In this Baton Rouge Housing updating, January 22-28, 2012 are reported for the eight (8) parish MSA including East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston and West Baton with  Iberville, East and West Feliciana and Pointe Coupee combined as “ALL”. 

Other Greater Baton Rouge Housing Statistics January 22-28:

LISTINGS:

Total Current Listings: 5,035

Foreclosure Listings: 490 or 10% of total listings

3rd Party Active Listings: 330 or 7% of total listings

Short Sale Active or Potential SS Listings: 250 or 5% of total listings

SOLDS From 01/22/2012 – 01/28/2012:

Total Number of Solds: 65

Foreclosures Sold: 14 or 22% of Solds

3rd Party Solds: 8 or 12% of total solds

Short Sales Solds: 8 or 12% of total solds

Foreclosure, 3rd Party and Short Sales Solds: 30 or 46% of all solds

Low To High Sales Prices: $16,000 to $475,000

New Home Sales: 18 or 28% of all sales

East Baton Rouge MLS Area with most home sales: 43 with 9 sales

CUMULATIVE TOTALS FOR 2012Total Number of Sales: 290

ASCENSION: 65
EAST BATON ROUGE: 149
EAST FELICIANA: 0
LIVINGSTON: 59
IBERVILLE: 2
POINTE COUPEE: 8
WEST BATON ROUGE: 6
WEST FELICIANA: 1

Foreclosures Sold: 69 or 24% of Solds

3rd Party Solds: 33 or 11% of total solds

Short Sales Solds: 47 or 16% of total solds

Foreclosure, 3rd Party and Short Sales Solds: 149 or 51% of all solds

AVERAGE SALES PRICES FOR LOCAL PARISHES:
EAST BATON ROUGE: $192,043
ASCENSION: $190,747
LIVINGSTON: $144,439
OTHER: $158,993

MEDIAN SALES PRICES FOR LOCAL PARISHES:
EAST BATON ROUGE: $158,500
ASCENSION: $166,450
LIVINGSTON: $138,900
OTHER: $159,900

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET (CONTINUOUS):
EAST BATON ROUGE: 116
ASCENSION: 105
LIVINGSTON: 133
OTHER: 157

LISTING-TO-SALES PRICE RATIO (What Percent Below Listing Price Home Sell For):
EAST BATON ROUGE: 97%
ASCENSION: 99%
LIVINGSTON: 97%
OTHER: 92%

_____________________________________________________________________

Important Video: Foreclosure Mythbusting by John C. Jones

_____________________________________________________________________

OTHER NATIONAL AND LOCAL HOUSING NEWS:

December Existing-Home Sales Show Uptrend

 Business Report Releases Baton Rouge’s 10 most expensive home sales of 2011

Juban Crossing Developer: Site work continues; deals with retailers in the works

 _____________________________________________________________________

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of 01/01/2012 to 01/28/2012.  This information was extracted on 01/29/2012.  Excludes Manufactured Housing.

Greater Baton Rouge Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, has been appraising homes or houses now for 21 years, 2 years in the Alexandria LA metro area and 19 years in the Greater Baton Rouge Housing Market. Bill’s specialty is:

Baton Rouge Pre-Purchase Home Appraisals

and

Baton Rouge Pre-Listing Home Appraisals

Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group (AVG) Serves The Greater Baton Rouge Metroplex!

With Boundaries North by Zachary, South by Sorrento, West by Port Allen and East by Livingston.

Contact Information:
Accurate Valuations Group (Home Appraisals)
P.O. Box 40515
Baton Rouge, LA 70835
Baton Rouge Office: 225-293-1500
Toll Free: 1-888-678-3544
Toll Free Fax: 1-866-663-6065
Denham Springs Office – Local #: 225-709-6013
Staff Email: info@accuratevg.com
Website: http://www.accuratevg.com/

Why Baton Rouge Home Buyers Need Pre-Purchase Appraisal Before Writing Purchase Agreement? Because the nation’s home prices have fallen 33% from their 2006 peak and some sellers are in denial and asking too much for their homes…that’ why. In today’s Greater Baton Rouge Housing Market, you stand to pay too much when the market will still be correcting into 2012!

The source for the statement above is provided below from Businessreport.com Daily PM Report for 01/10/2012.

Don’t overpay in a housing correction that is to continue into 2012.

Obtain a Pre-Purchase Appraisal from Bill Cobb at Accurate Valuations Group.

Greater Baton Rouge Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, has been appraising homes or houses now for 20 years, 2 years in the Alexandria LA metro area and 18 years in the Greater Baton Rouge Housing Market. Bill’s specialty is:

Baton Rouge Pre-Purchase Home Appraisals

and

Baton Rouge Pre-Listing Home Appraisals

Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group (AVG) Serves The Greater Baton Rouge Metroplex!

With Boundaries North by Zachary, South by Sorrento, West by Port Allen and East by Livingston.

Contact Information:
Accurate Valuations Group (Home Appraisals)
P.O. Box 40515
Baton Rouge, LA 70835
Baton Rouge Office: 225-293-1500
Toll Free: 1-888-678-3544
Toll Free Fax: 1-866-663-6065
Denham Springs Office – Local #: 225-709-6013
Staff Email: info@accuratevg.com
Website: http://www.accuratevg.com/

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Difference Between Baton Rouge Home Appraisals Versus Home Inspections In A Mortgage Loan Process.

The Home Appraiser is hired by the bank to decide the estimated market value of a house.  The Appraisal Report protects the Bank or Lender and not the home buyer. The buyer pays for the home appraisal and that price will depend on if the lender is employing a third party to order the appraisal.  Depending on how the appraisal is ordered from the Bank, the cost can range from $350 up to $600, the higher price is if an AMC or Appraisal Management Company is hired (a middle-man that orders, reviews and delivers the report by hiring local home appraisers).  

Home Appraiser’s inspection generally consists of an inspection of the neighborhood first, then measuring the home based on national ANSI standards, taking lots of required photos of interior and exterior and determining condition and quality level of home.  Appraiser takes this “subject” data and compares other recent home sales in the same market, applies market adjustments of pluses and minuses for differences and arrives at an estimated value.  NOTE: Home Appraiser condition inspection is limited to what can obviously be seen with the eye, at eye level.  An Appraiser inspection is not a roofing inspection, hot water heater inspection or central heat and air inspection, the major expensive items that tend to lead home buyers into believing that home appraisers should inspect these items and guarantee them.

Call or email Accurate Valuations Group for more details: 225-293-1500 or info@accuratevg.com.

FHA even protects the Appraiser with this form below presented to buyers that tells them to “Get A Home Inspection”!

