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While Craftsman-style houses are bungalows, cottages typically aren’t, though they can be. But they also differ in other stylistic aspects. For instance, cottages usually have simpler designs and painted woodwork.

The differences between market value and appraised value depend on the local market, so they can match, or either one can be higher than the other. In a “seller’s market,” where there is an abundance of buyers, market value will likely sit higher than the appraised value because there’s more demand for the low inventory of homes. In a “buyer’s market,” where there are more homes than there are buyers, the market value is more likely to sit below the appraised value to entice buyers.

For homeowners who love the charm and character of historic homes, renovating is well worth the invested cost. Keep in mind, though, that historic homes often need more extensive work than you might think at first, so be sure you know exactly what needs to be done so you can decide for yourself if the time, money, and effort are worth it for you.

Several government-backed lending programs can help first-time home buyers purchase a home with little money down. FHA, USDA, and VA loans are options for qualifying borrowers, though many conventional mortgage lenders will lower down payment rates to as low as 3 percent.