MacDonnell Appraisals

05/31/2026

🏡 Thinking about selling your home?

If so, chances are you've asked yourself at least one of these questions before:
• Should I get an appraisal before listing?
• Will the appraisal match my asking price?
• What hurts my home's value the most?

The truth is, understanding your home's value isn't about guesswork. It's about having the right information so you can make confident decisions from day one.

Whether you're preparing to list next week or just starting to explore your options, having a clear picture of your property's strengths, challenges, and market position can help you avoid surprises and set realistic expectations throughout the selling process.

Check out the answers to three of the questions we hear most often from home sellers. 👇

05/30/2026

🏡 For real estate investors, knowing where a property stands today is only half the story.

Sometimes the most valuable insight comes from comparing where a property is now versus where it could be after renovations are complete.

Having both an as-is and subject-to-completion appraisal can help you:
✔️ Evaluate project feasibility
✔️ Better understand potential equity gains
✔️ Support financing decisions
✔️ Reduce surprises during the renovation process

Every investment strategy is different, but having a clear picture of both the current value and the projected completed value can make decision-making a whole lot easier. 📈

Are you working on a fix-and-flip, BRRRR, or major renovation project this year?

05/28/2026

A home is more than just numbers on a page. It’s a major investment, a life milestone, and often part of someone’s biggest financial decisions. 🏡

That’s why integrity matters so much in the appraisal process.

Appraisers carry a huge responsibility to provide fair, unbiased valuations rooted in market data, experience, and transparency. At the end of the day, every property deserves to be evaluated honestly, and every client deserves to feel confident in the process.

We’re proud to lead with fairness, professionalism, and a commitment to doing things the right way, every single time. 🤝

05/26/2026

Refinancing can be a powerful financial tool… but small mistakes during the process can end up costing homeowners more than they expected. 🏡

Refinancing isn’t just about today’s payment. It’s about understanding the full picture, from your home’s condition and current market value to the long-term impact on your loan.

The good news? Most refinancing mistakes are completely avoidable with the right preparation and guidance.

We put together a quick breakdown of some common refinancing pitfalls homeowners run into so you can feel more informed and confident before making a big financial decision. 🏠

Which one surprises you the most?

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It’s a time to reflect on the sacrifices made for the freedoms we experience every day. 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave everything in service to our country. To the fallen heroes, and to the families who carry their memory forward, we thank you. ❤️🤍💙

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/22/2026

While some of us are prepping for Memorial Day weekend festivities, our very own Drew MacDonnell is standing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. representing the appraisal profession before Congress. 🇺🇸

We’re incredibly proud to share that Drew was selected as one of a limited number of appraisers from across the country to attend the Appraisal Institute’s Leadership Development & Advisory Council (LDAC). This annual event brings together top appraisal professionals to discuss industry challenges, advocate for meaningful change, and help shape the future of real estate valuation.

This is more than just a conference. It’s an opportunity to have a seat at the table where important conversations are happening about the future of housing, lending, valuation standards, and consumer protection.

When you work with MacDonnell Appraisals, you’re not just hiring an appraiser. You’re working with an SRA-designated professional who is actively involved in improving the industry for homeowners, lenders, attorneys, realtors, and communities alike.

We’re proud to see Drew representing not only our company, but the appraisal profession as a whole! 👏

05/21/2026

Before you accept your property assessment at face value, take a closer look. 👀

The first step is simple:

Check your county assessor’s website and confirm your appeal deadline. You might still have time to challenge your assessed value. ⏳

Some examples of substantial evidence that may support an appeal include:

🏡 Nearby homes similar to yours selling for less
🔨 Deferred maintenance or condition issues not reflected in the assessment
📏 Incorrect property details on file
📉 Local market changes affecting value

A lot of homeowners never question their assessment, and end up paying more in property taxes than they should.

If your assessed value seems high, send us a message. We’d be happy to help you determine your next steps.

05/18/2026

We are SO proud to share that our founder and chief appraiser, Drew MacDonnell, was recently featured on The Appraiser Coach Podcast with the one and only Dustin Harris, one of the most respected voices in the residential appraisal industry. 🎙️

Over the past year, Dustin and Drew have developed a connection rooted in a shared passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and growing a business the right way. We've had the pleasure and privilege to meet with Dustin, and he said something that we won't forget:

💬 “After spending time with your team, I would have thought you’d been in business for over 10 years.”

Well, we've been in business for nearly 4 years. We’ll gladly take that compliment!! 🙌

In this episode, Drew shares the heart behind MacDonnell Appraisals and why this work is about so much more than numbers on a page. Many of our clients are navigating some of life’s biggest challenges, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, divorce, estate matters, or major life transitions. We never take lightly the trust people place in us during those moments, and it’s our privilege to serve with accuracy, compassion, and professionalism.

We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share our story on where we've been and where we're going. 💙

👉 Give it a listen here:
🔗 https://youtu.be/DexhfTFgX_c?si=UOhwACZcNV0i48YF

If you know someone who loves entrepreneurship stories, supports local business, knows the MacDonnell Appraisals team, or simply needs a trusted appraiser in their corner, we’d love for you to share this with them!

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05/14/2026

Features like upgraded windows, added insulation, and geothermal systems may increase buyer confidence and reduce utility costs, but they don’t always translate into a dollar-for-dollar increase in appraised value.

The key?

Market reaction. Appraisers look at what buyers in the local market are actually willing to pay for those features. 💰🏡

That doesn’t mean these upgrades aren’t worth it. Comfort, efficiency, durability, and long-term savings still matter, and buyers are paying more attention to energy-conscious homes than ever before.

Smart upgrades can create a better living experience and stronger market appeal, even when the value adjustment isn’t one-to-one.

05/12/2026

Headed up north to an appraisal inspection when I suddenly found myself trapped behind the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile 🌭🚌

Let me tell you… nothing tests your character quite like being stuck behind a 40-foot hot dog.

Because now you’re not just driving anymore. You’re in a full-blown internal battle...

Do you pass the Wienermobile?
Can you pass the Wienermobile?
Or do you just ketchup to reality and accept that today… the giant hot dog on wheels is forging your path and you shall simply follow?

Somewhere along the way I realized I was no longer the main character on this ride. I was merely a pawn in a larger plan at the mercy of processed meat destiny.