Home Inspections inspect detailed condition. are a very detailed inspection of various items around the home and inside the walls, attic and underneath the home  if there’s crawl space. Inspectors can inspect things like pest control, roofing, chimney, electrical, plumbing, for harmful mold and other negatives that might cost the buyer money in repairs soon after they buy the home. They are hired by the buyer to inspect the condition of the home on the day of inspection.

The home inspection fee is normally paid by the buyer. The costs for home inspections is not known and is really based on the size and complexity of the home.  Naturally, the longer the inspection will take, the higher the fee.

There are TWO (2) local Greater Baton Rouge Home Inspectors I recommend because I’ve known each of them for years now and can count on them to do their job right and not sorry that I referred them. 

Kevin Dinkel, Advantage Services, 225-753-8114 email info@extramileteam.com

James Bohac, Alltell Home Inspection 225-806-7572 4alltell@cox.net

Baton Rouge Housing Reports Dot Com says,

2011: The Year Of Correction For East Baton Rouge Real Estate Prices .

See the complete report at the link above.

The well anticipated correction in local home prices, based on local incomes, the insane escalation of home prices after Hurricane Katrina, and the same housing euphoria that gripped our Nation from 2004 to 2007, has finally arrived. Despite the appearance of only a -2.13% decline, most of the 25 subdivisions examined belwo show far worse percentage declines indicating that for Baton Rouge Real Estate, 2011 was the anticipated “Year of Correction”!

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of 01/01/2005 to 12/27/2011. This information was extracted on 12/27/2011. Statistics are based on total residential MLS sales reported to the GBRMLS as of 12/26/2011 6:01:00 PM

I wanted to share this video regarding divorce and the possible home options available. This video was created by Jamey Milheiser, a mortgage professional. Yes, he does represent another State in the USA, but his video and the questions he helps answer may also help locals as well.

Jamey covers:

1.) You do have options when it comes to your property.

2.) “I think I want to stay in the home……what do I need to keep in mind?”

3.) “My spouse is entitled to share in the equity we have in our home……how is this handled?”

4.) “What if I am the one leaving the home?”

5.) “How might divorce impact my credit?”

6.) “If I want to buy another home–am I going to be out of luck while I am still listed on the old mortgage?”

Visit: Divorce And Your Home Options to watch Jamey’s video and read his answers.

In this video, local Greater Baton Rouge Appraiser, Bill Cobb, shows what a classic declining market looks like by MLS Chart and Appraisal and how such a weak market could certainly lead to a low appraisal.

Remember that we’re speaking of a specific segment of the Baker housing market in the 1600sf to 2500sf living area range. This study isn’t of the entire Baker housing market, but some of the general comments in the video do apply to the whole market.

This weak Baker Louisiana market had these characteristics: Very Slow Sales. Declining Median Sales Price. 22 Month Supply. 21 Competing Listings Is Oversupply when only 15 sold in previous 12 months. 93% List-To-Sales Price Ratio is weak. 2011 Baker Hills 6 sales, Median $62K, Avg Sold:$52/sf, Avg SP/LP%:97%, Avg DOM:126 Days. 33% Competing REO Sold Rate Since 1/2009.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of 01/01/2009 to 11/28/2011. This information was extracted on 11/28/2011.

What Are These Baton Rouge Vote For Amendment #1 To Stay Tax Free Signs About?

The Louisiana REALTORS® Association is supporting a constitutional amendment on the November 19th ballot to prohibit any new real estate transfer taxes in the state.

A vote FOR Amendment #1 on November 19 will…

*Protect your home from double taxation. Most homeowners in Louisiana already pay property taxes. Transfer taxes are simply another tax on the same piece of property.

*Keep Louisiana free from additional taxes, especially those that unfairly target homeowners and homebuyers.

If approved by Louisiana voters, we believe this will be an extremely positive development for residential and commercial consumers of real estate – and good for the overall real estate market and economy in Louisiana.

Monitor this important initiative thoughout the fall at STAYTAXFREE.com. Browse the site for related news, background on the issue, answers to frequently asked questions, and learn how you can get involved.

The GBRMLS Trends chart below shows a substantial home price correction taking place within Baton Rouge’s Sherwood Forest Subdivision. The Average Sold Price Per Square Foot has declined from $80.66/sf in 2007 down to $68.61/sf in 2011, back to 2005 levels and a -15% correction. The Median Sold Price has declined from $181,000 in 2010 down to just $165,500 in 2011, a -9% correction (rounded). Some of this recent decline is due to foreclosure activity. And, the reason the chart shows a dip in 2009 to $165,000 was due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Gustav on this heavily treed neighborhood. In fact, there are still some homes that were renovated in 2009, after Hurricane Gustav in 2008, that are still on the market and haven’t yet sold.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2005 to August 23, 2011. This information was extracted on 8/23/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

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/

Entrance

Entrance Sign

Home Styles

Development Lake

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2007 to August 18, 2011. This information was extracted on 8/18/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

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/

Last week, David Jacobs, with the Baton Rouge Business Report, reported a startling study about how high and out of sync Greater Baton Rouge housing prices are when combined with transportation. The article, Baton Rouge-area household spends 52% of income on housing and transportation, was published on 8/9/2011. In the article or study, the CNT recommends spending no more than 45% and that combining local housing prices with true transportation costs provides “an accurate measure of of the true affordability of housing”.

Other Studies. We also know that according to Core Logic, Baton Rouge is in its’ 9th straight month of home price correction. We also know from the 24/7 Wall Street study that Baton Rouge made America’s 10 Sickest Housing Markets list this month.

We’re In For More Correction. It would appear, based on these 3 studies, that Greater Baton Rouge Housing is in for more correction.

This is my reply below to David Jacobs submitted on 8/10/2011:

I read your Business Report Weekly and wanted to thank you for reporting on this. This has really helped me. Just 3 weeks ago, I was ready to go for a visit to the LSU Real Estate Research Department with similar questions as to where should GBR Housing be priced relative to local incomes? I think this is a foundational question going forward and might possibly shed some light on where the bottom might be in local housing prices in the future. If GBR housing is out of proportion, by how much or by what percentage? Are the current still nose-bleed high housing prices sustainable? Obviously if we asked this question in 2007 from some of the Zachary and ASC $300,000 neighborhoods, the answer today is probably not. $140/sf for new homes wasn’t sustainable across the board. This is why builders like DSLD Homes are having such success……because the insanity in local new home prices from 2006 to 2008 was never sustainable based on local incomes.

