I was really impressed with my last appraisal, even though it was very conservative: paid $280k 6 years ago, appraised earlier this year for $805. we did put on a $200k addition (adding 930 sq.ft to the orig. 960 sq ft), but realistically, in this area, we could get $900k tomorrow without advertising on the 'market'......don't go by the appraised value for selling purposes.....talk to a realtor (a good one, with experience in your area). They will give you the realistic value in the current market (although the market has slowed drastically, it is still pretty vibrant)