What is Gross Living Area (GLA)?
When navigating the real estate market, a comprehensive understanding of your home’s features and their impact on property value is key. One crucial concept to grasp, whether you’re a homebuyer, a homeowner, or a real estate professional, is Gross Living Area (GLA). So, what exactly is GLA and why does it matter so much in […]
Appraisals & PMI Removal
What is PMI? Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is a type of insurance that protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on their loan. While PMI does not apply to all loans, it impacts a significant number of homeowners. Lenders will use the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio to determine if PMI is necessary. LTV […]
Disputing a Low Home Appraisal
You have just spent months thinking about your dream home, touring too many houses, placing multiple offers, and finally your offer has been accepted. With no issues during the home inspection, you’re just waiting on the appraisal. Then you get that dreaded update that the appraisal is low and the difference is too much to […]
New Developments in St. Louis
Demand is high for new construction homes in the St. Louis area. If you are currently in the market for a new construction home or thinking about it in the near future, here are a few new residential developments that are breaking ground or being proposed within the St. Louis region. Harvest (O’Fallon) Located off […]
2023 Reassessments Have Concluded. Did Your Taxes Increase?
Required under state law, St. Louis County and City undergo property tax reassessment every odd year. If you are a homeowner that resides in St. Louis City or County, you may have received a letter stating your property tax has risen due to the subsequent increase in your property’s market value. If you believe the […]
What to Expect During the Appraisal Process
Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing, appraisals impact all home mortgage loans. Lenders order appraisals to protect themselves and the borrower from overpaying.
How to Prepare for a Real Estate Appraisal
A real estate appraisal is an essential step when selling or refinancing your home. While appraisers are required to be objective and impartial, preparing your property for the appraisal can help ensure the best possible outcome. Here are seven tips to maximize your home’s value and make the appraisal process smooth and efficient. Focus on […]
Appraisal Misconceptions
Before you start the process, it’s important to understand the truth behind common misconceptions about real estate appraisals. There are many misconceptions about real estate appraisals that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. In this post, we’ll debunk five common misconceptions about real estate appraisals and shed light on the truth behind them. 1.They are […]
Top 10 Reasons to Get an Appraisal
Appraisals are an important part of the real estate process as they provide an objective valuation of a property which can be used to determine its market price, secure financing, settle legal disputes, and much more. Appraisers are licensed professionals who use a combination of property inspections, market data, and industry standards to arrive at […]