As a local home appraiser, I’ve been scratching head all along here wondering WHY local housing is so expensive…..in Louisiana. Baton Rouge has been a wonderful place to grow up and now raise my family, but we’re not California with almost a perfect climate where one would expect high prices. Why are home prices so high here….still in 2011? Even with the modest correction, it would certainly seem that we’re still at nose bleed levels on the pricing of some local housing relative to local incomes. I scratch my head monthly on this issue.

Please understand, I’m not a conservative appraiser. Whatever the housing market’s decision has been, in the form of home sales, I reflect in my reports. However, we’re now about 9 months into this local correction and I’m beginning to think that locals are finally coming to their senses on what they pay for local housing relative to local incomes. There are A LOT of sellers in denial right now, and Hurricane Katrina didn’t help with that at all. It only made it worse. Today, some local Real Estate Agents are hiring me for my Listing Appraisals on their listings that have been on the market for months now, they know are overpriced and they bring me in to show the seller the reality of the local numbers in comparison to sellers perception that their home is worth more.

The chart below doesn’t indicate a huge problem in GBR housing, not like some sour markets in the USA where there’s 3-4 years of supply. However, talk to most appraisers locally and you’ll find that we’re checking “Slow” market for growth or sales and in some subdivision/markets, there’s been such few home sales that it’s become very difficult to complete appraisals for the lack of comps sold within 3 to 6 months, especially under $125,000.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of August 2010 to July 2011. This information was extracted on 8/10/2011. YES, this appraiser does have the permission of GBRMLS to use the chart above.

These are some of the things I’ve been thinking about in GBR Housing since 2007 and going forward. Are we fairly priced or still way out of balance? Yes, the market is correcting back to some sense of sanity…..finally…..and how many more months or years will it be till we reach equilibrium (sanity) based on local incomes.

New Homes Are Still Priced High. I still see a local builder and have them say something like, “This market is killing me…when the market coming back?!”. And that builder just doesn’t get it….that the post Hurricane Katrina builder’s market isn’t coming “back” in terms of such exaggerated pricing. The odd thing here is the LHBA (La Home Builders Association) would probably tell you today that we’re too low for their builders to make a decent profit on local home building. What they experienced in 2006-2008 (unsustainable pricing) and expect in the future just wasn’t/isn’t sustainable.

This is why I believe that new TND in Zachary recently announced will take a decade or more to build out because $140/sf to $200/sf just isn’t what local incomes will support and until local builders understand this, they’ll be more developments started and then finished by DSLD Homes. This is also why I believe that new Wyndam Estates development in Denham Springs with 1600sf homes on “tiny lots” in $190′s or $120/sf will also take much, much longer than expected to fill and should be filled with homes in the $150s to $160s. It’s about market economics and local incomes and the local economics, at least outside of Baton Rouge itself, is in favor of DSLD Homes pricing. Those builders and developers that fail to understand local incomes will continue to have their fledgling developments sold to and finished by developers like DSLD Homes after spending millions to break the dirt.

Bill Cobb, Appraiser

My Appraiser Friend in Sacramento California, Ryan Lundquist, just posted this interesting article, Letting the dogs pee outside is an okay idea | Sacramento Appraisal Blog . Image is from Ryan’s post.

My Baton Rouge Home Appraiser for 20 years comments are these:

It’s amazing how many people have pets, don’t realize just how strong pet odor can be (owners get used to it), especially with cats, and we appraisers sometimes gag over the smells in people’s homes….trying to maintain a smile during the inspection.

I appraised a home recently in Area 41 where pets had so smelled up the home that it took close to 550 days on the market to sell this under 15 yr old home at a huge discount. If the seller would have just invested $2,500 and changed out the carpet and removed the pet odor, they might have not lost about $15,000 on the sale.

Home Selling Tip For Pet Owners: When it comes time to sell your home and you’ve owned pets, move the pets to another location, change out the carpet and get rid of the pet odor. Ask others that don’t live there to do the sniff test to make sure the pet odor is gone!

Tags: Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Homes, Baton Rouge Housing, Baton Rouge Home Appraisers, Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisers, East Baton Rouge, Greater Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Home Appraisal, Home Appraisals, Baton Rouge Realtors, Baton Rouge Real Estate Agents

GBRMLS data for the Forest Oaks Subdivision revealed these interesting findings. From 2004 to 2009, the median sales price increased from $84,700 to $106,200. From 2009 to 2010 to 2011, median sales price declined from $106,200 down to $97,500 and $93,000. There are currently 13 MLS Listings from $46,500 to $115,000. Ten of these are active listing at an average price of $74/sf, which is substantially above market. In contrast, the 3 pending listings are pending at an average $54/sf and the 6 home sales in Forest Oaks in 2011 sold for an average of $62.88/sf. SO, If you plan on buying a home in Forest Oaks in 2011, ask yourself why these 10 listings are priced $10.67/sf ABOVE what the other 6 homes sold for and then order a Greater Baton Rouge Pre-Purchase Appraisalto make sure you don’t pay too much for Baton Rouge Real Estate.

CHART OF FOREST OAKS HOME SALES SINCE 2004

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2004 to July 26, 2011. This information was extracted on 7/26/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

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/

According to the University Hills Civic Association website, “University Hills has one of the widest entrances of any subdivision in Baton Rouge. And, it has the one of the oldest and most historic live oaks on public property in the city. The larger Centennial oak has been estimated to be nearly 300 years old. (In 1979 , it was designated “Legacy Oak” 0002 by the City-Parish Beautification Commission, meaning that it was the second oldest live oak on public property in East Baton Rouge.) The other oak, on the corner of Delgado and Tulane Drives, is approximately 200 years old.”

Legacy Oak Designation Above!

The Homes Of University Hills Below Ranging in sizes from 768sf up to 4,168sf

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/

This is an on-going series into the decline of Greater Baton Rouge Home Values and why potential buyers should beware and not pay too much for “some” local overpriced listings. YES, there are overpriced listings in the Greater Baton Rouge Housing Market! Bill strongly recommends in this housing environment to obtain a Pre-Purchase Appraisal to gain ALL of the facts before making a local home purchase decision.

A recent home appraisal in and analysis of Old Jefferson revealed this interesting finding. From 2008 to 2011, the median sales price has continued to decline. From 2008 to 2010, the median sales prices were $149,900, $147,000, $145,000 and in 2011 it’s currently $140,200 based only on 4 sales (the chart below isn’t updated yet). Again, this is only based on 4 sales in the first 4.5 months of 2011. In 2010, there were 22 total sales, so one can see that the number of home sales has dropped considerably. NOTE: There is no indication per GBRMLS sheets that any of these 4 2011 sales were distressed or foreclosures, just a correction to a lower price level.

