
Does a finished basement add value to my home and if so how much?
February 8, 2017These questions come up quite a bit. I wish I could categorically say absolutely and the value rises by ?% of the entire home. I wish I could say that. Instead, I will defer to the appraisers favorite appraiser saying “it depends”.
Usually the answer to the first question is yes. However, there are some circumstances where it may not be so obvious and (more…)

Converting An Attic Into Living Space
December 7, 2016Converting An Attic Into Living Space
Converting An Attic Into Living Space. Many people think of ways in which to improve their home. Depending upon the style and construction, sometimes attics have more than enough room to create an additional room or two. In fact, some homes (more…)
Washington County Assessment Issues
April 7, 2016Washington County assessment values
These past few weeks the NEW Washington County assessment values started hitting the mailboxes of Washington County homeowners. Although it is too early to tell, it appears that some of the same issues that affect Allegheny County residents are now beginning to affect Washington County residents.
When it comes to County wide reassessments, there will always be issues. However, although it may be too early to tell considering all the values have not yet been mailed, there seems to be a disturbing pattern. (more…)
Pittsburgh Values: Single Family vs. Multi-Family
September 1, 2015Over the past number of years, I had the opportunity to appraise many 2-4 family properties in the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas for pre-listing, divorce, estate and other reasons. The reasons behind the appraisals are not the story; the story is why, and how, there was such a reversal of fortunes so to speak in the overall value of both single family residential, and multi-family (2-4 unit) properties. At this spot in the blog, I must point out that this is not only an issue in Pittsburgh, but the entire southwestern Pennsylvania region. (more…)