Greater Baton Rouge Home Prices, in general, are in correction mode per the CoreLogic report for the 7th straight month and reflected in local housing statistics I see almost daily. The favorable Highland Creek Subdivision is no exception.

Highland Creek. Per the HOA Website http://highlandcreekbr.com/, “Highland Creek is an awesome neighborhood off highland road in beautiful Baton rouge. It is conventialy located to downtown BR, the LSU campus, three major retial outlets and two hospitals; great for kids of all ages.” Highland Creek was developed around 1982-1983 with 1 to 2 story garden homes ranging from 1,076sf up to 2,330sf situated on smaller lots. Approximately 75% of Highland Creek is located in the Flood Zone per the FEMA map below, map from a recent appraisal.

Highland Creek Homes

THE CORRECTION IN HOME PRICES – The Climb And Then Descent Of The Stairs In This Chart Below Visually Explains The Correction!

As with Hurricane Katrina, the Median Sales Price rose from $125,000 in 2005 up to $138,500 in 2006. Then median sales price from 2007 to 2009 from $145,000, $147,500 and $154,000 rounded. 2010 began the descent to $148,500 and 4 sales in 2011 currently have it at $126,500. At the highs, the Average Sold Price was at $104/sf and now in 2011 it’s at $84/sf. YES, 2 of the 4 2011 sales were foreclosures helping to bring down the 2011 numbers. However, even the 2 non-foreclosures sold at $90/sf and $99/sf showing a correction from 2008 and 2009 highs.

However, is it only Highland Creek correcting or are other competing developments correcting as well? YES, other developments are correcting as well. This chart below of 64 competing home sales in the 1250sf to 1650sf range in 70808, 70810 and 70820, homes in subdivisions that would be comparable to Highland Creek, shows a -6.2% decline.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2005 to May 2, 2011. This information was extracted on 5/2/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

For More Information On Highland Creek, Check Out The HOA Website here:

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/

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/

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?

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

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, 2500sf to 3100sf.

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 was used with permission of the GBRMLS, search dates 1/1/2007 to 10/07/2010, extracted on 10/7/2010.

The Baton Rouge Business Report is reporting on a National Assocation of Realtors housing study “U.S. Home Sales Plunge To 15-Year Low” and I quote: “Sales of previously occupied homes fell to the lowest level in 15 years last month as the economy weakened. The National Association of Realtors says July’s sales fell by more than 27% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.83 million. It was the largest monthly drop on records dating back to 1968. June’s sales pace was revised downward to 5.26 million. Home sales picked up in the spring when the government was offering tax credits. But the market has struggled since the tax credits expired on April 30. It would take 12.5 months to sell off the 4 million unsold homes on the market at the current sales pace. The median sale price was $182,600, up 0.7 percent from a year ago.”

While the NAR study covers the entire U.S., how does the local Baton Rouge housing sales numbers compare? The answer is that I see a similar trend. Within the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors data extracted from 1999 through August 24, 2010, covering almost 12 total years, for all of East Baton Rouge Parish itself, the lowest yearly rate of home sales has been in 2010 with 2,032 year-to-date. If this pace of home sales continues, 2010 projections will total 3,048 sales, the lowest within the 12 year period.

What about a monthly sales numbers comparison? This comparison leads to the same conclusion. The two lowest monthly housing sales periods in East Baton Rouge since our MLS began tracking the numbers in 1999 have taken place in 2010, see chart.

HOWEVER,

I want to responsibly point out that just because the “number” of home sales have been declining in 2010 doesn’t mean the “housing prices” are equally declining significantly! And, this is an important point. As a home appraiser, the one thing I hear from local homeowners is a misunderstanding of the local market. They say things to me like, “I know this is a horrible time to be refinancing and getting an appraisal with the housing market the way it is, but we just couldn’t pass up the low mortgage rate”. I hear this constantly from locals and you can’t watch the national news and apply that to our local market. Linda Fredericks, former President of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors, is correct when she delivered the message that housing marketings are “local” and you can’t apply the national news headlines to a one size fits all local housing market!

Take The Baton Rouge Business ReportPoll: When will the U.S. housing market recover? So far results are:

NOTE: Data Used With Permission of the GBRAR MLS. Data was extracted on 8/24/2010 from periods 1/1/1999 through 8/24/2010.

