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/

Photo Source: Travis Spradling/Advocate Staff Photo

Ellyn Couvillion, Advocate Staff Writer, has written a feature on Melrose Place 70806 here, BR’s ‘best kept secret’. The article features some interesting history of Melrose Place.

Here’s a couple of snippets below:

“They liked the quiet Melrose Place, which doesn’t have any through-traffic, she said.

“It is kind of the best kept secret” in Baton Rouge, she said of the neighborhood.

Situated about five miles from downtown and then located on the outskirts of Baton Rouge, Melrose Place was developed in 1945 by the Melrose Development Co., owned by Walter R. Aldrich, on a 300-acre tract, according to the civic association’s website at http://www.melroseplacebr.com.

“It’s an old and well-established neighborhood,” Westbrook said of Melrose Place. “The people that live there now really want to hold on to its heritage and keep it a very safe and beautiful place to live.”

“There’s a sense of community there that’s not going to be denied,” Westbrook said. “That’s the choice of the residents.

“The (association) meetings are well attended, everyone stays in touch,” he said.

Over the years, the ambience of the neighborhood has stayed true to character, Young said.

“People have the same goal — quality of life,” she said.

The residents of Melrose Place are a “real eclectic group, very diverse.”

“That’s why people move in here, for the atmosphere,” she said.

It may be something unique to the neighborhood, she said, that homes stay in families for many years, even after the owners, perhaps elderly parents, have passed away.

The kids who grew up there “don’t want to sell,” Young said”

Read the entire article here!

As of Feb. 1, associations with two or more units must be FHA-certified before the agency will back a mortgage. The previous policy of allowing one-time, or “spot approval,” for individual units was rescinded.

While it’s not the FHA home appraiser’s responsibility to determine if a condo project is approved for mortgage lending, it is good to know the actual FHA criteria for an approved condo project.

The article is located here and here are some snippets:

“Among the certification criteria:

–All units and common elements must be completely built.

–No single entity can own more than 10 percent or more than one of the units, whichever is greater.

–At least 50 percent of the units must be owner-occupied.

–No more than 15 percent of the units can be more than 30 days delinquent on assessments.

–No more than 25 percent of the total floor area can be used commercially.

–At least 10 percent of the annual budget must go to reserves.

–The right of first refusal is OK as long as it isn’t used to discriminate.

In addition, associations must submit copies of their budget, insurance policy, declaration and bylaws, plat of survey, any management agreement, analysis of outstanding or pending litigation, and minutes from the last two meetings.

Associations can become certified in one of two ways. The first is to wait for an FHA buyer to come along and let the buyer’s lender do the work. Certain lenders, typically the largest ones, are eligible to certify associations under the Direct Endorsement Lender Review and Approval Process, or DELRAP. The association supplies the necessary documents and information.”

To Read the entire article, visit The ABC’s of FHA condo requirements

There’s some good news for the Baker housing market! A segment of the Baker market is now increasing in median sales price from the March 2009 period, see charting below. The parameters of the GBRAR MLS search included homes from $70,000 to $135,000, 16 years old plus, 3 bedrooms in 70714 zip code – data extracted on April 14, 2010.

Why I stated “some good news”. For the home I appraising at approximately 1,300sf, there were 33 competing listings, indicating an oversupplied market. And, since April of 2008, previous 2 years, 20% of solds in MLS were REOs or foreclosures (20 REOs out of a total 102 comparable sales). Baker was one of the markets that investors took advantage of immediately after Hurricane Katrina buying low and selling very high. This resulted in a series of foreclosures within the Baker market dating back to 2007.

Tags: Baker Louisiana Real Estate, Baker Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers, Baker Louisiana FHA Appraisers, 70714, Baker Louisiana Homes, Baker Louisiana Housing

“Foreclosures are upon us, but someone has to sell them. 5 reasons there isn’t going to be a double dip. Home Depot is hiring, 64% of Americans feel now is the time to buy.”

Click Below To Check Out Today’s Video

Using Search Parameters of 1/1/2008 to 03/26/2010, 1400sf to 2200sf, $80,000 to $150,000, 21-76+ Yrs Old, the chart below is showing a major decline of median sales price in MLS Area 41 since 3/2009. In 3/2009, the median sold price was $124,250. In 3/2010, the median sales price has declined to $89,850 or -27.6%. This doesn’t indicate that all homes in Area 41 have lost 27.6% in value. It does mean that an increasing number of sold REO or Foreclosures have brought the median sales price down into 2010.

Currently, there are 13 competing REO or Foreclosure Listings in Area 41, which is a higher than average number for this market in this price range.

The Guys Are At It Again, But This Time In DC….Click Below!

Woodlawn Acres Subdivision Housing Market Direction: Up, Stable or Down?

