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As a seller, it might feel tempting to skip the appraisal, especially in a hot market that sees a lot of all-cash offers. While you can technically forgo it and hope for an all-cash offer, you’ll likely have a very tough time selling without an appraisal. 

In addition to protecting lenders from risk, appraisals also protect buyers’ investments. As such, it isn’t typically recommended for buyers to skip appraisals.

Yes, installing a tennis court can be a worthwhile home improvement project that adds value to your property. The potential increase in value can range from $20,000 to $150,000, and in some cases, the return on investment can cover more than 60% of the installation cost. However, the impact on value heavily depends on the size of your property. For homes with multiple acres, a tennis court is often a valuable amenity. In contrast, for homes on smaller lots, installing a court can decrease the property's value because it consumes a significant portion of the usable yard space. It's crucial to consider your property size and the remaining usable yard before proceeding.

Consulting the architect of your house is not the best way to determine when it was built. Many homes are built by developers or builders, so there may not be a specific architect to track down—especially if you have a very old house. Instead, it’s best to rely on local government records.

Yes, wood floors are among the most desirable flooring options, and most homebuyers are willing to pay more for homes with high-quality wood floors installed. Wood floors are relatively easy to repair, maintain, and clean, and buyers may pay a premium for the convenience and natural beauty of wood floors, especially if they’re new or in good condition. You can reasonably expect a return on investment of around 75% or more when you upgrade to wood floors, depending on the quality and type of wood.