http://www.denhamspringsappraisers.com/ – Denham Springs Home Appraisers 2011 Report On Lake at Gray’s Creek Subdivision

According to the DSLD Homes website, Lake At Gray’s Creek is a “Small community conveniently located directly off of Highway 16 in south Denham Springs. Less than one mile from the elementary school, this community has a retainage pond. Quiet location, just minutes from shopping and all other conveniences. New homes priced from the $130′s. In 2009, there were 63 homes built with an average sales price of $142,655 or $101.69/sf. In 2010, there were 32 homes built with an average sales price of $142,235 or $103.01/sf. In 2011, there is one (1) new home for sale for $133,900 or $105/sf for 1,274sf. Specific information on Lake At Gray’s Creek is available at the DSLD Homes website.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2009 to April 15, 2011. This information was extracted on 04/15/2011. Yes, this appraiser does have permission to use this MLS chart within this post.

Author’s Bio:
Bill Cobb is Greater Baton Rouge’s Home Appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 20 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).

Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:
Office: 225-293-1500, Cell: 225-953-0638
Fax: 1-866-663-6065
info@accuratevg.com
http://www.accuratevg.com/

http://www.denhamspringsappraisers.com/ – Western Livingston Parish Quarterly Sales By Zip Code Q1 2010 versus Q1 2011 Results

Accurate Valuations Group (Home Appraisals) has completed an analysis of the Western Livingston Parish housing market from First Quarter 2010 versus First Quarter 2011. The results are below.

70726. For Zip Code 70726, home sales volume was down 24%, Average Sales Price was up 3% and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was down 9%.

70706. For Zip Code 70706, home sales volume was up 30%, Average Sales Price was down 8% and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was down 12%.

70785. For Zip Code 70785, home sales volume was up 47%, Average Sales Price didn’t change and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was down 3%.

70754. For Zip Code 70754, home sales volume was down 37%, Average Sales Price was up 18% and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was up 7%.

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Author’s Bio:
Bill Cobb is Greater Baton Rouge’s Home Appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 20 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).

Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:
Office: 225-293-1500, Cell: 225-953-0638
Fax: 1-866-663-6065
info@accuratevg.com
http://www.accuratevg.com/

http://www.denhamspringsappraisers.com/ – Must The Garbage Disposal Work For A Denham Springs FHA Home Loan?

As a State Certified Home Appraiser in Louisiana and FHA/HUD approved appraiser since 1996, I can validate that FHA Home Loans have strict requirements of operational mechanical systems placed upon the home appraiser to inspect and verify. While home appraisers aren’t necessarily “home inspectors”, FHA home appraisers are required to verify that mechanical systems are functioning properly and that they would appear to have a reasonable life left.

HUD or FHA Home Appraisers are expected to be well versed on 2 major manual plus keeping up the “Mortgagee Letters” that offer amendments and updates to HUD policy. In fact, the statement many lenders want placed in reports is, “Condition: Overall Condition is: Average. No major repairs or functional inadequacies. MEETS FHA/RD MINIMUM STANDARDS for existing dwellings as outlined in HUD Handbooks 4150.2 and 4905.1 Requirements and all applicable Mortgage Letters). SFR Dwelling was determined to be decent, safe and sanitary. Subject is connected to public or community sewer. Mechanical Systems were on and operational. Attic was inspected and appears to individually meet FHA requirements.” No, the lenders don’t tell us to use “Average” but to state a condition rating. And, FMHA or Rural Development and VA loans also have these same requirements as well.

So, can a inoperable garbage disposal hold up an FHA loan closing until repaired? There are four (4) national HUD HOC’s or Homeownership Centers in the U.S.. For Louisiana, the HUD HOC is located in Denver, CO. I called the Denver HOC Appraiser Tech Support Department at 1-800-543-9378 for a verifiable answer to this question. I spoke with “Gary” and he said that NO, the inoperable garbage disposal WILL NOT HOLD UP A CLOSING because FHA doesn’t require appliances to be installed in homes. Gary said that includes Range/Ovens, Dishwashers or Garbage Disposals. Gary said that this is a “condition” issue and that FHA appraisers should apply deductions to the subject property if the comps used have appliances and superior functioning appliances.

BEFORE YOU BUY THAT HOME, GET A HOME INSPECTION!

In the early 2000′s with FHA’s introduction of the HUD Form “HUD-92564-CN” For Your Protection: Get A Home Inspection, FHA made the distinction between the home appraiser and the home inspector and strongly recommended home buyers obtain a home inspection. This appraiser also recommends you obtain a home inspection as well to know the true condition of mechanical system and a more accurate remaining economic life. Home appraisers are fairly limited on their knowledge of such systems but home inspectors are trained to know these systems and know them very well.

Just remember that if you as a home buyer receive notice that there are FHA mandated repairs on the home being purchased, know that this is for your benefit and that generally the seller will be required to repair these items prior to closing.

Bill Cobb, with Accurate Valuations Group, is a long time FHA Home Appraiser within the Greater Baton Rouge housing market. Bill can be contacted at 225-293-1500 or info@accuratevg.com .

