Q3 Fannie Update – Concessions, Rural, Environmental Hazards

By on October 4, 2024   /   adjustments, Fannie, real estate market, state appraiser regulators   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: Fannie Update, Concessions Are a Mess, State Board Complaints

October 4, 2024

What’s in This Newsletter (In Order, Scroll Down)

  • State Board Complaints and Renewal

  • Q3 2024 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update – Concessions, Rural, Environmental Hazards

  • $47 Million Ski Chalet With Private Tesla-Style Gondola, Bowling Alley, and Basketball Court

  • September 2024 Real Estate Market Update: What Appraisers Need to Know By Kevin Hecht

  • The hot mess of concessions in real estate By Ryan Lundquist

  • That A-Frame Life: What It’s Really Like To Live in These Triangular Houses

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Q3 2024 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update – Concessions, Rural, Environmental Hazards

Excerpts:

Rural

Worth reading with links to Fannie info, including a link to: Free Fannie online Rural Appraisal Challenges eLearning course. Plus other tips.

Environmental Hazards

While Fannie Mae does not expect the appraiser to be an expert in the field of environmental hazards, we do expect appraisers to analyze and report any information about environmental hazards that is available in the normal course of business…

If an appraiser has knowledge of or identifies an environmental hazard in or on the subject property or on any site within the vicinity of the property, we require the appraiser to…

Seller Concessions

The article about seller concessions in our December 2023 Appraiser Update generated a lot of questions and buzz.

First, we heard that some appraisers, in reaction to our article, adopted a practice of always adjusting dollar for dollar for seller concessions. While this may seem sensible from a theoretical perspective, it could have adverse unintended consequences (such as undervaluation) if the concession did not actually have a dollar-for-dollar impact on the price. Making either assumption (that there is no impact or that the impact is dollar-for-dollar) is not the correct approach…

PSAs – UAD, Bias with useful links to Fannie info

To read more, Click Here

My Comments: Read the concessions section to see what Fannie Mae says on this hot topic! Plus the useful info and links on other topics above.

See Ryan Lundquist’s post below on Concessions – A Mess

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Value of a Pool

By on July 5, 2024   /   adjustments, appraisal, appraisal business, appraisal how to, forecast, real estate market, zillow   /   Leave a comment
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What is a pool worth? It depends.

By Ryan Lundquist June 26, 2024

Excerpts: With and Without Pools (Big Difference)

There’s a huge difference in the stats when we compare homes with and without pools. The properties with pools are larger in square footage and lot size, higher in price, and they’ve taken slightly less time to sell too.

In short, the higher the price, the greater chance there is a pool. This likely has to do with the cost of building a pool, cost of maintaining a pool, and even larger parcels at higher ranges – not to mention buyers at higher price points expecting a pool more often.

The rhythm of pool sales basically follows the pattern we see in the entire market. More sales as the year unfolds, and they typically peak around June. Some smaller areas could be slightly different.

Seriously though, What is a pool worth?

It depends. Different price points and locations come with different expectations. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for the value of a pool. In other words, we can’t just apply one figure to a property because that number isn’t going to make sense everywhere. This is where we have to study the comps. With that said, my observation is pool adjustments have generally gone up since the pandemic as buyers are more in tune with the importance of a backyard. Have you seen that also?

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Check out Ryan’s tables to see his data analysis, which is not difficult to set up.

When I first started appraising in suburban Bay Area cities in the mid-1980s, homes with pools sold for more in some neighborhoods with higher-priced homes. MLS always said a pool was there, which is a good way to check it out. At that time, MLS data analysis was much more limited than it is today. I saw this in a particular neighborhood with very hot summers. This is still the same now.

In contrast, where I live, about 15 miles west, on an island on San Francisco Bay, pools have never been a plus or a minus. Weather is “Mediterranean” weather without hot summers. Often sellers said they would remove the pool, but the buyers never requested it.

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Appraising Factory-Built Houses

By on June 14, 2024   /   adjustments, Appraisal fees   /   Leave a comment
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Factory-Built Houses: Types, Benefits, and Tips for Appraisers

By Dan Bradley

Excerpts: Factory-built houses are an important, yet often overlooked, part of the American housing market. Approximately 10% to 12% of new housing starts in the United States are factory-built. There are several advantages to building a house in a factory. For example, certain houses can be constructed for 50% less than a similar-sized site-built home, making quality housing more affordable for thousands of Americans. As an appraiser, your knowledge of factory-built housing is key to a credible appraisal.

