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Thriving in Tough Times: How For What It’s Worth Appraisals Maintains Steady Client Work Amid Uncertain Economic Times
In an economic landscape marked by inflated mortgage rates, elevated home prices, and a limited housing supply, many small businesses feel the pressure, including real estate. However, some real estate businesses, like For What It’s Worth Appraisals (FWIWA), have survived and continue to thrive by implementing strategic practices that ensure a steady flow of work.…
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New Employee Spotlight: Chase Wright
Here we grow again! We would like to introduce our newest employee, Chase Wright, who just joined our team on August 5 as an apprentice appraiser. Get to know him some more with some questions he’s answered! Q: What made you want to get involved in the real estate appraisal industry? Chase Wright: I love…
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A Dip in Interest Rates? Buyers, Beware …
Word is that the United States Federal Reserve is predicted to cut home loan interest rates at the end of September 2024, when the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is scheduled. This is good news for homebuyers, right? Let’s take a closer look. After the Federal Reserve had increased interest rates to a 40-year…
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The Rising Costs of Real Estate Insurance & How It Impacts HOAs and Condos
There has been a rise in real estate insurance costs in recent years, which has particularly affected property owners involved with homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condo communities and the financial health and operational stability of these organizations. What are the factors driving these insurance increases and their impacts on HOAs and condos? Rising construction costs.…
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6 Reasons You Should Never Price a House by Price Per Square Foot
Here at For It’s Worth Appraisals, we offer real estate counseling services to developers, homeowners, operators, and investors. One piece of advice we give when it comes to selling a house is not to solely rely on the price per square foot. It is a common mistake, and here are six reasons why: It oversimplifies.…
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The Benefits of Solid Backing for Vinyl Underpinning in Manufactured Homes
Because of their affordability and flexibility, manufactured homes are becoming increasingly popular, and, just like any home option, they also need certain maintenance to keep up their value and durability over time. One of those maintenance practices is the home’s vinyl underpinning, or skirting, and how adding a solid backing to the underpinning can improve…
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6 Myths & Facts of Appraisals
The home appraisal industry is muddied with myths. Which is why our team here at For What It’s Worth Appraisals wants you to understand the truths of appraisals to save you from making misguided decisions. Here are some common myths and counterfacts to set the record straight. Myth: Appraisals are just educated guesses Fact:…
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The Essential Role of Professional Appraisals During a Divorce
Divorce is a challenging change in life that affects you personally, of course, but can also affect you financially. Unfortunately, a complex part of a divorce settlement is the division of assets, including real estate, which means the expertise of a professional appraisal company becomes invaluable to help you understand the worth of your shared…
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A Look at the 2024 Real Estate Market: High Demand Despite Rising Mortgages
Happy New Year! 2024 is already shaping up to be a standout year in the real estate industry because of this surprising trend: a surge in mortgage demand despite rising interest rates and a cooling housing market, thanks to the tightening reins of the Federal Reserve. In fact, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s first-week…
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Destress If You’re Hosting at Home for the Holidays
Stress is always at an all-time-high over the holidays, but what can we do when hosting friends and family at home – both beforehand and during – to tamper that stress and prove that it’s still the most wonderful time of the year? Prep and plan ahead Instead of heaping all of your cooking and…