Tags: Baton Rouge Economic Report, Baton Rouge Homes For Sale, Baton Rouge Housing Market, Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Real Estate Agents, Baton Rouge Realtors

Median Sales Price History. For Nicholson Lakes, these are the median sales prices since 2006. From 2009 to 2010, this market is only down $900 (a -0.47% decline) and from the high in 2007, it’s down $4,000, which isn’t that unusual. What is unusual is the oversupply of competing listings, see below.

2006: $184,723
2007: $193,000
2008: $189,950
2009: $189,900
2010: $189,000

Market Conditions. 11 Months Supply of Housing On Market. 34 Competing Listings IS A MAJOR OVER-SUPPLY considering that only 34 solds took place in past 12 months. Still Strong 99% List-To-Sales Price Ratio.

Nicholson Lakes In 2010. Within Nicholson Lakes in 2010 based only on 5 sales, Median Sales Price $189,000, Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $128sf, Average SP/LP%: 99% and Average Days On The Market: 133 Days. The chart below represents competing solds in Area 53 since 6/2009 showing a declining median sales price of -3.63%, from $202,250 to $194,900. But again, the numbers above only show a -0.47% decline in Nicholson Lakes from 6/2009 to 6/2010.

REO Foreclosure Rate Remains Low. The chart below represents competing solds foreclosure rate in Area 53 since 6/2008 representing a 7% rate.

THE IMPORTANT INDICATORS:

1.) HOW MANY HOMES ARE LISTED IN NICHOLSON LAKES NOW, BOTH IN MLS AND FSBOBR.COM?

Answer: 21 (16 MLS Listings and 5 FSBOBR.com Listings) AND NONE ARE PENDING or Under Contract.

2.) IN MLS AREA 53, HOW MANY COMPETING HOMES ARE FOR SALE VERSUS HOW MANY SOLD IN PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS?

Answer: 34 and 34. This means that there are just as many homes for sale as those that have sold in the previous 12 months, indicating an oversupply. And, this doesn’t include the many listings in Springlake either.

3.) AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET APPEARS TO BE INCREASING IN NICHOLS ON LAKES!

In 2009, average DOM was 117 days. In 2010, it’s been 133 days. And, 9082 Winding Lake Ave has been listed since 12/2009. 2938 Tide Dr has been listed since 1/2010. 3336 Southlake Ave has been listed since 2/21/2010. 9084 Eastbank Ave has been listed since 2/1/2010. So, it appears the days on market is increasing.

NOTE: Data used with permission of GBRAR MLS extracted on 6/22/2010, from 6/1/2008 to 6/22/2010.

This is the section of Gardere Lane I’m describing, see map above. View the photos below in the slideshow. This section of Gardere Ln has been in this condition for close to 2 decades now. I call it “The War Zone”! Multiple units have the doors kicked in and are vandalized. It would seem that the residents of EBRP have been paying extra just to pay the EBRP Sheriff’s Office for their increased patrolling of this immediate area. This very immediate area, within the map drawn boundaries, is plaqued with crime (just check WAFB.com for verification). The photos below don’t even come close to showing all of the vacant and vandalized units in this immediate section. It’s years past time for the leadership of EBRP to have taken action and demolished this area to begin anew.

AND, by the way, I’m not a “Big Government” believer either.   But think about it!   Who’s on the tab for paying for this fraud (as described below)?   The US Tax Payer is!   That’s you and me!  How long are we going to allow the investors and crooked appraisers to keep sending us the bill for their “activities”?

Recent History. In the mid 2000′s, some local investors (and their repesentatives) courted the California money investors, which bought into multi-family (Duplexes and Fourplexes). A California investor would need to spend 2 to 3 times as much in California to receive the same ROI in a “stable” rental market. Many units were sold to naive California investors, some at exorbitant prices. Post Hurricane Katrina only made this situation so much worse – the fraud aspect! While there were at least 16 local immediate MLS solds of 4 plexes in the $105,000 to $147,000 range, appraisers (some from out-of-town) were brought in to appraise these for fraud purchases of $165K up to $250K and at the same time ignoring the conditions of these units. Instead of using the numerous MLS solds as comps, these appraisers used the “private” investor sales which were so exorbitant and fraudulent. Or, the appraisers went all the way over to the Staring Ln @ Perkins Rd for better comps. Some of the photos below are of a 4 plex that wasn’t worth any more than perhaps $130K, but fraudulently appraised at over $240K. One can see from the Blue Tarp that the roof was not in even acceptable condition at the time of appraisal.

