Insurance companies weigh the amount of potential liabilities on your property to increase (or decrease) the cost of your home insurance. They will use several factors to decide if there are more chances for peril or injury to take place at your home. These factors include your location (whether you live in an area with high risk for natural disasters), the age and condition of your home, and whether you have any “attractive nuisances”—features that both increase the aesthetic of your home and potential for injury—like a pool or treehouse. 

The average cost for a home or property appraisal is about $355, with prices typically ranging from $250 to $500. The final cost is influenced by several factors, including the property's size, age, location, and how it compares to other homes in the area. Appraisals for larger, older, or non-conforming properties often cost more. While a single-family home appraisal usually costs between $300 and $400, appraising a multi-family home can range from $500 to $1,000 due to its increased size and complexity.

Modular homes can go up or down in value depending on a few factors. In areas where real estate is appreciating, the value of modular homes is likely to increase, and vice versa. Additionally, the value of modular homes depends partially on the area. In cities where every other home is stick-built, modular homes might be considered a functional obsolescence, in which case they could be less desirable and go down in value. In either case, though, modular homes can still be a good investment, especially since they provide housing at a lower upfront cost.

A koi pond may add value to your home if it’s a feature sellers are looking for. Like pools, ponds can affect your property value depending on their condition, whether they’re a popular selling point, and how well they’re incorporated into your home’s landscape.