THE CORRECTION IN HOME PRICES – This is becoming the familiar “Stair Step Up and Stair Step Down”…..The Climb And Then Descent Of The Stairs In This Chart Below Visually Explains The Correction! And, so does the chart below it showing a correction.

The Chart below shows a considerable correction since May 2010 for home comparable to a larger 2,000sf in Zip 70817. Yes, the average home in Old Jefferson is 1,500sf to 1,600sf. The home I was appraising had an addition.

CURRENT LISTINGS. There are 20 current listings from $117,000 to $174,900 with 18 active and only 2 pending or under contract. So, there is a major oversupply of available homes for sale in Old Jefferson. The Average Listing Price per sq. ft. is $91.23/sf, which is too high and the reason these homes aren’t selling. If you examine the chart above, 2011 support is now in the $80s/sf, not the $90s/sf. This is called sellers in denial. AND, the 2 pendings have an average listing prices of $83.60/sf, further proof that reaching $91/sf in Old Jefferson was something that took place in 2010 but no longer in 2011. And, CoreLogictells us that Baton Rouge is in its’ 8th straight month of declines.

DISTRESSED LISTINGS. Out of the 20 current listings, 1 is a foreclosure and 3 are short sales. So, 20% of available listings are distressed in nature.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2008 to May 20, 2011. This information was extracted on 5/206/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

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/

Can Real Estate Agents Talk To Home Appraisers During A Purchase Appraisal? In short, they absolutely can!

HVCC was retired yet the policies it set in motion remain in motion. Now, Dodd-Frank’s Appraiser-Independence Legislation is the rule of the day and there is a lot of confusion out there between both Home Appraisers and Real Estate Agents on communication! I just had an Agent this week contact me complaining about an Appraiser that came in short on an appraisal because the Appraiser didn’t understand the home on the river had 2 boat slips instead of just 1. This Agent didn’t understand that he could have spoken with the appraiser at the beginning to clear all facts up about this property.

The November 8, 2010 article in Live Valuation Magazine written by Larry Disney, Change to Appraisal and Appraiser Regulation Has Arrived – Are You Ready? sheds some light on this topic. The language in the new Dodd-Frank legislation appears to help the communication process between Agents and Appraisers and Sellers and Borrowers. For example, in this article, Mr. Disney states,

“The above language is not meant to imply that mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, real estate brokers, appraisal management companies, employees of appraisal management companies, consumers, or any other person with an interest in a real estate transaction cannot ask an appraiser to consider additional information, including comparable sales; provide further detail, substantiation, or explanation for an opinion of value; and correct errors in the appraisal report.“

It sounds to me like Agents can communicate with home Home Appraisers.

I asked two (2) nationally known Home Appraisers these questions below:

At what point can the RE Agent talk to the appraiser regarding the purchase appraisal?

*When the initial appraisal inspection is setup?
*After the appraiser has inspected the property?
*If only at the initial setup, then can that agent provide their comps / support then to avoid an appeal later?
*What’s your policy or understanding on this?

*Was I wrong in what I’ve told this agent that asked me below:

I as an appraiser have always considered there to be 3 Real Estate Professionals in the deal: Listing Agent, Selling Agent and Appraiser. To avoid appeals, I ask for the Agent’s comps at the time I set the inspection up. Some Agents are offended that I do this because they take it as if I’m questioning them. I’m not questioning, just trying to give them their opportunity to “talk” to the appraiser before I go out for the inspection and avoid an appeal later. I think you should be proactive with Appraisers and take as much control of your deals as possible……and that’s done initially when the appraiser calls to set up the appraisal inspection. It’s a myth that Agents can’t talk to Appraisers, it’s just that the communication must take place before the appraiser inspection and not after the inspection.

Their two (2) responses I received are below:

In summary, one Appraiser stated that there has been a lot over reaction and that they try to talk to the Agents of most deals. If a value issue arises, the appraiser said he contacts them for their data, which could be before or after the inspection, without letting on that there is a value issue.

Washington State Appraiser, Dave Towne, Said:

“I’m with you on this. I sometimes will ask agents for their ‘cma’, saying “I want to be sure I understand how you priced this property at the time of listing. I want to be sure I don’t miss any properties that you may have considered.” I do this when I determine the price is too high based on comps I pre-research prior to inspecting.

Often, they don’t even have those in their file, and just provide listings at inspection time that support the price, but that are not necessarily comps from our perspective.

An appraiser has to be careful about accepting carte blanche properties provided by someone financially connected to the deal. But I don’t think trying to understand the preliminary pricing process is out of line. However, after the inspection and the report is complete/submitted, that’s not the time to complain – especially if the agent was uncooperative at the start.

We are supposed to ‘verify’ every sale. That involves communication with the players involved prior to report completion. Unfortunately agents sometimes have an adversarial attitude, and appraisers don’t do an effective job discussing this. I think you do, based on your info.

And anyone connected to the assignment can discuss aspects of the property with the appraiser in advance of report submittal, as long as there is no attempt to influence the value.”

What does the Home Appraiser’s Client Instructions Say About This Topic – The AMC’s or Appraisal Management Companies?

I reviewed three (3) recent appraisal orders for home purchases. These Appraisal Orders were 8 pages, 3 pages and 4 pages in length. None of these orders stated the Appraiser couldn’t communicate with the Agent. Two sets of the instructions read,

“Purchases require that you review the sales contract and state in report that contract was reviewed. Obtain contract from Agent/Contract or Contact AMC for help. Contract must be fully executed.” Fully executed means the contract must have ALL signatures or you the Agent hold up the deal!

“For Purchase transactions, if AMC does not provide you with the sales contract governing the transaction, you must contact us or the borrower/REALTOR to obtain it.”

Conclusion. It appears from ALL sources reviewed that Agents can communicate with Appraisers during a purchase transaction. My advice as a Home Appraiser is to provide the Appraiser with a list of relevant features, upgrades, your Sketch showing your measurements and a list of your supportable comps used to market the property. By providing your comps up front, you are avoiding an appeal after the appraisal is completed, which will also help speed the closing process.

Why Did I just state, “your Sketch showing your measurements”? Because in the month of May in my market, one deal did not appraise and another deal was very, very close simply because the Agents either did not measure the homes, simply copied a previous incorrect MLS listing or measured them incorrectly per the National “ANSI” Standards. The MLS Listings were incorrect by 173sf and 215sf. The 173sf error was in a market where homes were selling in the $121/sf range. If you have your own sketch, you can be sure that your listing is the right size, priced properly and be less questionable in terms of the appraisal.