Wedgewood Subdivision Market Direction: Up or Down?

Solds In Wedgewood from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2009 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $174,372
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $89/sf
Median Sold Price: $173,250
Number of Sales: 18
Number of Sold REO/Foreclosures Noted In MLS: 1

Solds In Wedgewood from 1/1/2010 to 04/23/2010 reveals:
Average Sales Price: $183,250
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $90/sf
Median Sold Price: $181,500
Number of Sales: 4
Number of Sold REO/Foreclosures Noted In MLS: 0

Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer within Wedgewood, the market direction appears to be increasing from $173,500 in 2009 to $181,500 into 2010 or +4.76%, but only based on 4 sales so far into 2010. The sold price per sq. ft. differences between 2009 and 2010 is approximately an increase of $1.07/sf. NOTE: The median sales price is the NAR’s barometer because it tends to eliminate the “outliers” in a market reporting periord. Outliers are those homes that sold unusually low or high based on an historical pattern.

NOTE: Based on Detached Single Family information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS\MLS. This information was extracted on 04/23/2010.

Wow, what a difference 6 months can make in a housing market. I appraised a home in Cottage Hill Subdivision 70809 in October 2009 and again in April 2010.

The differences in that housing market is like night and day. See Below!

Market Conditions Description in 10/2009:

Declining Market of -4.39% Since 10/2008. 28 Months Supply of Housing On
Market. 19 Competing Listings Does Indicate an Over-Supply (includes FSBO listings). 96% List-To-Sales Price Ratio. While comps 1-3 show 1-3
months marketing time, 28 Month Supply and an oversupply indicate over 6 months.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Market Conditions Description in 4/2010:

Stable to Increasing Market of 8.49% Since 4/2009. 6.3 Months Supply of
Competing Housing On Market. 14 Competing Listings Does Indicate an Over-Supply (does not include FSBO’s). 97% List-To-Sales Price Ratio.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

NOTE: Based on Detached Single Family information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS\MLS for the period 10/01/2007 through 10/15/2009 versus 04/17/2008 to 04/17/2010. MLS Areas 53, 61 and 62, Slab Foundation, 2100sf to 2500sf, 6-10 to 16-20 Yrs old. This information was extracted on 10/15/2009 and 04/22/2010.

Tags: Baton Rouge Estate Appraisers, baton rouge homes, baton rouge housing, baton rouge real estate

The San Francisco Chronicle has an interesting article: Mortgage Fraud: Understanding And Avoiding It . Here’s a snippet below:

“Ethical violations and criminal activities in various industries have affected our economy over the past few decades, particularly in the banking, financial and housing sectors. In this article we examine the complex ethical and criminal issues surrounding mortgage fraud. Fraud in its simplest form is deliberate misrepresentation and deception. Fraud in action means that one deceives another by misrepresenting information, facts and figures.

What is Mortgage Fraud?
Mortgage fraud is not just predatory lending practices that target certain borrowers. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) mortgage fraud is “material misstatement, misrepresentation or omission relating to the property or potential mortgage relied on by an underwriter or lender to fund, purchase or insure a loan.” With this working definition we see that mortgage fraud can be committed by both individual borrowers and industry professionals.“

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/04/21/investopedia5882.DTL#ixzz0loEvmD3B

]]> http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/2010/04/baton-rouge-real-estate-understanding-and-avoiding-mortgage-fraud/feed/ 1 http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/2010/04/baton-rouge-real-estate-agents-would-a-geographical-competency-map-of-your-previous-listings-help-you-earn-more-listings/ http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/2010/04/baton-rouge-real-estate-agents-would-a-geographical-competency-map-of-your-previous-listings-help-you-earn-more-listings/#comments Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:15:01 +0000 Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/baton-rouge-real-estate-appraisal/baton-rouge-real-estate-agents-would-a-geographical-competency-map-of-your-previous-listings-help-you-earn-more-listings/ http://www.batonrougerealestatebuzz.com/ – Baton Rouge Real Estate Agents: Would A Geographical Competency Map Of Your Previous Listings Help You Earn More Listings? If you’re an experienced agent, it certainly would by adding hundreds of red labels on a Google map.