This article examines several different types of factory-built houses, their five main advantages, and tips for appraising them.

Factory-built house is a term that refers generally to a number of house types that are constructed or fabricated, at least in part, off site. The prefabricated components are transported to the site and finished or reassembled there. By contrast, site-built, or “stick-built,” homes are put together at the building site from thousands of individual pieces (e.g., studs, nails, sheets of drywall, shingles, wires, pipes, electrical outlet boxes).

For appraisers, understanding the specific type of factory-built house you’re dealing with is key. It tells you which building codes apply, gives you clues about the construction process, and impacts how you approach the valuation.

Factory-built homes include:

  •   Mobile homes
  •   Manufactured homes
  •   Modular homes
  •   Panelized homes
  •   Pre-cut or kit homes

To read more, Click Here

My comments: This is worth reading, especially if you appraise these types of homes. It provides very good, understandable explanations, including identifying the types. For example, GSEs will not purchase or securitize a mortgage on a mobile home manufactured before June 15, 1976. Likewise, HUD will not issue FHA mortgage insurance on a pre-1976 mobile home.

I work in an urban/suburban area, mostly built up, and have appraised very few of these homes. However, they are definitely more affordable housing, which is a very hot topic now.

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I Can’t Believe I Just Bought a $5M Mobile Home’: A Look Inside 5 of America’s Most Lavish Trailer Parks

Just for Fun!

Excerpts: Multimillion-dollar price tags usually come attached to massive mansions or luxury condos—but now, it’s becoming more common to find them in mobile home parks in enviable locations.

But these aren’t just any trailer parks, as they’re more commonly known. For one, they usually sit on prime real estate. And the neighbors? They’re traditionally billionaires or A-list celebrities.

Prices in some of these parks can generally range from $1.5 million to more than $6 million, but that hasn’t put off buyers with that type of cash to spare.

Arguably, the most famous trailer park in America is Paradise Cove in Malibu. Here, celebrities “slum it” in mobile homes to be close to some of the most expensive real estate in the world.

In 2019, fashion maven Betsey Johnson sold her small pink house here for $1.9 million; in 2018, former “Baywatch” babe Pamela Anderson unloaded her trailer for $1.75 million; and in 2016, songbird Stevie Nicks sold hers for $5.3 million.

To read more and see the photos, Click Here

My comment: I had to include this fun article related to the article above

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Appraisers Riding the Waves of Up and Down Mortgage Rates

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NOTE: Please scroll down to read the other topics in this long blog post seller concessions, all cash sales, liability, new fee survey, unusual homes, mortgage origination stats, etc

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Basement Issues and Values

By on May 3, 2024   /   adjustments, appraisal how to, non-lender appraisals, real estate market   /   Leave a comment
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Understanding Basement Contributory Value

By Jo Traut

Excerpts: Determining how a basement contributes to a residential property’s value requires an appraiser to determine what type of basement the home has, its level of finishing, and take into account common concerns, like evidence of mold or signs of structural concern.

By following best practices, including separating the basement from the above-grade finished area, understanding the intended use of the space, and completing comprehensive research, you can evaluate the basement’s contributory value more accurately.

Topics

  • Know your basic basement types
  • How is the basement finished? Determining levels
  • Best practices when appraising a basement
  • Know the intended use and client requirements
  • Common problems in basements
  • Environmental hazards: One of the most significant issues appraisers run into is mold.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: This is one of the best discussions of basements I have read. It is worth reading. In my area, there are few fully underground basements, as we have a mild climate. Most homes were built prior to 1930, and there are many types of “basements.” They are not easy to determine added value, if any. I research, check with agents, check permit histories, try to get comps with the same type of basement, etc. The type and level of finish are critical.

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Desktop Appraisals: Who, When, and Why

By on April 12, 2024   /   adjustments, non-lender appraisals, real estate market   /   Leave a comment
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Desktop Appraisals: Who, When, and Why

Excerpts: The ability to identify property characteristics without a personal inspection is not a new concept. Retrospective appraisals, drive-by (exterior inspection) appraisals, and valuations from plans and specifications, are all valuation assignments where an appraiser develops an appraisal opinion without personally inspecting the property.

Similarly, while not identical, appraisers generally use the cited sources above to identify the physical characteristics of comparable sales in their appraisals. Thus, it’s fair to say that identifying the physical characteristics of the subject property in a desktop appraisal is a similar process to verifying comparable sales.

