A lot of people think that the economy is the most influential factor impacting real estate appreciation. It goes without saying that mortgage rates, employment, business growth, government programs and several other national determinants have a definite effect on your property's value. But the most important things that decide your house's value are particular to the local Puyallup economy and residential market.

Location in a community - Proximity to schools and work also have a significant impact on many home buyers' choices. So these regions typically appreciate, or retain their value consistently, year to year.

Recent sales - Your real estate agent should give you facts and figures on the recent real estate sales in the regions that you'd like to live in. You'll want to know average time on market, selling versus listing price and more.

Appreciation history - Have property prices gone up or down over the past 5 to 10 years? Is the neighborhood considered desirable because of its location or affordability?

Economic factors - Have companies moved into or away from an area? Are local businesses hiring? Is there a fair mixture of job types in an area, or does it rely upon just one industry? These items play a role.