As the map above illustrates, I recently learned how to use Google Maps to Geocode some of the home addresses I’ve been appraising. This process created a “Geographical Competency Map” illustrating my competency to appraise homes in certain local housing markets. In an HVCC era, this helps me to prove that I’m “geographically competent” to appraise homes locally and that I’m not traveling 50 miles out of my normal marketing area or beyond my market competency.

Question: If you as a local real estate agent created such a map to show to your listing prospects, would it help you earn more listings? I think it would!

I learned to create such a map by watching this video below and checking out REBliss.com’s How To Use Google Maps to Show Your Geographic Competency.

Baton Rouge Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, with Accurate Valuations Group, recently created a geographical competency map showing the main concentration of appraisal assignments since 2001.  Although Bill has been appraising homes since 1991, only the current data from 2001 forward was used for the map below.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

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.“

Watch and Listen to Murfreesboro, TN Realtor & Broker, John C. Jones, explain the new RESPA Changes, the first changes to RESPA in 30 years!

J. Lamar Ferren has written an insightful article on how Olive Garden Restaurant can enhance your local Real Estate Business! The article is located here: Five Ways Olive Garden Can Enhance Your Real Estate Business.

Here’s a snippet:

“1. The “Right This Way” concept

In Olive Garden: When you first enter the Olive Garden, you are typically greeted by the host who calls on someone to seat you. Usually the person who seats you will say “Right This Way” as they lead off into the restaurant with you following behind them. I’ll be honest, I’m not a big fan of going into restaurants where I have to seat myself. It’s not that I can’t do it, it’s just that when the restaurant is crowded, it is usually tough to find a seat; especially if you have multiple guests. The person who seats you knows exactly where to go and can get you there quickly; it’s just easier if you follow them.

In Your Business: When a client sees your sign, your Craigslist ad, your flyer, etc., in order for them to click through to your site or pick up the phone and call you, they have to be given a “Call To Action”. Peter Kolat, a fellow BP blog contributor, actually goes into this concept a little more in depth. However, the main thing is to tell your clients exactly what you want them to do. For example, you could say, “Visit My Website Today” or “Pick up the phone and call me at 555-555-5555 right now.” Tell them exactly what you want them to do and if they’re interested, they will follow through. Don’t just assume that everyone who sees your advertisement, will know what to do next. You must guide them through the experience!

2. The “Give Them What They Want” concept

In Olive Garden: After you are seated, you are then greeted by your server, who eventually takes your order. You get the opportunity to read through the menu and choose exactly what you want. If you need more information about a certain dish or drink, your server will be available to answer any questions you may have. Once they’ve completed your order, they take it to the kitchen, where the meal is prepared. After the meal has been prepared, your server carries it out to you, and as you look at your entree, hopefully you notice that you have been given exactly what you wanted.

In Your Business: After a lead comes to your website, they expect to see something related to what your advertisement says. If your ad says I can buy your home in 7 days and your website has nothing to do with buying their home, they they will get ticked off and click the “X” button. Even if they pick up the phone and call you, they then expect to hear something related to the reason they dialed your number. If you can’t give them what they want, then it’s likely that you will be unable to convert them into a deal. The bottom line is that you need to give them a solution to their problem! You need to combine the “Right This Way” concept with the “Give Them What They Want” concept. Put this on your ad and your website because you want your client to go where you need them to go to get what they want, in order to continue on with your process.”

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.

(NOTE: This Photo, Taken in 10/2009, Shows New Construction By More “Economy Builders” Priced Below $200,000 Is Still Fairly Brisk Within The Outlying Areas Of Greater Baton Rouge Itself. This is the “New” New Construction Baton Rouge housing market, a market that is much more affordable in pricing. And, this is what is selling. Some of those builders that thought buyers would just keep paying $136/sf to $160/sf and never stop are the ones still holding inventory, paying interest and their banks are sometimes taking it on the chin. In new home construction, in general, under $200K is moving fairly well; Over $250K is Still Not Selling As Fast As It Did in 2006/2007. AND, these $200,000 new homes in the photo are being built in a “former” high end subdivision where the predominant values were $350,000 or about $135/sf. The new price per sq. ft. for the remaining 85% of lots is going to be in the $96/sf to $106/sf. OUCH!!!)

