage of a declining market? Home Selling Success: What You Need to Know
July 11, 2008
Yes, the home selling market has slowed in the past year; however, houses are still being purchased on a daily basis. What is the secret to successful home selling? Understanding Changes in Your Home's Value
By Karen LawsonHome Worth Columnist
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Real estate markets can be affected by more than supply and demand. Environmental and economic factors can also impact home value. A free home value estimate can provide a general idea of value. Keeping up with regional news and real estate markets can help you get the big picture of home value changes in your area.
What are the Neighbors Doing?
Your home may be a showplace, but if your neighbors are hoarding junk or engaging in illegal activity, this can influence overall home value. Environmental considerations such as toxic waste, air pollution, and noise can adversely impact home value. Being aware of proposed commercial and industrial development can help you keep up with potential issues that affect property value. Along with news of subprime mortgage problems and increasing foreclosure rates comes the potential for neighborhood blight associated with too many vacant homes.
Over Improvement Can Affect Home Value
If you're planning major home improvements, it's a good idea to chat with local real estate professionals to determine which improvements buyers are looking for. Also, you may want to avoid over-building your lot or greatly exceeding the typical square footage of homes in your area. Buyers may be reluctant to buy a home that doesn’t conform to the neighborhood. On the plus side, neighborhood cleanup, new business, and public improvements can add to home value. A free home value estimate can help you get an idea of where you stand, and real estate companies and mortgage lenders can supply more specific home value information based on current market conditions and an inspection of your home.
About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer with extensive experience in mortgage banking. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.