An appraisal in residential real estate is a professional, unbiased estimate of a property's fair market value conducted by a licensed or certified appraiser who is trained and credentialed to evaluate real property.

The appraiser performs an in-person inspection of the home, assessing its size, …

By Karen S. Faber, REALTOR® — Faber + DoVale Team, Harry Norman, REALTORS®

A Comparative Market Analysis, universally known in the real estate industry as a CMA, is a detailed, data-driven evaluation of a property's current market value prepared by a licensed real estate …

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), universally known in the real estate and lending industries as PMI, is a type of insurance policy that a borrower is required to purchase and pay for on behalf of their mortgage lender when they obtain a conventional home loan with …

Real Estate Questions and Answers - Common FAQs

Below are a list of some common real estate-related questions we get from customers and clients. Where possible, we have provided a brief explanation and summary; however, some topics and questions require an in-depth discussion for a broader understanding. In …

A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Your Home Loan Choices

Understanding mortgage options is essential for today’s buyers. With a changing market and evolving financial products, the process of securing the right loan can seem daunting. However, a clear grasp of available options empowers buyers to make …

This is one of the most common objections REALTORs encounter, and the good news is there are several compelling, data-driven arguments that can help a buyer understand why waiting for rates to drop may not be the sound financial strategy they think it is. Here is a …

Why Accurate Property Valuations Matter in Real Estate Transactions

In the world of real estate, the home appraiser stands as a critical professional whose expertise directly influences property transactions, lending decisions, and even local taxation.

While many homebuyers and sellers focus on negotiations, offers, and …

A Guide to Home Appraisals in Real Estate

Home appraisals are a crucial step in the real estate transaction process, acting as an objective assessment of a property's value.

Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing a house, understanding how home appraisals work can help you …

Helping Homebuyers Bridge the Gap to Homeownership

Purchasing a home is a major milestone, but for many Americans, the biggest hurdle is saving enough for a down payment.

Rising home prices and stagnant wages have made it increasingly difficult for first-time buyers to enter the housing market. …

2026 U.S. Economic Forecast: Housing Market

Predictions for Mortgage Rates, Housing Inventory, Prices, and Detached Home Sales

The U.S. economy in 2026 is expected to navigate a period of transition, as the effects of post-pandemic recovery, inflation management, tariffs, and interest rate shifts continue to …