First Garbage Disposal Source Photo: http://www.thehandyblog.com/disposal.php

Second Garbage Disposal Source Photo: http://appliancefactory.com/

http://www.denhamspringsappraisers.com/ – Denham Springs Certified Real Estate Appraisers: Late 2010 Rolling Meadows Subdivision Update, Market Pricing Correction!

Solds In Rolling Meadows from 1/2010 to 11/30/2010 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $141,767
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $103/sf
Median Sold Price: $139,900
Number of Sales: 3
Average Number of Days On Market: 110 Days
Low To High: $135,500 to $149,900

THE CHART BELOW SHOWS A “COOLING” OF THE VERY HIGH POST HURRICANE KATRINA SALES PRICE, A DROP FROM $108.32/SF TO $103.04/SF, WHICH IS HEALTHY FOR THIS “First Time Homebuyer Market where $157,500 was just too much to pay for housing! It was thought that the new Juban Parc Junior High School directly across from Rolling Meadows was going to “raise” home values but that doesn’t appear to have taken place based on 2010 home sales numbers, which is a relief for those wanting to buy into Rolling Meadows. And, the 1 MLS Listing in Rolling Meadows at $155,000 has been on the market since 4/6/2010 starting out at $158,500 facing strong buyer resistance at that very high pricing.

Number of Sold REO/Foreclosures Noted In MLS: 0
Current # Listings: 1, 0 Are Foreclosures
Current Listings Price: $155,000

Author’s Bio:

Bill Cobb is Greater Baton Rouge’s home appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 18 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill’s Company, Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).

Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:

Office: 225-293-1500, Mobile: 225-953-0638

info@accuratevg.com

http://www.accuratevg.com/

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2010 to November 30, 2010. This information was extracted on 11/30/2010.

http://www.batonrougefhaappraisers.com/ – How To Understand Baton Rouge Home Appraisals: Market Conditions Section. The challenges local home appraisers now face when valuing Greater Baton Rouge homes after the Federal Tax Credit Expiration.

I recently completed a refinance appraisal assignment off Sharp Rd and witnessed a trend I wanted to bring your attention to. This is still the recovering Post Hurricane Gustav market of MLS Area 42, zip code 70815, generally Broadmoor and Sherwood Forest areas. I say Post Hurricane Gustav because Gustav’s damage in 9/2008 disrupted this housing market more than most realize. I believe the 2 weeks it took to restore utilities had a psychological impact on this market as home sales prices dipped, see chart below. Chart represents home sales from $100K to $300K in 70815 from 1/1/2007 to present.

As a home appraiser appraising in any local market that is now NOT always increasing every year as in prior years, it’s now crucial to know where the market has been, where it is now and where it might be in the future.

Cautions On Interpreting Market Data Post Federal Tax Credit Expiration. This post below illustrates that just because the Federal Tax Credit artificially elevated home sales and possibly home prices, doesn’t indicate an always favorable appraised value for your home. The word favorable is a favorable value in the home owner’s mind, not necessarily market reality. The areas listings inventories or homes for sale, has been building or increasing for months now while at the same time home sales have been slowing. This could be attributable to the national economy finally catching up with the local economy, more difficulty now in qualifying for a mortgage and/or the shift within the Greater Baton Rouge housing market toward more affordable housing, ie., closer to $100/sf versus $135/sf to $160/sf.

Appraisal Assignment: 38 year old 2,850sf living area home, 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, off Sharp Rd in between Broadmoor and Sherwood Forest areas.

MLS Search Parameters

3 to 5 Bedroom Slab Homes in Area 42 Between $150,000 to $275,000, Zip Code 70815, 10/4/2008 to 10/7/2010, Ages 16-20 to Max Age.

Sold Results: Median Sales Prices!

Sold results indicate an increasing median sales price since 10/4/2008 of +11% and +7.5% over the past year.

Sold Results: Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.!

Sold results indicate an increasing average sold price per sq. ft. since 10/4/2008. In Broadmoor, the increase has been $4/sf or +5.3%. In Sherwood Forest, the increase has been $2/sf or +2.7%.

HOWEVER, The current market conditions, the Fannie Mae 1004MC or Market Conditions Form describes a different market condition THAT MUST BE ANALYZED AND RECONCILED BY THE APPRAISER.

COMPETING HOME SALES ARE DECLINING – From 18 to 3!

ABSORPTION RATE IS DECLINING – From 3 Sales Per Month Down To Just 1!

TOTAL COMPARABLE ACTIVE LISTINGS IS INCREASING – Inventory Is Growing!

MONTHS OF HOUSING SUPPLY IS INCREASING – FROM 5 TO 22!

NOTE: When the top right 4 boxes are checked for Declining, Declining, Increasing and Increasing, that’s not a good market indication!

Chart Showing Slowing Home Sales!

Conclusion.

