article thumbnail

Appraisal Definition: How Your Home Value is Determined and Why

HomeLight

MLS listings of the comparable properties. According to Benson, homeowners sometimes contact her directly for an appraisal if they need to know how to price their home, if they’re getting ready to retire, or if they’re declaring bankruptcy. Explanation of how square footage was calculated. Photographs of the comparable properties.

article thumbnail

7 Critical Parts of Every Real Estate Investment Business Plan

The Close

Many novice investors think they can just contact a local agent and select from the properties that are available in the MLS. The cold truth is that the best deals are found off-market or outside of the MLS. This means that you may need to create a plan for marketing to homeowners in foreclosure or divorce and bankruptcy attorneys.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

How Smart Investors Decipher & Respond to Real Estate Market Cycles

The Close

Foreclosure filings begin to increase as financially distressed homeowners no longer have the option to refinance and access their equity, and the tighter market gives them few options to sell or downsize. Even a few bank-owned homes are starting to show up in the MLS. So they hold out and try to find ways to keep their homes.

article thumbnail

Should I Get an Online Quote to Sell My House?

HomeLight

Get cash fast: Unexpected expenses that pile up due to job loss, hospitalization, or even inflation might cause you to consider how to quickly convert your equity to cash , so you can relieve debt. Because they can close in as little as 10 days, online quote companies may be the solution to help protect your hard-earned equity.

article thumbnail

9 Alternatives to Zillow When Buying or Selling a Home

HomeLight

This site also lists whether a property is in bankruptcy, preforeclosure , or foreclosure. You’ll also be able to see property debt info, equity and profit potential, and ownership information. This site does require a subscription and a monthly payment of $39.80 after the seven-day free trial. RealtyTrac.

Agents 89
article thumbnail

Hit list: Inside CoStar’s all-out war against Zillow

Housing Wire

CoStar’s actions included collaborating with law enforcement in the Philippines to raid an Xceligent office, and Xceligent eventually fell into bankruptcy. The one glaring exception is New York City, which does not have a centralized MLS. Homesnap partners with the Combined Los Angeles/Westside MLS, better known as “CLAW.”.

Brokerage 403
article thumbnail

How to Find a Reputable Appraiser and Get a Home Valuation

HomeLight

Refinancing your home to pay it off sooner, decrease payments, or cash-out equity. In the middle of litigation such as a bankruptcy or lawsuit that requires you to disclose your assets. This estimate is based on previous market data on your home and current multiple listing service (MLS) transactions around your home.

MLS 91