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/

Washington State Appraiser, Dave Towne, recently offered tremendous value to home appraisers by providing a copy of a list of the Top 12 FDIC Appraisal Deficiencies, see list below. In case you are not aware, the FDIC, in order recoup loses, is filing suit against AMCs (Appraisal Management Companies) and individual appraisers for questionable appraisal work that could have led to mortgage defaults. FDIC is seeking hunreds of millions of dollars in these suits.

Dave said, “Appraisers….

The FDIC has recently named a major nationwide AMC in a suit involving hundreds of defaulted properties**, claiming the AMC was deficient in the way they reviewed original appraisal reports. The suit has not gone to trial yet.

Included with the suit legal documents was this list that shows issues of concern in the original appraisal reports.

This would be a good list to use to review your own reports prior to submittal.

I personally found much satisfaction in #4 above about the applying “not reasonable, large unsupported adjustments for intangibles such as view, etc.” See this water front lot photo below.

My reply to Dave follows….

Thank you so very much, Dave!!!

I LOVE YOUR #4, about applying non-supportable adjustments for “view”. There is no such adjustment and I don’t understand why FNMA even has that in the grid. Dave, when a buyer closes on a lake lot, do they have “2″ closings, one for the site value and another separate closing for the lake view? No they don’t….and that would be insane wouldn’t it? There is no such thing as a supportable “View” adjustment. The entire value in a lot is the “Site” itself and all of the attributes of that site: land, size, view, historic trees, etc.. It all makes up the “Site Value”. And, based on what you’ve sent us, I’m not the only appraiser or regulatory agency who polices appraisers who thinks this way!

Accurate Valuations Group (Home Appraisals) has completed an analysis of the East Baton Rouge Parish housing market from First Quarter 2010 versus First Quarter 2011. The results are below. Click the chart to view in a larger size.

This is a lot of data to report on in one (1) article with “20″ zip codes. A short summary follows:

Number of Home Sales Decreased by 3% Over 2010! For the number of home sales, only 9 zip codes reported a smaller number of sales. And, Ten (10) Zip Codes experienced more sales in Q1 2011 than in Q1 2010, which is great news for our market. Still, in Q1 2010 there were 738 home sales versus 714 in Q1 2011, which is a difference of 24 sales or -3%.

Average Sales Prices Overall Decline! This is consistent with the CoreLogic report on national home prices falling for the 7th straight month, as reported on Thursday, April 7, 2011. Thirteen (13) of the 20 Zip Codes showed declining average sales prices versus only Seven (7) showing increases. Local home prices are continuing to correct.

Average Sales Price Per Square Foot Overall Declines! This is consistent with the CoreLogic report. Fifteen (15) of the 20 Zip Codes showed declining average sales prices per sq. ft. versus only Seven (5) showing either no change or just slight increases.

Biggest Gainers. Zip Code 70807, the Scotlandville market, showed a 450% increase in number of home sales. Zip Code 70739, the Central or Greenwell Springs market, showed a +16.2% increase in Average Sales Prices AND +5.6% in Average Sales Price Per Sq. Ft.. Central is a “hot” market viewed by locals as having a favorable school district.

Largest Declines. Zip Code 70820, the market below LSU off Brightside, showed a -35.3% decrease in number of home sales. Zip Code 70802, the market in and around Central Business District, showed a -33.4% decline in Average Sales Prices AND -30.2% decline in Average Sales Price Per Sq. Ft..

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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/

We provide property tax appeal home appraisals for East Baton Rouge Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Western Livingston Parish and Northern Ascension Parish. Cities we cover are Baton Rouge, Zachary La, Baker La, Greenwell Springs La, Port Allen La, Brusly La, Addis La, Prairieville La, Gonzales La, Geismar La, Saint Amant La, Denham Springs La, Walker La, Watson La. Appeal your property taxes today.

NOTE: It’s Responsible To State Here That We’ve Found Less Than 13% Of Local Housing Is “Over-Assessed”. Over-Assessments ARE NOT A Major Problem Locally! Most Local Housing Is Fairly Assessed By Assessor Teams That Strive To Be As Accurate As Possible! See “VIDEO EXPLANATION” for Parish by Parish Results…And, In West Baton Rouge Parish, We’ve Found No Over-Assessments Year-To-Date! This is not a cheap shot directed at our public servants as this video is complimentary of them. Our Tax Assessors are fair and will generally make it right. Bill Cobb, Appraiser

I’m noticing a trend in the $100K to $140K range where home sales have slowed, if not stalled. I’m reading about mortgages drying up for some. I’m looking at a 1004MC or Market Conditions Form right now in 70810 Area 53 where 12 months ago there were 17 sales and 2 months supply and in First Quarter 2011 only 1 sale in current 3 month quarter and 49 month supply. Of course, Baton Rouge home sales aren’t totally stalled for all price ranges, but for the under $140K range, there certainly has been a slowdown and increase in supply. Here’s the recent examples below.

This 1004MC or Market Conditions Report Based On Sub-Market Solds and Listings For an overbuilt home in Hermitage Subdivision, but using 1,200sf to 2300sf lowered price homes as comps in Area 53. From 17 sales 12 months ago to only 1 in current 3 months. Months supply of inventory 12 months ago was 21 months and currently it’s 48 months. Median sales price appeared to remain stable. It actually increased, BUT trend is not called just based on 1 sale.

SAME TREND IN DENHAM SPRINGS FOR 2 HOMES. I saw this exact same trend in Denham Springs last week. A couple purchased a home for $141K in 2007, surely a Post Katrina high price, and it appraised in low $130s in 2011 due to expected market correction. There was going to be a correction! 1004MC or Market Conditions Data showed 8 sales and 9 month supply 12 months ago and only 2 sales and 36 month supply in current 3 month period. In this case, median sales prices had declined, corrected.

This 1004MC Based On Sub-Market Solds and Listings For a 1,500sf 40 yr old home in South Woodcrest Subdivision. From 9 sales 12 months ago to only 1 in current 3 months for past 2 quarters. Months supply of inventory 12 months ago was only 4 months and currently it’s 45 months. Median Sales Price was $128,450 12 months ago and is now $124,125, a dip of -3.4%. Also, the Median Sold Days On The Market increased from 76 days 12 months ago to 191 in Q1 2011 .

This 1004MC or Market Conditions Report Based On Sub-Market Solds and Listings For a 1,150sf 40 yr old home in Sara Estate Subdivision. From 9 sales 12 months ago to only 1 in current 3 months for past 2 quarters. Months supply of inventory 12 months ago was only 4 months and currently it’s 45 months. Median sales price appeared to remain stable.

The Positive In The Market! I do know there is a lot of positive chatter from local Real Estate Agents on FB on the uptick in home buyer interest….and that’s a positive for the market.

