Comparing Honey Crisps to Braeburns One of the more quizzical looks Realtors get is when they (try to) explain to a prospective home Seller that their neighbor’s house isn’t a “Comp” (Comparable Sold Property). In plain English: it isn’t relevant ” at least directly ” for pricing their home. For the uninitiated, a Comp is...Read More

How do Appraisers and Realtors account for a bowling alley in the basement? Or some other unusual feature, like a helicopter landing pad, 10,000 gallon aquarium, basement basketball court, bomb shelter, soundproof music studio, or dozens of other unusual —and therefore hard to estimate — home features? They don’t. Huh?? Self-Cancelling Features If it’s possible,...Read More

“What’s Sauce for the Goose is Sauce for the Gander” I know of other agents — even some whom I consider excellent** — who use price opinions at least occasionally to inform the guidance they offer Sellers. Personally, I’m not a fan, for two reasons. Reason #1. Something like 90% of the time, price opinions...Read More