Iowa land use planning

Property values are one of the most important factors in real estate. Property values can guide your actions if you are ready to enter the real estate market or are still deciding whether you want to buy, sell, refinance, or invest.  Market values are also a foundational metric that reflects different markets and will fluctuate between neighborhoods. They are also constantly changing based on development, macroeconomic trends, and the individual projects of homeowners.  As you start your real estate journey, property value by address can give you more information about the homes around you and guide your decision-making process. Use this guide to explore different tools and compare their results. Be more informed about the potential value of a house, condo, or parcel of land. Best Tools to Find Property Value by Address Several tools can provide estimates for market values in your area. You don’t want to choose a … Continued The post How to Find Property Value by Address appeared first on FastExpert.

In 2013, interest rates hovered around 3.5% and then plummeted into the 2% range during the COVID-19 pandemic. This made houses significantly more affordable because buyers didn’t have to add a large portion of interest to their monthly payments. Throughout 2024, interest rates have hovered around 6.5%, which is still a drop from 2024 levels of nearly 8%. Fortunately, there are options for buyers who are concerned about interest rates – or buyers who simply want to get good deals. You might be able to take on an assumable mortgage from a seller and enjoy their favorable interest levels.  Assumable mortgages can be more complex than they seem. While there are certainly benefits to embracing one of these loans, they also come with drawbacks. Use this guide to learn how to find an assumable mortgage during the house-hunting process. What is an Assumable Mortgage? An assumable mortgage is when a … Continued The post How to Find an Assumable Mortgage When Looking for Homes appeared first on FastExpert.

One of the most nerve-wracking parts of buying a house is the home inspection. During this appointment, an experienced professional will review every aspect of the house and identify potential issues with the property. The inspection is not a pass-fail test and the inspector will not give your future home a grade based on its quality. Instead, the goal is to provide an objective view of the property so you feel confident moving forward with the purchase process.  It can be hard for buyers to face all of the potential flaws in their future house, but the home inspection is essential for identifying any potential deal breakers. If there is a significant issue, you, as the buyer, need to know about it. Even if you move forward with the purchase process, you may decide to renegotiate the sales price or ask for concessions based on the necessary repairs the inspector … Continued The post Home Inspection Checklist: What Do Home Inspectors Look For appeared first on FastExpert.

One of the first things buyers consider when starting the house hunting process is the number of bedrooms. They usually have a minimum bedroom requirement and an ideal number they would like in their homes. An extra bedroom can be used as guest space, a home office, a hobby room, or simply a storage area.  The COVID-19 pandemic caused a spike in demand for home offices, increasing the value of houses with extra rooms – including bedrooms. As people realized working from home was going to be permanent, employees needed formal workspaces. Camping out at the kitchen table wasn’t sustainable.  Experts believe an extra bedroom adds 15 percent to your resale value, and the average cost of a bedroom addition is around $50,000. If you are considering adding a bedroom to your home, evaluate the value you will get from it while living in your space along with the long-term … Continued The post 3-bedroom vs. 4-bedroom Home Resale Value: Is the Addition Worth It? appeared first on FastExpert.

They are homes, apartments, commercial buildings, or land the owner has vacated without intention of returning. Alternatively, they can be properties on which the owner hasn’t paid their property taxes and are deemed effectively abandoned by the county. Abandoned properties offer significant benefits, like below-market purchase prices and complete creative freedom. Finding, buying, and rehabilitating these properties can take time, patience, and considerable cash investment. Legal issues, major repairs, and budget uncertainty are par for the course with abandoned property investments. While risky, abandoned buildings present patient, dedicated buyers with the opportunity to add major value through rehabilitation. This guide will explore how to strategically locate, assess, and purchase an abandoned property. How Is a Property Determined to be Legally Abandoned? Abandoned property refers to real property (land and buildings) that its owner has left without any intention of returning to reclaim ownership. How a property is determined to be … Continued The post How to Buy an Abandoned Property? appeared first on FastExpert.