PART OF THE REASON FOR “LOW APPRAISALS”. As home appraisers, the Big Banks are really concerned about Collateral Risk and want to know much more about the markets they lend in from the home appraisal. This is why today’s home appraiser works a couple of hours longer on each report to deliver all of this extra data, to better understand the markets they operate in and apply market based adjustments, whether those adjustments support a purchase agreement or not. Stats like I’m reporting here aren’t obvious on the surface when it comes to pricing a home for a listing BUT are made more transparent at appraisal time. Such stats as 45 months supply, declining median sales prices and average days on the market of 191 days do influence the final outcome on an appraisal and helps the lender make the decision as to if they are going to take the risk to lend in a market. Underwriters can choose to “cut” the appraised value.

In my opinion, sometimes a “Low Appraisal” isn’t really a low appraisal but more of a reflection on the reality in that market at that time period. And, that period of time could be months and months after that Agent’s sign went into the ground in front of that home. Markets Change! After all, if the market indicators above in the 1004MC were known to only the Appraiser and not known by the Agent marketing the home, then can you now see how and why appraisers are armed with more knowledge of market interaction? And, in the case where median sales prices were declining, can you see how that if this is not known by listing agents the trouble this causes at appraisal time? This is the newer depth of market analysis we appraisers are seeing in the markets we operate in AND the market analysis the average real estate agent is not seeing in the same market. Can you understand now why Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, RD, VA and Banks want appraisers looking at these numbers more closely? I as a home appraiser certainly can.

Sometimes low appraisals happen because the overpriced listing was based on what the seller wanted versus pricing that home based on market support. Sometimes low appraisals happen because the home wasn’t properly measured and may be smaller than stated. There is supposed to be a real estate professional measure each listing based on the National ANSI Standards, whether that person be the actual Agent, their team or an appraiser. Sometimes low appraisals happen because excessive seller paid concessions were not deducted from the comps used by Agent to establish the listing price. Fannie Mae instructs appraisers to deduct excessive seller paid concessions and expects Agents to do the same at listing time. And, when the comps or solds used in the appraisal state seller paid concessions of $6,000 to $8,000 to $10,000 to $12,000, then those excessive concessions will be deducted from those comps. If typical is $3,000, then in the example above, -$3000, $-5000, -$7,000 and -$9,000 will be deducted to bring these comps back down to market normalcy! Fannie Mae, FHA and lenders know that when there is no “skin-in-the-game” or downpayment, they are more likely to get that home back. And, there are some P.A.’s written to utilize excessive seller paid concessions to get people into housing. It’s as if the regulations are asking the appraisers to help correct this situation in the market.

A Decrease In Mortgage Lending In These Price Ranges? Is there a decrease in mortgage lending in these price ranges or just harder to qualify for a mortgage loan….or both?

The longer I appraise homes for purchases, the less I understand about how homes are properly and ethically priced for listings! This post is about an example in the Greater Baton Rouge housing market I recently experienced. THE HOME DID NOT APPRAISE FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE! AND, this was one of those deals where they tried to roll in excessive seller paid concessions.

Disclaimer. In order to protect the identity of the Agent and the home in question, which is still Pending, details as to location and physical address are withheld.

Physical Details. Subject or home under contract is located somewhere in Greater Baton Rouge. Subject is 20 years old, 1,750sf to 2,000sf 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms located in a restricted subdivision where the homes are similar size and age. There is 1 sale and current listings in this development. Price range is somewhere between $180,000 to $220,000. While subject is in good condition, it’s not updated and has some inferior vinyl flooring.

Appraisal Inspection Setup & Request For Comps Used To Market Subject. As is my custom, at the same time the appraisal inspection was setup, the comps used to market the home were requested from Listing Agent. I’ve always believed that there are 2 to 3 real estate professionals involved in the sale or purchase of a home: the Listing Agent, Selling Agent and The Appraiser. Agents do know and see things in the market that appraisers do not and I want to know what I might be missing about a deal. School district could be an example. And, by requesting the comps up front, I hope to avoid an appeal or rebuttal later.

Home Was Priced High And The Sellers Gave it Away! Before visiting subject, I noticed subject was priced high and Agent provided 5 “sales”, which turned out NOT to be true comps. When I arrived at the home, the sellers were obviously nervous and were asking me questions about the appraisal and comps and making stating statements like, “I hope the home appraises with the extra concessions rolled in because we have a contract on another home…..”

The “Sales”, not “Comps” Sent. Also, Note That Appraisal Is Being Completed In March 2011 and Lenders Want Comps Within 90 to 180 Days Or 3 to 6 Months. Here’s a review of the 5 sales sent to me.

Sale #1, sold in 4/2010, is 200sf smaller in size, is similar in age but is updated. While this sale can be added a supplemental comp, this “sale” is too old for underwriters in 2011 to give heavy consideration to it.

Sale #2, sold in 6/2010, is 240sf smaller in size, was built in 2006 or is 5 years old, is located in a newer development with a newer design/appeal. So, design/appeal, age, location and condition are all superior. How is this “5″ year old home comparable to a 20 year old home? The 240sf difference in size raises the gross and net adjustments above underwriter tolerance of 15%, which indicates it’s not truly a comparable. Also, the 6/2010 “sale” is too old for underwriters in 2011 to give heavy consideration to it. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing here!

Sale #3, sold in 8/2010, is 312sf smaller in size, was built in 2005 or is 6 years old, is located in a newer development with a newer design/appeal AND an IG Pool. So, design/appeal, age, SLAB GRANITE COUNTERS, location, IG Pool and condition are all superior. How is this “6″ year old home comparable to a 20 year old home? The 312sf difference in size raises the gross and net adjustments above underwriter tolerance of 15%, which indicates it’s not truly a comparable. Also, the 8/2010 “sale” is too old for underwriters in 2011 to give heavy consideration to it. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing here!

Sale #4, sold in 10/2010 is within 75sf of subjects size, BUT was built in 2000 or is 11 years old, has a newer design/appeal AND is located on a half acre subdivision lot. So, design/appeal, age lot size and condition are all superior. How is this “11″ year old home comparable to a 20 year old home?

Sale #5, sold in 6/2010, is within 75sf of subjects size, is similar in age and condition. While this sale can be added a supplemental comp, this “sale” is too old for underwriters in 2011 to give heavy consideration to it.

What I did and didn’t do! This appraiser ended up using Sales 1, 4 & 5 in the report, Sale 4 simply because of the lack of sold homes in this market, along with 2 other more recent solds to comply with underwriters wanting more recent comps. This appraiser did not bend ethics and use Sales 2 & 3 as there was NO remote similarity to the subject and 5 & 6 year old homes. And, per lender requirements, this appraiser also added 3 listings into the report from the immediate market, of which were located in subjects own development.