Mark Perry, with Wall Street Pit Global Market Insight, is reporting, along with Business Week, that Baton Rouge Real Estate in 2009 is within THE 20 Strongest Performing Metro Areas in the U.S.. The link to the article is here. A Snippet includes:

“BUSINESS WEEK (”The U.S. Metros Least Touched by Recession”) – America’s strongest economies have one thing in common — home prices that never got too hot or too cold (see charts above comparing the home price index in California to Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma over the last ten years).

Home prices in metros such as San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Little Rock, Ark., and Baton Rouge, La., remained steady through boom and bust. Although no metropolitan area entirely avoided the economic downturn, the most resilient metros were protected by a potent mix of recession-resistant jobs.

The upstate New York areas of Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, and Buffalo suffered from declining jobs in manufacturing, but got significant boosts from sizable health-care, education, and government sectors. Construction is booming in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital, as firms take advantage of financing for post-Katrina hurricane recovery work and service-related companies expand to meet the needs of a growing population. Omaha and the state of Iowa have relatively strong insurance sectors.

Texas, the last state to enter recession, has been bolstered by its oil and gas industries — which have also helped Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Louisiana. Texas also has many other things going for it, including affordable home prices and relatively low wages, which attract corporations.”

Bill Cobb, with Accurate Valuations Group, has launched “FHA Appraisers Baton Rouge Louisiana” blog. The “About” page of this blog says,

Thank you for visiting the “FHA Appraisers In East Baton Rouge Louisiana Blog”. This is a Baton Rouge FHA Real Estate Appraiser Blog Site of Bill Cobb, CREA, of Accurate Valuations Group!

Blog topics include local real estate market trends, appraisal-related issues, SMART Charting or Graphs documenting trends, ”photos from the field”, local interests, and anything Bill finds interesting – people, neighborhoods, coffee and events.

Bill Cobb, CREA is a real estate appraiser based in the Baton Rouge Market. He covers multiple Parishes (or Counties) in the Greater Baton Rouge Region and works for brokers, banks, governmental agencies, Real Estate Agents, attorneys, home owners, insurance agents and more. Beyond the appraisal business, Bill’s passions include building Online Video Business Cards, WordPress CMS Sites (Blogs), WordPress Video Sales Letters For Local Businesses, Embedding Video onto websites and blogs, building affiliate marketing campaigns, building the “BIG 3 In Social Media (Twitter, YouTube & Facebook”, shooting real estate videos for the Greater Baton Rouge Realty Visual Tours site, reading, local First Pentecostal Church, and spending time with family and friends. Vacations For Bill Are Behind A Computer Building Online Marketing Campaigns!

P.O. Box 40515
Baton Rouge, LA 70835
TEL: 225-293-1500
MOBILE: 225-953-0638
TOLL FREE: 1-888-678-3544
FAX: 1-866-663-6065
STAFF EMAIL: fastvalue2@cox.net
http://www.accuratevg.com

SOCIALLY:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/E0rsl

Twitter: http://twitter.com/billcobbsuccess

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/batonrougeappraiser

Baton Rouge FHA Appraiser Appraises Zeeland Place 70808

Solds from 01/01/2008 to 04/25/2009 reveal:  

Average Sales Price: $212,088

Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $125.10/sf

Median Sold Price: $209,350

Low Sales Price: $161,000

High Sales Price: $265,000

Average # of Days On Market: 72 Days On Market

# of Sales: 8

Source and Article: Baton Rouge Business Report

Here’s a brief snippet:

“When Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal touts the state’s job market and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin sells his city as one of the best places to ride out the recession, it’s not just routine boosterism. In the midst of a severe nationwide downturn, the Louisiana economy is holding up better than most. It’s a role reversal from a few years ago, when Louisiana was one of the country’s weaker states financially following the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.”

Solds In Park Forest From 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $148,627
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $84.91
Median Sold Price: $147,900
Low Sales Price: $110,000
High Sales Price: $280,000
Average # of Days On Market: 43
# of Sales: 51

Solds In Park Forest From 01/01/2008 to 02/18/2009 reveals:
Average Sales Price: $134,043
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $88.41
Median Sold Price: $134,450
Low Sales Price: $90,000
High Sales Price: $196,000
Average # of Days On Market: 94
# of Sales: 28

Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within Subdivision, the market direction appears to be declining. The Average Sales Price has declined -$14,584 or -9.81%. Median Sales Price has declined -$13,450 or -9.09%. Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft. has increased +$3.50/sf or +4.12%.

Park Forest data is presented with the permission of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors.

