My background is in software dev and I worked on a major bank’s REO website query improvements so I’m quite confident it’s not an earth shattering technological challenge.

Both times we have seen massive devaluation on the stock market, unemplyment and a general feel of depression in the society, but real estate values improved significantly during these periods!

I will continue in the same manner with education and improvement while working.

@Simond Wong Hello Simond, a detailed thorough exterior and interior appraisal will get the most value out of your home if you have taken care of maintenance and improvements.

It's good to know that they are continuing to improve by rolling out new features.

This will give you an idea of budgeting for capital improvements (roof, ac, ect). 

Before you get started you want to educate yourself and learn your market, the trends, what types of improvements for the highest returns etc.

The house has potential, but needs some big improvements in the curb appeal area.

Most of the improvements were through the remodeling company I worked for already.

In this case, the purchase price was 100k, the sale price was 137k, and total closing fees, all said and done, were roughly 10k, which I would take to mean a capital gains hit of 15% on 27k, (since my son and his wife paid for all upgrades/updates to the home, I realize I won't be able to deduct these as capital improvements).