THIS IS NOT A HOUSING MARKET OF STRENGTH AND….THIS POST HURRICANE KATRINA MARKET IS UNDERSTANDABLY AND LOGICALLY STILL CORRECTING! While GBR is performing better than the general U.S. housing market, we do face challenges. There has been a barrage of economic data and news suggesting national economic malaise in the housing sector with no signs whatever of even price footing, U.S. home prices continue to fall, and Corelogic and Baton Rouge Business Report reporting that Greater Baton Rouge is in its’ 6TH STRAIGHT MONTH OF HOME PRICE DECLINES. Greater Baton Rouge also has a fore closure and shadow inventory problem with 22 months of current shadow inventory. I’m not here to put down our market, but I do believe it’s about time we admit the challenges and price local listings accordingly, especially in the under $300K range where it really matters. The over $300,000 market appears to be weathering this downturn better than the under $300,000 markets.

WHAT I DON’T SOMETIMES SEE IN THE GBR HOUSING MARKET. What I don’t see sometimes, not all the time, are GBR home listings priced according to these facts and trends above! Some homes are priced as if it were still 2007. Homes shouldn’t be listed based on the sellers dictating listing price but rather based on market support and a little cushion for negotiation and normal seller concessions.

LOW APPRAISALS. And, when homes are overpriced, this is why that “low appraisal” occurs. Low Appraisals could be the result of a faulty appraisal, and/or it could be more about bringing reality to the situation and reflecting a flaw in the expectations created by a faulty and unrealistic listing pricing at the beginning of the process. This is exactly the example I have provided in this article, the totally unrealistic listing price for this home that didn’t appraise. And, it didn’t appraise based on the Agent’s 3 actual comps and the 1 sale and 2 current listings in the subjects own development. I believe those 5 & 6 year old “sales” provided were to help prop up the deal, which didn’t happen with this appraiser!

REASONS FOR LOW APPRAISALS. Low Appraisals can occur because the home listed wasn’t actually measured…this does happen in our market. Low appraisals can occur because the listing agents failed to deduct excessive seller paid concessions when they completed that MLS CMA to price that home. And, the GBRMLS doesn’t automatically deduct excessive concessions. So, if local agents don’t do more than a simple MLS CMA to price their listings, if they don’t examine seller paid concessions on each sale they base value, they could end up with a low appraisal because that appraiser IS going to deduct excessive seller paid concessions on comps used based on Fannie Mae selling guidelines, which instructs appraisers to do so below:

“Lenders are reminded that excessive sales concessions can artificially inflate the sales price of a property, which can then lead to an inflated market value. Particular attention should be given to unusual sales or financing concessions to ensure that they are properly accounted for in the appraisal report. Fannie Mae’s definition of market value is intended to ensure that appraisals reflect an opinion of market value after adjustments for any special or creative financing or sales
concessions have been made, such as interest rate buydowns or payment of condo or homeowners’ association fees.”

Fannie Mae and FHA know that when there’s no skin-in-the-game or down payment, there could be a higher default rate!

GREATER BATON ROUGE HOME BUYERS SHOULD GET A PRE-PURCHASE HOME APPRAISAL! With the local housing market still correcting and “some” overpriced listings in this market, it’s this appraisers advice to get a Pre-Purchase Home Appraisal before negotiations!

Total # 2010 Sales: 11
Average Sales Price: $385,127
Median Sales Price: $384,900
Average Sold Price: $116.37/sf
Average List To Sale Price Ratio: 96%
Average Days On Market: 132

One 2011 Sale $389,000 or $129/sf. It appears Woodstone Median Sales Price Is Increasing Again. Median Prices since 2007 have been $462,600, $417,450, $315,000, $384,900 and now $389,000 in 2011. So, there was the rise in prices after Hurricane Katrina, then the deflating of the market and now this specific market appears to be on the rise!

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2005 to March 25, 2011. This information was extracted on 03/25/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

Solds In Kildare Subdivision have varied from lows to highs in terms of the Average and Median Sales Prices by year from 2006 up to 2011. The variance in the these range from $45,000 up to $152,500 depending on how many REO or foreclosure sales took place in Kildare during any given year. For example, the average sales prices since 2006 were $100,600, $89,000, $137,000, $87,700 and $122,500, which is a very wide spread. With the exception of 2009, there were few sales in each year. 2010 Data is reported below and there has already been one (1) REO or Foreclosure sale in 2011 for $45,000 for an 1,872sf home on 0.55 acre lot. In 2010, there were two (2) unusually high sales for $152,500 and $175,000. The $152,500 sale was for 2,919sf on about 1 acre and the $175,000 was for a 4,907sf on large lot with pool, 2 kitchens and apartment. Average days on market in 2010 was 300 days with a weak listing-to-sales price ratio of 92%.

Average Sales Price: $122,500
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $36/sf
Median Sold Price: $152,500
Number of Sales: 3
Low To High: $40,000, $152,500 to $175,000
Number of Sold REO/Foreclosures Noted In MLS: 1
Current # MLS Listings: 2
Current Listings Prices: $75,000 To $89,900

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 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/

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2006 to March 23, 2011. This information was extracted on 03/23/2011. YES, this appraiser does have the permission of GBRMLS to use the chart above Subdivision Price Trends Report!

http://www.gbrcvrreports.com/

I received these two (2) questions today from a local real estate agent after she read my CVR Video Press Release. This was my reply below.

Good questions and thank you for asking. I attached a 12 page Sample CVR Report based upon the desktop Pictometry aerial views of home. I’ll let you look it over to determine if it fits your client’s needs. A full conventional URAR 1004 Home Appraisal could be from 23 to 50 pages of work, depending on the complexity of assignment.

CVR DESIGNED FOR 2 TYPES OF INSPECTIONS: OFF-SITE & ON-SITE!

There are two (2) inspection options with the CVR report from an inspection point of view:

1.) A desktop report from aerial views online, no visit to home and no real photos (but 4 aerial pictometry photos). THIS IS THE FASTEST DELIVERED REPORT. Cost $150 to $175.

2.) A visit to the home with real photos taken by me and placed into report. This cost around $200. I may even measure the home and provide a sketch for my own peace-of-mind. THIS REPORT TAKES LONGER TO DELIVER BECAUSE OF THE INTERIOR INSPECTION.

CVR IS STRICTLY AN OPTION FOR URBAN OR SUBURBAN LOCATION, NOT RURAL LOCATIONS! IS YOUR PROPERTY RIGHT FOR THE CVR?