When appraising local Greater Baton Rouge Homes, it’s important for both the appraiser and the homeowner to know that ALL market conditions are examined and reconciled to arrive at a value conclusion. In the above market examination, YES, the median sales prices and average sales prices per sq. ft. were increasing, but were also still recovering. If one examines the very first chart in this post, you’ll find that this market still hasn’t fully recovered to the $180K median sales prices of 2007/2008 prior to Gustav.

And, it’s very important to lenders underwriting the loan if there’s only 1 competing home per month selling resulting in a 22 month supply of competing housing, declining absorption rate (declining number of homes within the large inventory being removed from that inventory), increasing number of months on the market and increasing number of listings being added each month.

I do hope locals can now better understand part of the appraisal process. Home appraisals in 2010, with the newer 1004MC form and more and more requirements being added each month it seems, take much longer to complete now with much more investigation and reporting requirements.

REO OR FORECLOSURE RATE!

And, for those that would like to know to know the REO or Foreclosure rate for this assignment, the chart is below showing only 2 “MLS” foreclosures for homes 2500sf to 3100sf since 10/4/2008. There could have been several more take place outside of these 2 listed in MLS as many national lenders today choose not to list their REO inventories in the MLS anymore….up to 70%. In my report, I stated, ” It’s also stated here that a recent article (The Landmines Within by Michael Tarabotto http://activerain.com/blogsview/930436/The-Landmines-Within ) stated that as much as 70% of REOs never make it into the MLS – Meaning that it might be impossible to know or state the exact # of competing REOs if
they’re not being listed. MLS is reporting 2 comparable REO listings.”

Data used with permission of the GBRAR MLS, search dates 1/1/2007 to 10/07/2010, extracted on 10/07/2010.

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http://www.denhamspringslarealestate.net/ – Do You Need To Appeal Your Western Livingston Parish Denham Springs Property Tax Assessment? Possibly So and Possibly Not! Watch the video below!

Denham Springs Western Livingston Parish Property Tax Appeal Appraisals. In this video, Western Livingston Parish Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, points out some inaccuracies in tax assessments. However, the vast majority are properly assessed.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is not a cheap shot directed at our public servants as this video is complimentary of them. Our Tax Assessor, Jeff Taylor, is a fair and “I’ll make it right” kind of guy and public servant. We also applaud Jeff for being active in the local community and the annual fund drives to help Livingston Parish kids and their parents buy school uniforms and school supplies. Jeff has visited my church on many occassions,First Pentecostal Church on Range Ave, and possibly yours as well. Bill Cobb, Appraiser

Livingston Parish Assessor, Jeff Taylor, at the Keller Williams Denham Springs Renew|Energize|Donate Event accepting a check for the Assessor’s Office.

http://www.batonrougerealestateminute.com/ – Western Livingston Parish Home Appraisers Video: Easterly Lakes 2010 Update. Western Livingston Parish Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, updates the housing market numbers for Easterly Lakes Subdivision in Watson Louisiana 70706.

http://www.denhamspringsappraisers.com/ – Walker Louisiana Home Appraiser Photos From The Field: Unfinished High End Homes A Sign Of The Times!

I was in Walker on Saturday performing home appraisals and noticed these unfinished spec homes. From the appearance of the properties, it appeared they had been vacant and unfinished for some time now. Was it that construction stopped when the builders discovered the market wasn’t paying enough to justify building higher end homes in the Walker market any longer? The reason for the question is the last photo below. This home has 2,285sf living area, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with slab granite counters in Kitchen and Bathrooms, custom millwork, a 90 x 185 lot and sold in August 2010 for $229,000 or only $100.22/sf….and MLS doesn’t state this home was an REO, Foreclosure or a Distressed Sale.

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http://www.batonrougerealestatebuzz.com/ – Walker La 70785 Real Estate: Collins Place Subdivision Housing Report July 2010.

In this video, Western Livingston Parish’s Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, reports on Collins Place Subdivision Stats with Video Tour.

Tags: Walker La, Walker Louisiana Real Estate, Collins Place, Livingston Parish Real Estate, Denham Springs Real Estate, Baton Rouge Real Estate, 70785

http://www.appraisersindenhamsprings.com/ – Denham Springs Home Appraisers: Woodland Crossing Mid Year 2010 Housing Report

Solds In Woodland Crossing from 1/2009 to 7/3/2010 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $149,374
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $92/sf
Median Sold Price: $147,150
Number of Sales: 110
Low To High: $99,900 to $210,000
Number of Sold REO/Foreclosures Noted In MLS: 7
Current # Listings: 31, 2 Are Foreclosures
Current Listings Prices: $129,500 To $199,900

Author’s Bio:

Bill Cobb is Greater Baton Rouge’s home appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 18 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

Bill’s company, Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group, serves Greater Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish).

Contact Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group for your next home appraisal:

Office: 225-293-1500, Cell: 225-953-0638

Fax: 1-866-663-6065

info@accuratevg.com

http://www.accuratevg.com/

Data Used With Permission of the GBRAR MLS. Data was extracted on 7/3/2010 from periods 1/1/2009 through 7/3/2010.