Solds In Woodlawn Acres from 1/2007 to 12/2007 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $130,360
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $83.89/sf
Median Sold Price: $128,000
Average Days On Market: 70
Number Of Sales: 5

Solds In Woodlawn Acres from 1/2008 to 12/2008 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $149,000
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $76.02/sf
Median Sold Price: $149,000
Average Days On Market: 144
Number Of Sales: 1

Solds In Woodlawn Acres from 1/2009 to 12/2009 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $128,500
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $82.53/sf
Median Sold Price: $128,500
Average Days On Market: 52
Number Of Sales: 1

There really isn’t enough data (sales) to call a trend. So, the information above is presented with the permission of the GBRAR.

Bill Cobb, Appraiser – Your Local Greater Baton Rouge Housing “Trust Agent”!

For Your Greater Baton Rouge Home Apprasial Needs, Give Accurate Valuations Group A Call at 225-293-1500

http://www.accuratevg.com/

Housing Market Direction: Up or Down For Homes In The 1950sf to 2400sf, Ages 11-40 Yrs Old, Area 42, Price Range $130,000 to $225,000?

Therefore, based on the “median sale price barometer” charting above, the barometer used by the National Association of Realtors, the market direction declined from January 2009 to January 2010 by -2.4% based on 78 sales analyzed (REOs included). Search parameters were: 1/1/08 to Present, 1950sf to 2400sf, Ages 11-40 years old, MLS Area 42. 78 Sales Results Were Analyzed. Data used with the permission of the GBRAR (Greater Baton Rouge Association Of Realtors).

REO / Foreclosure Rate: Based on MLS Data of the actual solds, the REO rate is a low 7.14%. However, It’s also stated here that a 2009 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. MLS is reporting 2 comparable REO listings. However, since it’s possible that 70% of REOs and/or Sheriff Sales never make it into the MLS System, it’s almost impossible to know exactly how many competing REOs there really are out there.

For Your Home Appraisal Needs In Greater Baton Rouge, Give Bill Cobb A Call At 225-293-1500 or www.accuratevg.com.

WAFB News is reporting on the local glut of available appartments in the Baton Rouge market here! Here are a couple of snippets from the article:

“There’s no shortage of supply when it comes to rental space in and around Baton Rouge. In fact, since Hurricane Katrina, real estate appraiser and researcher Wesley Moore says the area built more than they could fill.

“We’re a market that typically absorbs 600 to 700 units per year and we built 4,500 in a relatively short stretch. We are not trying to absorb those units,” said Moore.

As a result, he says now is a bad time for apartment owners but prime time for renters.”

“He says the root of the rapid rate change partly comes from the country’s new “first time homeowners tax credit.” It helps people who would otherwise rent, with an $8,000 incentive.

“That’s had an adverse affect on apartments and without that, I don’t think we’d necessarily be having that discussion,” said Moore.

As with supply and demand, Moore expects this rental wave to pass somewhat soon, as the tax credits fade and mortgage rates rise.”

Tags: baton rouge, Baton Rouge Estate Appraisers, baton rouge real estate, baton rouge real estate agents, baton rouge real estate appraisers, baton rouge realtors, Denham Springs, Denham Springs Real Estate

Also, see the Baton Rouge Business Report’s: Dire predictions for commercial mortgage lending and here’s a snippet:

“Nationally, about $3.4 trillion in commercial real estate loans is outstanding, and some experts predict a wave of defaults in the next few years that could make the mortgage meltdown look like a strong wind before a hurricane. While some call for government intervention to head off the next financial crisis, others say the magnitude is too great. The debt crisis facing Dubai, with its custom-island extravagances, could be a global foretaste.

With a largely jobless recovery from the “Great Recession,” the root of the problem seems deep. Millions of office and industrial workers have been laid off this year alone, meaning a diminished need for physical job sites and a rise in commercial vacancies. Although Baton Rouge seems relatively resilient economically, commercial lending trouble has appeared. Mall of Louisiana owner General Growth Properties filed for bankruptcy in the spring, and banks that financed Tommy Spinosa’s Perkins Rowe development foreclosed on the project in the summer.“

http://batonrougerealestateappraisers.net/

According to the Louisiana Realtors eNews Digest, Fannie Mae is tightening underwriting guidelines. The Fannie Mae Tightens article is here!

Here’s a snippet:

“Fannie Mae is tightening its underwriting criteria by raising the minimum credit score for automated underwriting (Desktop Underwriter) from 580 to at least 620 for all loans, justified on the grounds that this action “will support prudent risk management and better ensure sustainable homeownership.” Even higher minimum credit scores may apply for both manual and automated underwriting, depending on factors such as the loan-to-value ratio and the number of units in the structure. The minimum credit score applies to all mortgage loans delivered to Fannie Mae, including FHA and other government-backed loans. Fannie is also changing the maximum debt-to-income ratio for Desktop Underwriter to 45 percent, but will allow 50 percent if there are “strong compensating factors.” Other changes are also being made. For more information, view these related Fannie Mae documents:

Fannie Mae Announcement 09-29 (PDF file) Summary and FAQs (PDF file)”

Local Market Monitor Announces Release of Third Quarter Home Price For Largest US Markets, article here! Here’s a snippet:

“According to the forecast, among the largest US markets—identified as those with populations greater than 600,000—the 10 markets with the best expected performance in home price are:

Baton Rouge, LA
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
Columbia, SC
Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX
Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA
Pittsburgh, PA
San Antonio, TX
Syracuse, NY

These top markets, where home values are expected to remain level, are among those markets that did not have a big housing boom and have had relatively small job losses over the past year. Home prices in these areas are generally below the US average and reflect where the recession has so far had a relatively mild impact. Dallas, San Antonio and Omaha have all experienced a 1.6 percent job loss over the past year, and jobs have actually increased in Baton Rouge.”