The CVR report requires 30 to 50 good sales/comps. CVRs reports are used in highly populated Urban and Suburban markets. As long as this home in question is located in a restricted subdivision and housing market with ample comps, the CVR should be able to meet your needs.

25 TO 30 DOLLAR FEE PER REPORT.

I have to pay the data service $25 to $30 per report I complete for the extra data these reports require. Standard data is $25 plus $5 for the Veros data for forecasting, IF Veros covers the Greater Baton Rouge adequately enough. I have performed many of these reports in class based on Greater Baton Rouge MLS data for training in Texas but have not completed one locally in town yet. I do have my first order scheduled this week.

Tags: Collateral Valuation Report, CVR, Replacing BPOs, Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Appraisers, Baton Rouge Appraisals

Video Link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Y3eTRa_D8

In this video, local home appraiser of 20 years, Bill Cobb, points out trends observations from the Area 53 housing market, generally from Essen Lane over toward Country Club of Louisiana area.

This is a “sub-market” study of homes 2900sf to 3450sf, from 11-15 to 16-20 years old, from approx. $300,000 up to $450,000 range. This is not a broad study but a limited study of homes comparable to a 3250sf home built in 1994 in the Bluebonnet 70810 market. The observations here are not broad or general, but specifics to these parameters.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of June 1, 2008 to March 6, 2011. This information was extracted on 3/6/2011.

SFREP or Software for Real Estate Professionals is a local real estate appraisal software company founded by R. Wayne Pugh, MAI. SFREP recently added a new mapping feature to their “Appraise-It” product, which aids the appraiser in better communication with the underwriters.

Video Link Is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtoXLINgvz8

Accurate Valuations Group is a proud sponsor of the St. Jude Dream Home, providing home appraisal services for the Dream Home since the year 2000. Buy your tickets at the links below.

Direct Link And Info From Sponsor WBRZ Information Page: http://www.wbrz.com/st-jude-dream-home-giveaway

TICKETS: $100 tickets will go on sale December 14, 2010. You may reserve your ticket at Citizen’s Bank & Trust branch locations, The UPS Store, open houses, www.stjudedreamhome.org or by phone at (800) 726-6409.

Grand Prize: Approximate value is: $350,000

The first place prize is the St. Jude Dream Home house located at 37393 Hwy. 621 in Prairieville in the Lakes at Ascension subdivision.
The St. Jude Dream Home house features:
Four bedrooms, 3 baths
3,052 square feet living, 3,755 square feet total area
Upstairs den/playroom
Granite Slabs
Stainless Steel Appliances
Bricked Courtyard
Wood FloorsCypress Cabinets
Bronze Light and plumbing fixtures

This year marks the thirteenth year of construction of the St. Jude Dream Home in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is the original and longest running home raffle conducted in our community. Proceeds generated from the sale of tickets to win this home directly benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic located in Baton Rouge and children locally, nationally and around the world.

Other Prizes
In addition to the St. Jude Dream Home house, other prizes will be given away. Each is valued at $1,000 or more. These prizes include:
$1,000 gift certificate at Kean’s Fine Dry Cleaning
Flowers each month for a year, courtesy of Billy Heroman’s Flowerland
$1,000 gift certificate at Memory Mania
$1,000 gift certificate at Shear Illusions Hair Salon
Two $500 gift certificate at Carriages
One year family membership, courtesy of Spectrum Fitness Club
Spa services and products, courtesy of St. Michel Day Spa
5-piece patio set, courtesy of Brian’s Furniture
$1,000 gift certificate at Kleinpeter Photography
$1,000 savings bond, value at maturity date, courtesy of Citizens Bank & Trust
Talo® SmartTouch® kitchen faucet & accessories, courtesy of Brizo®
Two painting parties, courtesy of Mud Pies and Masterpieces
Custom built furniture, courtesy of Kayu Furniture Imports
Desktop computer and printer, courtesy of Diamond Foods
Mural, courtesy of Tara Buttons
$500 gift certificate at The Melting Pot $1,200 gift certificate at Associated Grocers

Open Houses:

The St. Jude Dream Home house will be open to the public every Saturday and Sunday, February 5-March 20, (Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m.).

Call (800) 726-6409 for directions.

Tour of the St. Jude Dream Home with Whitney:

Drawing:

Winners will be announced during the live St. Jude television special on WBRZ Channel 2 on March 27, 2011. Only 11,500 tickets will be sold.

For more information, call the 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-(800) 726-6409 or visit www.stjudedreamhome.org

The LREC or Louisiana REALTORS (source) is reporting on the state of Louisiana foreclosures as of fourth quarter 2010. There report is below.

As I was driving into Rambling Oaks Subdivision the other day, I noticed a new set of really nice Townhomes. I pulled into the development to see that the builder developer was Patterson Homes.

I contacted the Listing Agent, Treshur Jones @ 225-954-2460 to inquire about this new development. According to Treshur, “I am very pleased with the project and also think they are a great addition to the Central community!!” Also, Treshur stated, “2 are pending and I am currently waiting on the third contract right now. The HOA dues are now $800 for the year and that includes their insurance.”

There are 5 new townhomes ranging in living area sizes from 1,263sf, 1,383sf to 1,399sf listed from $145,900, $149,900, $159,000 and $164,900. The features are listed below from the GBRMLS sheets. From the online MLS photos, it appeared these were more upscale units with slab granite counters, upgraded appliances, really nice.

“GREAT ONE STORY TOWNHOMES IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL! HOMES HAVE OPEN FLOORPLANS WITH STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES & OIL RUBBED BRONZE FIXTURES. LARGE MASTER BEDROOM WITH LARGE CLOSET. MASTER BATH HAS DOUBLE SINKS. CONVENIENT COMPUTER NOOK. ENCLOSED GARAGE WITH PRIVATE COURTYARD ENTRANCE. PRIVACY FENCE IN BACK.”

These new units are great compliment to the Central Community! Bill Cobb, Appraiser

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Solds In Village St George Subdivision from 1/2010 to 12/31/2010 revealed:

Average Sales Price: $125,857 ($126,909 in 2009)
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $89.61/sf ($86.39/sf in 2009)
Median Sold Price: $129,000 ($123,000 in 2009)
Number of Sales: 21 (11 in 2009)
Average Number of Days On Market: 94 (67 in 2009)
Low To High: $79,000 to $160,000
Number of Distressed Sales Noted In MLS: “3″
Current # Listings: 11, 3 Are Distressed Listings
Current Listings Price: $89,900 to $149,900 or $61/sf to $120/sf

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010. This information was extracted on 1/31/2011. YES, this appraiser does have the permission of GBRMLS to use the chart above Subdivision Price Trends Report!

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