Did the Appraiser Goof? A client trying to refinance his mortgage recently ran into a not-uncommon problem: a low appraisal. My client was convinced that the appraiser goofed because — amongst other things — the appraiser listed the home as only having one Bathroom, not two. Unfortunately, the second Bathroom is in the basement. Because...Read More
By now, most people know what an upside down home owner is: someone who owes more on their mortgage(s) than their home is currently worth. Supposedly, Americans are (still) collectively underwater to the tune of $5 trillion. So, what’s an “upside down” house? (my term) It’s a home where the finished square feet are disproportionately...Read More
Whitewash One of the best ways I know to render a scary basement . . . less so, is to paint it (white, obviously). The floors, the ceiling, the posts and beams — everything. Not only is the space more appealing, it invariably feels bigger and lighter, too! P.S.: Tip #2 — adding a couple...Read More
