The Appraisal Trap: How Lenders & The Real Estate Appraiser Process Impacts Your Home’s Value

Many assume the real estate appraisal process is an exact science, but it’s far from perfect. In reality, appraisals are based on an individual appraiser’s interpretation of market data, which isn’t always as precise as buyers and sellers might hope and can arrive at a higher or lower home value.

How the Real Estate Appraisal Process Works

Appraisals are one of the biggest wild cards in a real estate transaction. While most sellers and agents focus on a buyer’s financing strength, few consider how the lender selects an appraiser and what that means for the deal. read more

Selling Home with Wood Stove in Oregon

The inclusion of Form 2.13 Wood Stove Addendum is crucial in the sale agreement if the property has a wood stove. The Clean Air Act mandates the Environmental Protection Agency to establish performance standards for all stationary sources of air pollution, including residential wood heaters. In 1991, Oregon passed laws to reduce and prevent air pollution caused by “solid fuel burning devices.” However, this does not apply to cookstoves, antique stoves, pellet stoves, masonry heaters, fireplaces, and central wood-fired furnaces. read more