Appraisals and how you can generate a better value for your home. Ten must do items.

Ten tips for high-value home appraisals .
Everything from sprucing up the house to having comps on hand for a real estate appraiser can help to increase the value an appraiser gives a property.

Spruce the house up.

Curb appeal also matters

Keep a list of all the updates

Have comps on hand.

Be mindful of peeling paint.

Focus on paint, carpet, fixtures..

Location still matters

Keep the $500 rule in mind, if your home needs repirs upto $500 do it, otherwise it counts
against you.

Also remember the concept of “effective age", after updating and condition.

Lock up Fido and Fifi.

Complete article at:

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2011/10/11/ten-tips-for-high-value-home-appraisals/

Source: Wall Street Journal.

Some other fine sites:

http://www.trulia.com/blog/perry_mistry/2011/10/mortgage_forgiveness_program_hr3648

http://www.trulia.com/blog/perry_mistry/2011/10/santa_clara_county_foreclosures_have_decreased

http://www.trulia.com/blog/perry_mistry/2011/10/great_web_sites_for_buyers