Author’s Bio:

Bill Cobb, CREA, is Greater Baton Rouge’s favorite and most reputable home appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values. A home appraiser with 17 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

fastvalue2@cox.net

http://greaterbatonrougerealestatetv.blogspot.com/

Westminster Place / Pine Park Subdivisions Map

Pine Park Subdivision: Solds $252,900K to $275K, 2 sales since 1/1/08, avg size 2,559sf, avg sold price $103.53/sf, median sales price $264K, List-Sales Ratio: 96.12%.

An MLS CMA of this Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed: 
Average Sales Price: $251,600
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $92.83
Median Sold Price: $215,000
Low Sales Price: $199,900
High Sales Price: $339,900
Average # of Days On Market: 20
# of Sales: 3

An MLS CMA of this Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 01/17/2009 reveals: 
Average Sales Price: $263,950
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $103.53
Median Sold Price: $263,950
Low Sales Price: $252,900
High Sales Price: $275,000
Average # of Days On Market: 37
# of Sales: 2

Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within Pine Park Subdivision, the market direction appears to be increasing.   However, it’s difficult to draw a conclusion based on only 3 sold sin 2007 and 2 solds in 2008.   So, this data may not be totally reliable for a trend conclusion.   Pine Park data used with the permission of the Greater Baton Rouge Board of Realtors.

Author’s Bio:

Bill Cobb, CREA, is Greater Baton Rouge’s favorite and most reputable home appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values.  A home appraiser with 17 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

fastvalue2@cox.net

Baton Rouge Pre-Listing Appraisals

The Lakes At Highland Subdivision Baton Rouge Louisiana 70810

The Lakes At Highland (LAH) is a high-end residential development in the highest price zip code within the Baton Rouge marketing area.   Home prices within LAH are generally in the $350K to approx. $750K range with a median sales price since 11/03/2007 of $472,000.

Solds From Within The Lakes At Highland Subdivision from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2007 revealed: 
Average Sales Price: $492,625
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $158.34
Median Sold Price: $478,250
Low Sales Price: $375,500
High Sales Price: $685,000
Average # of Days On Market: 70
# of Sales: 12

Solds From Within The Lakes At Highland Subdivision from 01/01/2008 to 01/10/2009 reveals: 
Average Sales Price: $473,938
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $159.49
Median Sold Price: $498,500
Low Sales Price: $356,000
High Sales Price: $575,000
Average # of Days On Market: 42
# of Sales: 8

Therefore, based on the median sale price barometer (the barometer used by the NAR National Association of Realtors) within subdivision, the market direction appears to be increasing to remaining stable/steady.   Stable/Steady was chosen as a result of the large # of competing homes on the market.    

The Average Sales Price has decreased by -$18,687.   This could be due to the fact that there were 2 sales in the first period in 2007 in the $655,000 to $685,000 plus range.   These higher sales would have worked to skew the numbers in the second period where the sales were up to $575,000.

Median Sales Price has increased by +$20,250. 

Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft. has increased by +$1.15/sf.

The Lakes At Highland Subdivision Data Is Used With The Permission Of The Greater Baton Rouge Board Of Realtors.

Author’s Bio:

Bill Cobb, CREA, is Greater Baton Rouge’s favorite and most reputable home appraiser frequently called upon by banks, homeowners, and savvy real estate investors to assess property values.  A home appraiser with 17 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

fastvalue2@cox.net

http://gbrreocount.info/ 

Federal Government $15,000 Bonus Incentive

Housing could get a big boost from the latest addition to the mammoth stimulus bill working its way through Congress.

Senate legislators unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday that would allow a tax credit for home buyers of 10 percent of the value of new or existing residences, up to a $15,000 limit. Current law provides for a $7,500 tax break but only for first-time homebuyers.

“It is time to fix housing first,” said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-G.

Isakson’s office said the proposal would cost the government an estimated $19 billion. In all, the stimulus is now topping an estimated $920 billion.

In an op-ed that appears in Thursday’s Washington Post, President Barack Obama painted a dire picture if Congress fails to move quickly to pass the stimulus bill.

“This recession might linger for years. Our economy will lose 5 million more jobs. Unemployment will approach double digits. Our nation will sink deeper into a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse,” Obama wrote in the op-ed titled, “The Action Americans Need.”

Source: The Associated Press, David Espo (02/05/09)

As Quoted From Source: Baton Rouge Business Report Daily