How to Make the Most Money When Selling Your Home

What’s the number one thing buying and selling a house has in common? Getting the best price possible. Buying a home is one of the most significant financial investments you’ll make, so there’s no surprise why so much time is spent tracking mortgage rates, researching how much house you can afford, the best location, and […]

What’s New in Appraisal Membership: June 2021

  McKissock’s Unlimited Learning Members enjoy 24/7 access to a wide variety of online appraisal classes, webinars, videos, podcasts, checklists, job aids, and other resources. Plus, we’re adding to our library each month so that you get the most current and relevant information to grow your real estate appraisal career. Do you already have an […]

Building a House? Here’s Your New Home Inspection Checklist

Buying a house is always an emotional cocktail of excitement and stress, but doubly so when it’s a new-construction home. Sure, you’ll be the first to move in, and everything will be fresh and unused — but this also means that no one has lived there long enough to discover the quirks and possible oversights […]

What’s The Average Cost to Build a 1500 Square Foot House?

We know buying a house is a huge investment that requires careful consideration, planning, and saving. According to the United States Census Bureau, the average-sized home in 2019 was 2,509 square feet and the average cost was $383,900. That means that in order to buy an average size house, you’d have to save $76,780 for […]

Count the Closing Costs: A Line-By-Line Guide to Closing Costs With A Mortgage

During the excitement of searching for a home and getting preapproved for a loan, closing costs may get overlooked. Many buyers tend to budget for their monthly mortgage payment and their down payment, but closing costs need to be considered in the equation as well. Can you still afford the home of your dreams when […]

5 Outdoor Trends Pros Should Know For Summer 2021

For many, Independence Day celebrations represent an unofficial kickoff to BBQ season. Even as homeowners head off on long-awaited summer vacations, up to 65% of them are interested in completing outdoor projects, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) membership trend survey. From major outdoor kitchen overhauls to updated fencing and natural landscaping, […]

What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Home: 5 Steps to Take

Over the years, many cities across the U.S., especially cities like Tampa, FL, and New Orleans, LA, have weathered brutal storms that have damaged homes, devastated communities, and had lasting impacts on their housing markets. Unfortunately, destructive storms are becoming more and more common, and it’s important to know what to do after a storm […]

How Long Does an Appraisal Take and What to Expect?

Congratulations! You’ve gotten preapproved for a home mortgage, found your dream home, negotiated an agreeable sales price, successfully maneuvered through the home inspection process, and finally, you have a fully executed sales contract in hand for your new house.  If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may not realize all the steps that go into buying […]