Buying - The Zen Appraiser Blog

3 Reasons Why the Fannie Mae Controversial “Value Acceptance” Can Be Good News

By Carole Henrysen March 13, 2023Appraisers, Buying, Realtors, Selling

Want to know how the new Fannie Mae controversial "value acceptance" can be good news for homeowners, home buyers and realtors? This post is all about thinking outside of the…

Solar Energy – How does this Extra Amenity Impact Value?

By Carole Henrysen February 14, 2023Buying, Homeowners, Realtors, Selling

Solar Energy...want to learn more about the most popular type of alternative energy in the Philadelphia Metro housing market? This post is all about the property value impact of solar…

Unique Property Appraisal: How to Find Comparable Sales

By Carole Henrysen February 7, 2023Buying, Homeowners, Realtors

Want to know how we figure out what an unusual home is worth? This post is all about tips on how to find comparable sales for unique property appraisal that…

How To Think Like the FHA Appraiser

By Carole Henrysen January 9, 2023Appraisers, Buying, Condo, Homeowners, Realtors

With the interest rates no longer at 2-3%, many home buyers, home owners and realtors are beginning to expand their options and are dealing with the FHA appraiser again for…

Low Appraisal: Do You Know How to Successfully Respond?

By Carole Henrysen November 3, 2022Buying, Homeowners, Realtors

Want to know how to respond to a low appraisal? This post will show you exactly what to do when you receive an appraisal lower than purchase price or below…

New Construction Homes in Philadelphia Area: What You Need to Know

By Carole Henrysen October 21, 2022Appraisers, Buying, Realtors

Want to know how appraisers value new construction homes in the Philadelphia area? This post is all about the appraisal process of new construction homes. Appraising new construction homes is…

The Surprising Prices of Homes for Sale in Philadelphia and Surrounding Suburbs

By Carole Henrysen September 29, 2022Buying, Renting, Selling

Want to know the differences between homes for sale in Philadelphia area and the actual sale prices? You will also learn how the homes for rent are being impacted. A…

Who Gets the Appraisal Report First?

By Carole Henrysen August 30, 2022Buying, Homeowners

The purpose of the the appraisal usually sets the stage for who gets the appraisal report first. There are many reasons that an appraisal is required and as a general…

High Value Home Trends are Tricky

By Carole Henrysen August 8, 2022Buying, Homeowners, Realtors, Selling

All markets are not the same and high value home trends often look a bit different. The house sale terms and conditions, how long it takes to sell and the…

I Want to Choose the Appraiser.

By Carole Henrysen August 1, 2022Buying, Homeowners

It's your house (or will be your house) so it makes sense that you would want to choose the appraiser. Sometimes that's possible and sometimes it's not. This answer is…