Chart #1 includes ALL solds from November 2008 to November 2009 YTD indicating a +7.36% increase in median sales price. ALL home sales includes both new home construction sales and existing home sales.

Chart #2 includes ONLY solds of existing homes from November 2008 to November 2009 YTD indicating a -0.66% decline in median sales price.

Current Listings. Currently, there are 29 listings within Springlake, from $196,900 up to $288,900. Of these listings, 15 are new construction and 14 are existing homes. The Average Listing Price is $238,655, Average Listing Price Per Sq. Ft. is $139.56/sf, Median Listing Price $239,500 and Average Days On Market 104 days. FSBOBR.com indicates 11 more current listings in Springlake from $198,000 up to $265,900. Assuming the 11 FSBOBR.com listings are not listed in MLS, that would total 40 current listings in Springlake, which would appear to be an oversupply and possibly the reason that the existing median sales price basically didn’t increase from 11/2008 to 11/2009.

Housingwire.com is reporting that FHA Condo Financing May Be Evaporating! Read the article here! Here’s a snippet:

“In a letter to lenders, the Federal Housing Agency (FHA) produced new guidelines that would constrict financing for condominiums. Since then, brokers and condo owners report that FHA financing for condos is going from a flood to a trickle.

In a letter released Nov. 6, the FHA provided temporary guidance effective for all case numbers assigned on or after Dec. 7, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2009. The FHA provided the letter to address current housing market conditions.

The spot approval process will be eliminated for all case numbers on or after Feb. 1, 2010 under the new guidelines. The FHA created the process, allowing consumers to purchase a unit in a non-approved condominium project that has limited FHA involvement.”

FHALoanPros.com is reporting that FHA Loan Limits To Remain Same Through 2010. The article link is here. Here’s a snippet from the article:

“Current loan limits for FHA home loanshave been extended through the end of 2010. This move is expected to help ailing US housing markets by extending the availability of FHA loans to homebuyers and homeowners in higher priced markets. FHA loan limits are based on 125 percent of local median home value, and vary by location. With the demise of sub prime lending, FHA plays a significant role in providing home loans for borrowers who cannot meet conventional mortgage lending requirements. Challenges can include:

Moderate income: FHA allows higher housing expense to income (31 percent) and debt to income (43 percent) ratios than conventional mortgage lenders. Thee ratios, sometimes called front-end and back-end ratios, are determined by dividing borrowers’ estimated housing expenses by gross income, and dividing total installment debts by gross income. FHA also allows non-resident co-borrowers (such as parents) to sign as co-borrowers for primary borrowers needing income assistance. FHA guidelines are generally more lenient than conventional lending requirements.”

Jairo Alvarez claims he has free time. But when he isn’t running his homebuilding company, he’s painting or writing or cycling or working his backyard gardens and fruit trees.

The wall of Alvarez’s house is dotted with his original paintings. Most are tranquil landscapes: black-and-white sketches of south Louisiana swamps and watercolors of the humble farmhouses in rural Colombia, where he and wife Anita were raised.

He is now the patriarch of Alvarez Construction, a family run company which has found itself with an increasing amount of work.

The company has more than 500 housing units under development. But the project with perhaps the highest profile is the 100-acre corner of Perkins Road and Pecue Lane, which Alvarez Construction bought in January. Once land clearing is complete this summer, Alvarez will begin transforming it into Jamestown at Old Perkins.

Development plans call for 227 single-family homes and more than 100 condominium units, as well as retail space, office space and 24 acres of lakes and jogging trails.

Alvarez Construction has other major projects under development. Forest Creek is an 81-home subdivision at Tiger Bend and Jones Creek roads. Magnolia Pointe is a 59-home neighborhood on Staring Lane near Boone Drive. South Hampton is a 61-unit upscale condominium complex at Stumberg Lane and Jefferson Highway.

The construction business has been good to Alvarez and his family, especially in the revved-up, post-Katrina market. He and his wife, Anita, live comfortably in an upscale neighborhood in south Baton Rouge.

But their road to success has been a long journey of hard work across two continents and his share of business failures. Read the entire story

CHRIS GAUTREAU; Advocate business writer

Updated: 2007-04-24

Accurate Valuations Group Appraiser, William D. Cobb, has operated as a home appraiser for 15 years now primarily in the Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana market. For more information on Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group, visit Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisers.