Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal » Home Appraiser

Baton Rouge Home Prices: Sherwood Forest Corrects Down To 2005 Support

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:31:04 +0000

http://www.baton-rouge-real-estate.com/ – Baton Rouge Home Prices: Sherwood Forest Corrects Down To 2005 Support

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/

Baton Rouge Real Estate Correction: Forest Oaks Subdivision 2011 Update 70815

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:56:49 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/brrebuzz – Baton Rouge Real Estate Correction: Forest Oaks Subdivision 2011 Update 70815.

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

Baton Rouge Home Appraisers Blog: University Hills Home Photos

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Thu, 26 May 2011 03:40:38 +0000

http://www.homeappraisalsbatonrouge.com/ – Baton Rouge Home Appraisers Blog: University Hills Home Photos

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

Zachary LA Home Appraiser Housing Update: 2008-2011 Pointe South

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Tue, 17 May 2011 11:46:03 +0000

http://www.zacharylouisianarealestate.info/ – Zachary LA Market Metrics: 2008-2011 Pointe South Homes Sales Report. I recently completed an appraisal an an 1,800sf 5 year sold home in Pointe South Subdivision and made these discoveries. The Pointe South market itself is generally performing better than competing home sales in Zachary as a whole.

For Example, the GBRMLS Chart for Pointe South itself below shows a continuing upward direction for Median Sales Prices. This MLS chart for Pointe South shows the 4 solds in 2011 have increased the Median Sales Price to $259,450, a substantial increase over 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 when the Median Sales Prices were $234,000, $230,000 and $248,000. However, the second MLS chart below shows All competing solds since 6/2008 and a correction downward since 5/2010. Because Pointe South itself is performing well, no declining markets adjustments were applied.

The Chart below shows a correction since May 2010 for competing homes in general.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2008 to May 16, 2011. This information was extracted on 5/16/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

AUTHOR’S BIO:

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).

Prairieville La House Appraisers: Lakes At Oak Grove Homes Sales Report 2011

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:37:57 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/ascrebuzz – Prairieville La Home Appraisers: Lakes At Oak Grove Homes Sales Report 2011. Since May 2010, median sales price has risen 4%.

A recent home appraisal in and analysis of Lakes At Oak Grove Subdivision revealed this interesting finding. From 2008 to 2011, the median sales price has declined from $237,800 to $227,800 to $229,700 to now $235,000 into 2011 based only on 1 sale. So, 2008 was the post Hurricane Katrina “High” year followed by 2 years of declines. 2011 at $235,000 is higher than 2009 and 2010. Again, 2011′s $235,000 is only based on 1 sale while 2010′s $229,700 was based on 5 sales. The Listing-To-Sales-Price-Ratio at 98% is the highest since 2007.

TWO MLS CHARTS OF ALL HOME SALES SINCE 2005

The Chart below shows all home sales since 2005. The median sales price is still down -1.6% since the high in 2007. The median sales price has risen 4% since May 2010. But Again, this chart’s is greatly weighed upward based on this one (1) 2011 sale of $235,000.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2005 to May 8, 2011. This information was extracted on 5/8/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

AUTHOR’S BIO:

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).

Prairieville Home Appraisals Reports On Les Chenier Subdivision 2011

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 22:30:36 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/ascrebuzz – Prairieville Home Appraisals Reports On Les Chenier Subdivision 2011. So far, only one (1) home sale in 2011, a foreclosure for $155,000.

I had a local real estate agent contact me last week asking for a update on Les Chenier Subdivision as there really hasn’t been much home sales activity in this development, but a development that has experienced some REO or foreclosure activity.

This development has puzzled me for several years as to how it climbed so high in home prices after Hurricane Katrina for these smaller homes. The Median Sales Prices from 2005 to 2010 climbed and then rightfully so corrected from $167,000, $186,000, $191,000, $195,250, $193,500, $180,000 and now one (1) distressed sale in 2011 for $155,000. It would appear that the $193,500 to $195,000 price range is high for Les Chenier, or about $117/sf. I’m just not sure that over $117/sf is really sustainable for Les Chenier interior lots (those homes not fronting McCrory Rd 1). And, I just posted a video report about the housing price corrections taking place in in this immediate market here: Ascension Parish Home Appraiser Charting Of Declining Housing Market 2008-2011

Total # 2010 Sales: 7
Average Sales Price: $191,964
Median Sales Price: $180,000
Average Sold Price: $111.60/sf
Average List To Sale Price Ratio: 98%
Average Days On Market: 85

FORECLOSURES.

Regarding REOs, 1 2010 sale was an REO and the 1 2011 sale was an REO or Real Estate Owned. According to Legal News, there have been 3 REO sales since 1/2010 being Lots 25, 29 & 90.

CURRENT LISTINGS: ZERO FORECLOSURES!

There are currently 6 listings from $179,900 up to $210,900 or $114/sf up to $126/sf, which some are priced high and certainly not priced according to the correction in home prices taking place in this market. In fact, if one examines the 2007 to 2009 highs in the market on that chart above, the average sold prices per sq. ft. were $116.51/sf, $119.53/sf and $115.38/sf. So, why in 2011, when the market isn’t as strong, are there homes listed above the previous highs, homes listed at $120/sf, $125/sf, $126/sf and $126/sf? Of all 6 listings, all are Active and none are Pending.

Keep Up With Ascension Parish Real Estate Buzz on Facebook!

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2005 to April 23, 2011. This information was extracted on 4/23/2011. YES, permission was granted by GBRMLS to use Subdivision Price Trends Chart Report!

Top Subdivision Entrance Photo Is Courtesy of Homes Of Baton Rouge Blog: http://www.homesalesofbatonrouge.com/

Author’s Bio:

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).

Congratulations To Central Greenwell Springs Housing Market, Top Performer in 2011

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:49:47 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/brrebuzz – Congratulations To Central Greenwell Springs Housing Market, Top Performer in 2011! This is based on a comparison between Q1 2010 versus Q1 2011.

Biggest Gainer In East Baton Rouge 70739. Zip Code 70739, the Central or Greenwell Springs market, showed a +16.2% increase in Average Sales Prices AND +6.2% in Average Sales Price Per Sq. Ft.. Central is a “hot” market viewed by locals as having a favorable school district. 70739 also showed a +9.4% increase in the number of home sales.

Zip Code 70818, another Central Market, showed less stellar results with +13.3% in the number of home sales, +1.4% increase in average sales price and +2.1% increase in average sold price per sq. ft.

Author Bio:

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).

West Baton Rouge Parish Quarterly Home Sales By Zip Code Q1 2010 versus Q1 2011 Report

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:22:03 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestatetrends.net/ – West Baton Rouge Parish Quarterly Home Sales By Zip Code Q1 2010 versus Q1 2011 Report. Home Sales volume up 3.7% while correction in Average Sales Price Continues.

Accurate Valuations Group (Home Appraisals) has completed an analysis of the West Baton Rouge Parish housing market from First Quarter 2010 versus First Quarter 2011. The results are below. CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE.

This study explores ALL Single-Family Residential home sales for the three (3) zip codes below. In Q1 2010 there were 27 home sales versus 28 in Q1 2011. So, for 2011, number of sales were up by 1 or approximately +3.7%.

70767 Port Allen. For Zip Code 70767, home sales volume was down 14%, Average Sales Price was down -0.7% and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was down -5.5%.

70719 Brusly. For Zip Code 70719, home sales volume was up 50%, Average Sales Price was down -11.4% and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was virtually unchanged at 0.4%.

70710 Addis. For Zip Code 70710, home sales volume was up 18%, Average Sales Price down -9.9% and Average Sold Price Per. Sq. Ft. was down -2.7%.

These declines are consistent with the CoreLogic report on national home prices falling for the 7th straight month, as reported on Thursday, April 7, 2011. This is the trend for much of Greater Baton Rouge home prices.

Visit West Baton Rouge Appaisers Here

Visit West Baton Rouge Real Estate Buzz On Facebook

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).

Baton Rouge Real Estate: Kildare Subdivision Housing Report

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:16:26 +0000

http://www.batonrougehomeappraisal.com/ – Baton Rouge Housing Statistics: Kildare Subdivision 70812 Housing Numbers.

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’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!

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal Video: Highland Road Housing Market Trends In 2011

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:31:54 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ – Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal Video: Highland Road Housing Market Trends In 2011.

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.

West Baton Rouge Home Appraisers VIDEO: Missouri Acres Addis Report For 2009-2010

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:46:07 +0000

http://www.westbatonrougeappraiser.com/ – West Baton Rouge Home Appraisers VIDEO: Missouri Acres Subdivision in Addis Louisiana Report For 2009-2010

In Missouri Acres in 2009-2010, the median sales price for the 5 GBRMLS sales was $238,000 with an average sold price of $119.64/sf. The low to high sales prices were $219,000 to $258,000. However, this market is very slow and the days on the market it takes to sell a home has been increasing over the past two (2) years above the $225,000 price ranges.

West Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisers is an information source provided by local West Baton Rouge Parish Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, and Accurate Valuations Group West. Bill has 20 years experience as a residential appraiser and updates his local network of sites weekly with reports, videos and audio reviews of local housing market conditions! Some of the videos on this site are housing market updates provided by Bill himself and others are videos of local homes for sale by area Agents.

http://www.batonrougerealestatebuzz.com/ is also a helpful resource for local West Baton Rouge Real Estate Buzz!

While Baton Rouge Real Estate Trends Dot Net reports on the broad or macro Greater Baton Rouge Housing Markets, Baton Rouge Market Metrics Dot Com reports on the individual subdivisions within the four (4) local Parishes that make up the Greater Baton Rouge Housing Market.

NOTE: Based on information from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®\MLS for the period of January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. This information was extracted on 02/13/2011.

Baker La Real Estate Appraisers: City of Baker La Photos of New Fire Department

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:15:03 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ – Baker La Real Estate Appraisers: City of Baker La Photos of New Fire Department

Accurate Valuations Group Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, took these photos last Fall of the new Baker Fire Department, Office of Emergency Preparedness & Homeland Security Buildings. Buildings dedicated to Avon R. Honey, La State Representative District 63 from 2002-2010 for his dedication and commitment to the Baker Fire Department and City of Baker. The official website for the Baker Fire Department is here! The Advocate Newspaper also has an article about Baker’s new $300,000 fire truck here from June 2010.

From their website, the “Mission Statement” of the Baker Fire Department is: “All members of this department guarantee to the residents and visitors of the City of Baker that we will provide dependable and professional service in a responsive fashion while showing care and compassion for those in need. We will do our best to rapidly and professionally mitigate all fire, rescue, medical care and hazardous material incidents and to protect lives, property and the environment through meticulous training, disaster preparedness, fire prevention and community education programs.”

Does a garbage disposal have to work for a Greater Baton Rouge FHA loan?

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 01:17:24 +0000

http://www.homeappraisalsbatonrouge.com/ – Does a garbage disposal have to work for a Greater Baton Rouge FHA loan?

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

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

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

BEFORE YOU BUY THAT HOME, GET A HOME INSPECTION!

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

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

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

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

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

Baton Rouge Home Appraiser PRE-LISTING Appraisals Now Offers Semi Pro Photos and Video Marketing

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:43:39 +0000

http://www.gbrprelistingappraisals.com/ – Baton Rouge Home Appraiser PRE-LISTING Appraisals Now Offers Online Photos and Video Marketing

As a local Greater Baton Rouge Home Appraiser and local online real estate marketer, Accurate Valuations Group will now be able to offer semi-pro style photos for my PRE-LISTING Appraisal Clients along with HD Video Tours! Bill Cobb with Accurate Valuations Group recently made the investment in a Sony HX1 with 16mm ultra wide angle lens. The differences with the lens versus without the lens is impressive, see Before and After photos below.

BEFORE: Interior Photo Without The Wide-Angle Lens

AFTER: Interior Photo With The Wide-Angle Lens

Visit http://www.gbrprelistingappraisals.com/ for more details coming soon.

What Type Of Homes Qualify For Our Pre-Listing Appraisals?

Generally, homes in restricted subdivisions between the value ranges of $40,000 up to $500,000. Bill Cobb doesn’t perform Pre-Listing Appraisals on Complex or Extraordinary Homes or Rural Homes On Acreage.

What Is Our Service or Coverage Area?

Ascension Parish/County – Only Northern Ascension: Geismar/Dutchtown 70734, Gonzales 70737, Prairieville 70769, Saint Amant 70774 and Sorrento 70778

East Baton Rouge Parish/County – ALL

Livingston Parish/County – Only Western Livingston: Denham Springs 70706 & 70726, Livingston 70754, Walker 70785

West Baton Rouge/County – ALL

Photographing Greater Baton Rouge on Flickr @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/billcobb/

Baton Rouge Real Estate Buzz Video: How To Straighten A Photo Free With Windows Live Photo Gallery

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:51:07 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestatebuzz.com/ – Baton Rouge Real Estate Buzz: How To Straighten A Photo Free With Windows Live Photo Gallery! In this video, Home Appraiser Bill Cobb shows how he straightened a photo for a blog post.

Windows Live Photo Gallery allows one to share photos and videos online, find the photos you’re looking for and make photos look great! And, it’s FREE!

Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011 Description: “Import photos from your camera, organize them into albums, and edit them so they look their best. Use powerful photo tools to create stunning panoramas, movies, slide shows, and more. When you’re ready to share, publish your photos and videos to your favorite websites like Facebook and Flickr directly from Photo Gallery.” Source: http://explore.live.com/windows-live-photo-gallery?os=other

Actually, I downloaded 6 more plugins that will allow me to upload directly to Twitpic, Facebook, Multiply, Auto Collage, Smugmug and Digital Frame.

Video: Taking the axe to a foreclosed home in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:57:18 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ – Taking out foreclosure frustration with an axe in Baton Rouge

I recently performed a foreclosure appraisal within the Greater Baton Rouge housing market where there was more damage than I normally witness – approximately $45,000 in cost-to-cure. The video of the damage is below the page.

Possibly the most costly repairs to bring this home up to a marketable condition are the roof replacement, replacing the missing central heat and air unit (both exterior and in the attic), re-sheetrocking the home, replacing the missing Main Bathroom and then a lot of cosmetic TLC. As a home appraiser and not a licensed building contractor, I do try to provide the most realistic cost-to-cure, which may be high or too low. Also, the utilities were not on at the time of inspection, so it’s realistic for the appraiser to assume that mechanical system may need repair and factor that cost in as well.

Here’s a video I recently created for a foreclosure appraisal within the Baton Rouge housing market.

Baton Rouge Appraisals: How Market Conditions Can Mean A Not As Favorable Value For Your Home!

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:02:51 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestatetrends.net/ - Baton Rouge Home Appraisals: How Market Conditions Can Mean A Not As Favorable Value For Your Home! The challenges local home appraisers now face when valuing Greater Baton Rouge homes after the Federal Tax Credit Expiration.

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

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

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

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

MLS Search Parameters

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

Western Livingston Parish Home Appraisers Video: Easterly Lakes 2010 Update

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 06:48:04 +0000

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

Based on 6 2010 Sales in Easterly Lakes, 2009 vs 2010, the average and median sales prices are both down as is the average sold price per square foot. The average sold price is down from $230,300 to $201,200. The median sold price is down from $220,000 to $211,500, a -3.8% decline. The average sold price per sq. ft is down from $111.81/sf to $101.08/sf. Year to date, there have been 6 sales versus 13 in 2009. The average days on the market has increased from 62 days in 2009 to 83 in 2010, but still under a 90 day market, which is good news.

Walker Louisiana Home Appraiser Photos From The Field: Unfinished High End Homes A Sign Of The Times

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:56:49 +0000

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

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

Walker Louisiana 70785 Real Estate: Collins Place Subdivision Housing Report July 2010

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:24:34 +0000

http://www.denhamspringsappraisers.com/ – Walker La 70785 Real Estate: Collins Place Subdivision Housing Report July 2010. In this video, Western Livingston Parish’s Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, reports on Collins Place Subdivision Stats with Video Tour.

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

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisers: Baton Rouge Home Sales At 11 Year Low

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:39:49 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge Home Sales Numbers At 11 Year Low

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

Zachary Louisiana Home Appraisers: Castle Place Mid Year 2010 Housing Report

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:47:47 +0000

http://www.zacharylouisianarealestate.info/ – Zachary Louisiana Home Appraisers: Castle Place Mid Year 2010 Housing Report

Castle Place was developed in the mid to late 1980s with a few homes built. New home construction resumed in approximately 2004-2005 with two quality levels: modular home construction (mostly in the rear section) and conventional home construction. There are still a significant amount of vacant lots in this development with some foreclosure activity noted in Legal News.

Solds In Castle Place from 1/2009 to 7/6/2010 revealed:
Average Sales Price: $138,683
Average Sold Price Per Sq. Ft.: $99/sf
Median Sold Price: $145,700
Number of Sales: 12
Low To High: $92,000 to $155,000
Number of Sold REO/Foreclosures Noted In MLS: 1
Current # Listings: 3, 2 Are Foreclosures
Current Listings Prices: $119,900 To $171,900

Author’s Bio:

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

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

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

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

Fax: 1-866-663-6065

info@accuratevg.com

http://www.accuratevg.com/

Data Used With Permission of the GBRAR MLS. Data was extracted on 7/6/2010 from periods 1/1/2009 through 7/6/2010.

Denham Springs Home Appraisers: Woodland Crossing Mid Year 2010 Housing Report

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 02:21:22 +0000

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

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

Author’s Bio:

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

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

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

Fax: 1-866-663-6065

info@accuratevg.com

http://www.accuratevg.com/

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

Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate Pre-Foreclosure Driveby Inspection Process

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:53:51 +0000

http://www.accuratevg.com/ – Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate Pre-Foreclosure Driveby Inspection Process

In this video, Greater Baton Rouge Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, performs a pre-foreclosure driveby inspection somewhere in Baton Rouge.

Tags: Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Homes, Baton Rouge Home, Baton Rouge Housing, Baton Rouge Foreclosure, Baton Rouge Pre-Foreclosure, Baton Rouge Pre Foreclosure

Crystal Lakes Denham Springs: An Appraiser’s Perspective

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:13:38 +0000

http://www.denhamspringsappraisers.com/ – Crystal Lakes Denham Springs: An Appraiser’s Perspective

Denham Springs resident and home appraiser, Bill Cobb, offers comments and advice on the holding pattern that Crystal Lakes has been in since this development began in approximately 2007.

I’ve watched Crystal Lakes for years now as my family and I have visited North Park and as I’ve driven down Burgess Road on my way to appraisal appointments. I knew why those first 5 and only homes weren’t selling and it had everything to do with “PRICE” in this Livingston Parish market. Let me say here and now that I believe Crystal Lakes will be a very nice development for the residents of Denham Springs when it’s more aligned with the overall pricing and quality that local residents can afford, which includes the $600/yr HOA Fee.

The developer is Spatz Development out of Chicago. I was told back in 2006 by Livingston Parish Builder, Dennis Calmes, that Spatz Development first went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and told the City that they’d like to help with the reconstruction of new homes. It was told to me that NOLA basically told Spatz that it would take at least a year or two before he could obtain his permits to build. So, Spatz Development bought the land for Crystal Lakes where it was much easier to do business. Spatz Development was trying to accomplish a positive thing for the local community. But, like other local developers in the past 4 years, Spatz Development overshot the anticipated price these homes would eventually sell for in a market that turned to more affordable housing options – a market where $136/sf+ for new home construction isn’t and wasn’t at all sustainable. Maybe in California where incomes are higher, but not in Livingston Parish Louisiana and not in other parts of Greater Baton Rouge either.

I recently appraised one of the 5 homes on Adora Ave in Crystal Lakes for a sale….approximately 3 years after this home was built. Why? One local Realtor I spoke with for this report said it had to do with “PRICE”. They stated that the developer built the 5 homes in 2007 and then tried to sell them by builder for something like $145/sf. The Realtor Active Rain Network shows a blog post back to 2/5/2008, Denham Springs Crystal Lake Development Is On Fire!, but according to MLS, it wasn’t until early 2009 when these homes were finally listed in MLS.

Trying To Be Too Much? YES! According to the Realtor I spoke with and MLS, the 5 homes range in living area size from 1,528sf all the way up to 3,125sf living area. That’s too wide a variance when the listing prices ranged from $189,900 to $435,000 on the same street, within 5 lots of one another. ADVICE: Build homes closer in living area size and closer in pricing!

Too High Of Quality? YES! Oh Yes, these are high quality homes, quality you might see in the garden homes section of Greystone Golf where residents pay $150/sf+. Was building this high of quality in this Denham Springs market a mistake? Obviously since it’s taken 3 to 3.5 years to sell just 2 of these 5 homes, it was a mistake. NOTE: 2 of the 5 homes are currently pending. ADVICE: Lower The Quality Some To Lower The Price To Make These Homes More Affordable!

It’s Very Easy To Build Too High Of Quality Homes For Denham Springs Market! As I said about Juban Parc and other developments in Western Livingston Parish, this market is 80% affordable type housing served by DR Horton and PCC/Vicknair Builders. What’s selling in bulk now in Livingston Parish in terms of new homes is in the $135,000 to $150,000 range. This was all explained in the recent Baton Rouge Business Report article, The Real Estate Mogul Of Livingston Parish and I don’t refute the findings in that article. Mr. Thomason is building and providing housing that people can actually afford. He’s meeting a need that builders that expect $130/sf to $150/sf for their homes are not meeting. He’s a smart man that builds homes based on the incomes of the local residents and knows what they can afford as opposed to the builders that think they’re entitled to $136 + per sq. ft..

Mr. Thomason is so confident that he can continue to meet that need better than other builders that he purchased $10,000,000 in lots in 2009 in Ascension Parish. And, Mr. Thomason is selling homes in bulk while other local builders aren’t doing nearly as well as in the insane local housing markets of late 2005 to early 2008, with builders expecting $136/sf+ for their homes. That was then and this is the much more sane 2010s. $128/sf+ in Livingston Parish generally doesn’t work as some builders AND THEIR BANKS have found out the hard way. The residents that bought those higher quality homes in Juban Parc early on are learning this lesson the hard way as well.

Other Homes In Crystal Lakes!

MY ULTIMATE ADVICE! According to the Realtor I spoke with representing Crystal Lakes, the plan is to make the homes both smaller and similar in size. My advice would be to make this development similar to the home size and quality found in Willow Pointe S/D off Hatchell Lane, where the homes range in size from 1500sf to 1800sf and in pricing from $170K to $214K. In this appraiser’s opinion, Crystal Lakes would be more desirable of a development than Willow Pointe because of the older section of Kemberly Heights one has to drive through to get to Willow Pointe and that onerous left turn onto Hatchell Lane in the mornings. However, Willow Pointe is closer to Florida and closer to Interstate 12, which makes a big difference when there are no plans in action whatsover to make the commute from Crystal Lakes to Florida Blvd or Interstate 12 less grueling. That 2 mile difference in the mornings and evenings can seem like an eternity in the worsening traffic of Denham Springs. Traffic in Denham Springs is a complete nightmare and it doesn’t appear that much of anything is being done to to help us wake up from this daily nightmare. Why is Hatchell Lane still a 2 Lane road in 2010? I better quit now!

Bill Cobb, with Accurate Valuations Group, is and has been a local home appraiser for 18 years now.

Greater Baton Rouge Home Appraiser Offers Pre-Listing Appraisal Services

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Wed, 05 May 2010 06:00:01 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ – Greater Baton Rouge Home Appraiser Offers Pre-Listing Appraisal Services

A smooth transaction is one when one has accurately represented the physical characteristics(in writing) of one’s home , whether it be listing the home with an agent or selling it yourself(FSBO). “The main step is to acquire the accurate living area during the whole process of obtaining the accurate representation of one’s property”, says William D. Cobb, CREA who is the owner of Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. An agent will enlist a CMA or Comparative Market Analysis for determining a home’s listing price. Still, one should have with them, a precise calculation of the living area.

Also, to be on the safer side, it would be a wise decision to have a third-party measure the living area and value of the property before one signs the Listing Agreement. A residential appraiser is the best option in this case.

This has the following advantages:

When an appraisal report is done in a professional manner, it leaves a good impression on the potential buyer as it supports the price quoted as well.

An appraisal generally includes photographs, location map, accurate sketch, precise dimensions, outline of the neighborhood etc. Also, 3 to 4 comparable sales must be present adjusted to subject property.

Enlisting recommendations for repair or enhancements, if any. This listing appraisal can indicate a value for addition(s), items that require repairs, etc..

Accurate estimation of Living-Area size lends peace of mind, especially with values @ $100/sf +

In U.S, majority of real estate professionals base the price per square foot of a home on living area size. Living Area is measured from the exterior walls. All real estate professionals are to follow the ANSI Standards for Single-Family Residential Buildings (American National Standards Institute) when calculating area home sizes. In a seminar in Apex Appraiser Home Sketching Software and National ANSI Standards in Houston, TX, the ANSI instructor, who is also on the Appraiser Standards Board in South Carolina, stated that one of the most common lawsuits in Real Estate today is “misrepresentation of living area size”.

Consider: A 2,000sf home is for sale, priced at $240,000. Instead of measuring the home, the living area was obtained by County Records; estimating the typical home size in that development. The home is listed with a living area of 2,000sf. A purchase agreement for $240,000 is received and is accepted. The appraisal is ordered by the buyer’s lender. The sellers submit an offer on a $350,000 home in a neighboring development. The offer is accepted. However, the appraiser for the home turns in her appraisal showing 1,840sf and an appraised value of $220,800, much less than the purchase price. The sellers are asked to renegotiate the purchase price as the living area is 1,840sf, and not the 2,000sf. The sellers sue for misrepresentation of living area.

Thus, it’s crucial to have one’s home measured by the person listing your home. It is strongly recommended that when interviewing the person listing your home, one must confirm that they follow ANSI, that they will measure your home, and provide you a calculated sketch. Thus, a written verification of true living area is present.

Bill states that he recently performed a purchase appraisal in a South Baton Rouge Subdivision on a 2,026sf living area, for $260,000, listed FSBO. The home was marketed WITHOUT obtaining a professional opinion on the value of the home. The buyers end up with $9,000 in equity as the home appraised at $269k. So, as against a loss of $9,000 the seller should have paid $225 to get the listing appraisal done.

An appraisal helps homeowners make the best decisions like investment in homes and setting a competent sales price. Thus it is strongly recommended to have a Listing Appraisal before one lists their home.

Accurate Valuations Group
Office: 225.293.1500
Fax: 1-866-663-6065

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisers: The ABC’s of Greater Baton Rouge FHA condo requirements

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:59:57 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ - Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisers: The ABC’s of Greater Baton Rouge FHA condo requirements. The Chicago Tribune News takes a look at the comprehensive condo approval process!

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

Baton Rouge FHA Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, Creates A Geographical Competency Map

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:49:29 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ – Baton Rouge FHA Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, Creates A Geographical Competency Map

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

Baton Rouge Certified FHA Home Appraisers

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:22:29 +0000

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/ – Baton Rouge Certified FHA Home Appraisers

Office: 225-293-1500 or 1-888-678-3544

Fax: 1-866-663-6065

Staff Email: fastvalue2@cox.net

Bill Cobb, Accurate Valuations Group Appraiser, has operated as a home appraiser for 18 years now primarily in the Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana market. Bill performs Conventional, FHA and RD/Rural Development home appraisals. For more information on Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group, visit FHA Appraisers in East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension & Livingston Parishes.

