FHA Loans and Property Condition Appraisal Issues

On November 23, 2010, in Real Estate Appraisals, by Wendy Werdmuller

As a loan originator, I am constantly telling buyers and real estate agents that there is more to an FHA transaction than a conventional transaction and the lenders will look at the details of the file much closer.  What does this mean exactly? Well the application is longer and has a separate set of disclosures [...]

How To Determine The Value For A Phoenix FHA 203k Mortgage

On November 18, 2010, in Real Estate Appraisals, by David Krushinsky

How To Determine The Value For A Phoenix FHA 203k Mortgage This article will discuss the two values most commonly viewed when underwriting a 203k FHA home mortgage.  When you’re purchasing a home in Phoenix and utilizing a 203k FHA loan, it’s important to understand the importance of “as-is” value and “as completed” value. Appraisal Requirements for the [...]

Appraisal & Property Requirements for Phoenix FHA Home Mortgages

On October 30, 2010, in Real Estate Appraisals, by David Krushinsky

Any guesses on whether or not  this home will meet the requirements for a FHA loan in Phoenix??  Below are some of the important guidelines most appraisers utilize when they appraise a home in Phoenix where a FHA home mortgage is used for financing. 1: Home Inspections: Borrowers are encouraged to obtain a detailed home inspection of the property. Borrowers should research home [...]

Seven Things Your Agent Should Know About Your Mortgage Approval

On April 21, 2010, in Home Buying Process, by Mark Madsen

While many experienced real estate agents have a general understanding of the mortgage approval process, there are a few important details that frequently get overlooked which may cause a purchase to be delayed or denied. New regulation, updated disclosures, appraisal guidelines, mortgage rate pricing premiums, credit score, secondary approval layering, rescission deadlines, property type, HOA [...]

Four Possible Reasons To Refinance

On March 31, 2010, in Refinance Process, by Mark Madsen

A mortgage is generally the largest debt most homeowners have to manage.  It’s a good idea to give your personal real estate finance portfolio a check-up at least once a year. Since there are many reasons a homeowner may choose to refinance, we’ll take a look at the four most common. 1.  Mortgage Rates Drop: Typically, the [...]

What Do Appraisers Look For When Determining A Property's Value?

On March 29, 2010, in Real Estate Appraisals, by Mark Madsen

Most people are surprised to learn what appraisers actually look at when determining the value of a real estate property. A common misconception homeowners generally have is that the value of their home is determined after the appraiser has completed their physical property inspection. However, the appraiser actually already has a good idea of the [...]

Understanding the Difference Between an Appraisal vs Neighborhood Listing Prices

On March 28, 2010, in Real Estate Appraisals, by Mark Madsen

Why is there such a difference between what my appraised value is and the price similar homes are selling for on my street? It’s a great question, and you don’t have to be a mortgage professional or a real estate agent to understand the answer. The distinction lies in the purpose of the two valuations [...]

Five Myths About Home Values

On March 28, 2010, in Real Estate Appraisals, by Mark Madsen

A few years ago, when home values were just going up, most homeowners did not question appraisals much. It was the best of times. Over the past two and a half years, home sellers and even listing agents quite often question and pick apart appraisals. It was the worst of times. A Tale of Two [...]

How Do Mortgage Companies Value A Property That Has Not Been Built Yet?

On March 28, 2010, in Real Estate Appraisals, by Mark Madsen

It’s obviously easier to picture the process of estimating value on an existing property in a neighborhood that has a history of home sales, but the task of determining the value on new construction projects does pose some challenges. Appraisals on homes that haven’t been built yet generally require the contractor and home buyer to [...]

Assembling Your Home Buying Team – Knowing The Players

On March 28, 2010, in Home Buying Process, by Mark Madsen

Buying a new home is literally a team sport since there are so many tasks, important timelines, documents and responsibilities that all need special care and attention. Besides working with a professional team that you trust, it’s important that the individual players have the ability to effectively communicate and execute on important decisions together as [...]