Bob Schenkenberger's Advice

Appraisals usually run between $300-$500

My opinion is leaving the home is only a last resort.  This is only a paper loss at this point.  If you are forced to sell right now, then you may have issues, otherwise, time is your friend here.  Ride out the storm.I'm happy to discuss your situation is you would like.  Feel free to contact me at [content removed by moderator due to self-promotion]

If you are concerned about the real market value of your home, you should interview 2-3 agents and have them prepare an analysis for you.  Then you can decide what you think it is really worth, and make the right decisions.Zillow Zestimates can be off substantially and should be used as another tool to help you get your arms around the market value.

Regarding your interest rate, you should shop around.  5.5% is a bit high.  However, your lender may be paying some of your closing costs, and need to adjust your rate to cover the fees.  It's not that short sales don't like working with VA loans, it's that VA loans require someone other than the buyer pay for a bunch of costs.  This confuses these knucklehead banks, and they choose to wait for something "cleaner and easier"  Let me know if you'd like a quote on your loan, or help with short sales.Good Luck!bob@gethomedenver.com

Billy, Zillow uses an algorithm to determine a homes "value"  It not typically a great market analysis.  Public records from properties are used to determine size, beds, baths, etc.  Then they are applied based on what has been going on near your property.My guess is the home across the street shows significantly more sq. ft. in public records, or shows more beds/baths etc.  Thus, the difference.The problem with this valuation method, is that public records are notoriously incomplete, and incorrect.  It does however, give you a pretty good guess as to what your price range your home is in.  If you look at the neighboring homes, you should get a pretty good guess as to a ball park value.  If you would like a complete market analysis and price estimate of your home, please contact me.Bob303.770.1180

Zillow doesn't pull sold info direct from the MLS system.  957 S Emerson actually sold for $659,500 in November.

I think the fact that you are asking the question, shows that there is some motivation.  Your motivation may be only to investigate right now, but after the investigation, you will certainly be able to make an informed decision between buying and renting.It's a pretty great time in the Denver area to be a buyer!  In my opinion, we hit bottom around March of 2008, and have been bouncing off of it since then.  The fact that we started our decline 3+ years ago, the cyclical nature of real estate, historically low interest rates, and reduced inventory has created the "perfect storm" for a first time buyer.I have written extensively about it on my blog at http://BlogHomeDenver.com  if you would like to read more.  If you would like to investigate what you may be able to buy, let me know!Bob303.770.1180

I don't think you can here.  If you go to http://searchhomedenver.com you will be able to define an area on the map, then filter properties that meet your price point, have the 3 car garage, etc.  The direction a home faces is not searchable.I can do a MLS search and take into account the direction it faces, if you would like me to do so, feel free to contact me.Good Luck with your search, it's a great time to buy!

That's strange, I don't think it's possible.  Most likely an error somewhere.  If you would like me to take a look for you, I'd be happy to do so.bob@gethomedenver.com

You fees are mostly lender and loan related charges.  They do average 2%-3%, but can be lowered by the lender, or paid for by the seller.  So you have some options, even if you don't have a ton of cash.In Colorado, we very rarely have attorney's fee involved, so you won't have to worry about that, unless you choose to hire an attorney.As far as, things I wish I knew, you can visit my blog at http://bloghomedenver.com and check out the buyer's articles I've written.  That should cover most of what you are looking for.Good Luck, and don't hesitate to contact me if you would like assistance (never a cost to you!)Bob303.770.1180bob@gethomedenver.com