Our Service Areas: All of East & West Baton Rouge, Western Half of Livingston Parish (Denham Springs, Walker, Watson & Livingston) and Northern Ascension Parish (Prairieville, Gonzales, Geismar, Saint Amant, Sorrento)

Baton Rouge Real Estate Question: Is It Wise To Invest $60,000 For A Pool and Landscaping On A $250,000 Home?

Baton Rouge Real Estate Appraisal — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:40:07 +0000

http://www.appraisersinbatonrouge.com/ – Baton Rouge Real Estate Question: Is It Wise To Invest $60,000 For A Pool and Landscaping On A $250,000 Home?

As a home appraiser, I often see this type of scenario: Homeowner wants that swimming pool in the backyard with a lot of nice landscaping. That’s human nature to want nice features with your home, an outlet to help alleviate the monotony and stress of daily living after a hard days work, especially since many of the residential developments today aren’t designed for quality of life amenities, such as with walking and biking paths and trails. However, with a home value of $250,000, a $60,000 investment could bring your cost basis to $310,000 in a $250,000 neighborhood or 24% more than the average home in your subdivision. Would that be wise? Not exactly. Read more below.

There’s 2 answers to the above question: Is It Wise To Invest $60,000 For A Pool and Landscaping On A $250,000 Home?

1.) If money is no object to you and you plan on living and enjoying that home for the rest of your life (not moving), then make that investment because a $50,000 IG Pool is rarely a wise investment. One exception could be a pool installation in a high-end development in the $500K to $1,000,000 range. But the question is for the $250K range. Realize that the market (buyers) don’t pay dollar-for-dollar for such improvements as IG Pools or Landscaping. My 18 years experience as a home appraiser has shown me consistently that the market pays between 15% to 33% of the original cost of these improvements, depending on how nice they are and prevalence of such neighborhood amenities. If you live in a 300 home subdivision and only 5 homes have pools, then the likelihood of your return is much lower. If you live in an older neighborhood where pools were once the amenity to own but are now being filled in with dirt, then that should help one make their decision. It seems that the new the home and neighborhood and the newer the Pool, the more value it adds. So, if you want to spend $50,000 on an upscale gunite pool and only get back maybe $7,500 when you sell, then make that investment knowing this about the market’s reaction to such an amenity and investment.

The Red Circles Represent IG Pools Installed – A High Prevalence Of IG Pools. Before Installing An IG Pool, Research To Find Out The Prevalence Of IG Pools In Your Neighborhood. It’s likely that the more pools, the more a buyer would be willing to pay for such an amenity.

2.) If your investment dollars are counted carefully and you don’t plan on living in that home for more than 3 to 10 years, then such an investment would probably not be wise.

In conclusion, a $60,000 investment on the outside of your home is rarely going to reward you with a dollar-for-dollar reward paid by the buyer at the time of sale. It’s a major over-improvement that “might” return 1/4th to 1/3rd of your original investment. It’s best to find out this answer from an appraiser than a pool salesperson…..Enough Said!

$50,000 Gunite In-Ground Swimming Pool

$10,000 In Newer Landscaping

So, You Might Ask, Where’s The Best Place To Invest Money In My Home For The Best Reward? Stay Tuned To Find Out More. Here’s A Hint: Place Little Reliance On Those Cost-Reward Guides That Tell You If You Invest $15,000 Adding A New Bathroom, Your Reward Will Be $30,000. Those Guides Are Written By The Same Industry That Wants To Add That New Bathroom To Your Home, not from the appraiser that exactly examines the market to determine the true value of such an improvement.

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 18 years experience, Bill Cobb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as a home appraiser.

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

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

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

Fax: 1-866-663-6065

Staff Email: fastvalue2@cox.net

http://www.batonrougerealestateappraisal.com/