The long-held belief that purchasing a home enables greater wealth building is called into question, as analysis shows that for most of the past 50 years, renting while investing the excess capital has led to higher accumulated wealth compared to home ownership. Freeing up money by renting instead of buying allows those funds to be invested in assets with potentially higher returns.

Confirming details of comparable sales with a party to the transaction is critical, yet it is an often overlooked part of the appraisal process. While MLS and public records provide useful baseline data, the full context surrounding a sale requires additional investigation

Proper handling of seller concessions is key to sound real estate appraisals. Data reveals appraisers often fail to make needed adjustments for concessions, undermining objectivity and inflating property valuations.

Fort Myers City Council faced a difficult balancing act in proposed changes to the municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Increasing qualifying incomes would serve more burdened residents but risks perceptions of unfairness and benefit diversion from the poorest groups. Meanwhile, prioritizing city employees aims to bolster workforce retention amid shortages, yet criteria based on local employment status sparked accusations of exclusionary policymaking. With split votes, policymakers recognized public spending demands equitable administration, however imperfect. As cities everywhere grapple with expanding support amid entrenched housing crises, nuanced decisions require weighing targeted aid needs among those facing the most distress.

Housing tea leaves today point conflicting directions - appreciating home values collide with plunging purchase volumes hinting at wavering demand.

The recent increase in deed theft schemes highlights deeply concerning gaps within current real estate title protocols that allow fraud to occur.

When appraising a property, it's crucial to compare its actual value versus predicted value. This process helps appraisers make accurate valuations amid a shifting real estate market.

New home sales slowed in many markets as affordability eroded, though incentives are partly offsetting declines.

With mortgage rates stuck above 7.5%, home prices at record highs, and purchase applications plunging, it's clear drastic action is needed to aid struggling homebuyers.

A recent analysis of appraisal data by the American Enterprise Institute provides compelling evidence that differences in home valuations are not primarily attributable to racial bias by appraisers.

Subjective language raises concerns about fairness and transparency in the home valuation process.

London Bay Developers Rejoice as Fort Myers Beach Condo Defies Challenges

Charlotte County commissioners have postponed a decision on amending zoning codes to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on single-family lots.

The Collier County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 on Tuesday (10/24/2023) to approve plans for a new upscale apartment community along Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples, Florida.

New data reveals an immense number of empty houses across major US cities. Over 5 million vacant units exist in the 50 largest metro areas, per the US Census Bureau. Florida cities like Miami and Tampa have especially high vacancy rates.

The process of purchasing a home has become extremely complex, frustrating many potential homebuyers. Experts point to numerous pain points in the current real estate market that make buying a house overly difficult.

New USPAP changes will go into effect on January 1, 2024. While most of the changes won’t have a significant impact on how appraisals are performed, it is important to know and understand them.

The effect of mortgage interest rates being at 20-year highs can have significant implications for the housing market and borrowers.

Whether you're a homeowner looking to increase your property's value or a buyer interested in understanding the impact of renovations, it's crucial to understand how appraisers evaluate improvements.

The duration of a real estate appraisal can vary depending on several factors. In this blog, we will explore the typical duration of a real estate appraisal process and factors that may influence its timeline.