Will a pool add value to my home?

https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/yard-patio/what_to_consider_before_building_pool/

Can I turn my porch into a room?

http://yourhoustonhomeinspector.com/for-the-homeowner/turn-porch-room/

When buying a house, who pays for the appraisal?

They cost a few hundred dollars and typically the buyer pays the fee at closing, although you can opt to pay it up-front. A good faith estimate—also known as a GFE—given to you by the lender will supply a fee for the appraisal.

Tidewater Initiative

The Tidewater Initiative allows any interested party in a real estate transaction to provide sold comparables (via a point of contact) to the appraiser. Therefore, the listing agent or anyone else involved may provide market information for sold comps as well.

Where are all the sellers?