While they won’t replace a full appraisal for a majority of property transactions, desktop appraisals can offer a more efficient and cost-saving alternative for all involved parties and are often used in low-risk scenarios and non-GSE appraisal assignments, such as:

  • Helping sellers determine a price: A desktop appraisal provides sellers with valuable insights into their property’s market value, helping them make informed decisions when determining an appropriate listing price.
  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs): When homeowners apply for HELOCs, lenders may request desktop appraisals to ascertain the property’s value and determine the credit limit without requiring a full appraisal.
  • Tax Appeal Support: When there is a challenge to a tax assessment, a desktop appraisal may be used to provide a current market value.
  • Insurance purposes: Lenders or other clients may order desktop appraisals for insurance purposes to determine the property’s replacement cost or insurable value.
  • Managing Investments: For investors who own multiple properties, desktop appraisals provide rapid updates on property values.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Although the web page title includes “for new appraisers,” this post has ideas for all appraisers. The list of non-lender uses is very good. I have done drivebys for estate appraisals when the home had been sold and I had no access.

Desktop appraisals okay for some Fannie Loans March 2022

Fannie Wants Desktop Appraisals

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Functional Obsolescence in Appraisals

By on March 29, 2024   /   adjustments, appraisal business, FHA, real estate market   /   Leave a comment
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Functional Obsolescence Can Be Challenging

By McKissock

Excerpts: For appraisers, functional obsolescence can be a challenging concept because the elements that influence property values may not be obvious or immediately apparent. To help you better understand what it means and how to pinpoint it, we’re exploring some examples, the different types of functional obsolescence, and how it can influence property values.

Additionally, we’re sharing insights from appraisers who answered our survey question, “When dealing with functional obsolescence in real property appraisal, what aspect do you find most challenging?”

Topics include:

  • Types of functional obsolescence
  • Curable obsolescence
  • Incurable obsolescence
  • Superadequacy

What aspects of functional obsolescence do appraisers find most challenging? We asked our appraisal community, “When dealing with functional obsolescence in real property appraisal, what aspect do you find most challenging?”

The top two answers were “supporting adjustments for it” and “finding comparable properties with similar obsolescence.” Here are the full survey results, followed by comments from appraisers who shared further insights into these two common challenges related to functional obsolescence:

Supporting adjustments: 46%

Finding comps: 33%

Sample appraiser comments:

“Functional obsolescence is not a searchable criterion in any MLS database I’ve found. The ability to find a credible impact on other homes repeatedly is an anomaly. So, I may be able to generate a factor or dollar difference but having only one comp to determine with leaves you deciding on credibility or making no deduction if you don’t feel it’s a credible adjustment.”

To read more, Click Here

My comments: We all encounter Functional Obsolescence when appraising. The blog post is well-written and understandable. It is worth reading the full blog post and the appraisers’ comments. Plus, the explanations about functional obsolescence are good reminders.

Functional Obsolescence for Appraisers

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Remove all bathtubs from home?

By on March 8, 2024   /   adjustments, appraisal business, BATHROOMS, Economic analysis, forecast, modernization, real estate market   /   Leave a comment
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Is it a problem to remove all bathtubs in a house?

By Ryan Lundquist

Excerpts: I’ve been asked this question twice this week. Is it a problem to remove the tubs from each bathroom? People planning a remodel asked if it was a big deal or not to only have a walk-in shower in each bathroom. Here are my thoughts, and I really want to hear from you too. Anything to add?

It’s not a black and white answer: There’s not one black-and-white answer that applies to every house, price range, location, or market. Bottom line. But backing up, part of the fun of working in real estate is figuring out how to answer questions like this in a way that is balanced and hopefully reflective of the sentiment in the marketplace.

Other topics include:

  • It’s never just about resale value
  • 55+ communities
  • Splitting hairs to prove an adjustment

To read more, including Ryan’s many comments, fun images and graphics, his Twitter X and Instagram surveys, plus 50+ comments, Click Here

My comments: This is the only analysis I have ever seen about this appraisal topic and it is great! I started appraising in 1975 and this was an issue then, continuing today.

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Appraising Historical Homes

By on February 16, 2024   /   adjustments, appraisal classes, bias, non-lender appraisals   /   Leave a comment
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Historical Properties and Their Unique Appraisal Approaches

Excerpts: Appraising historical properties involves a complex interplay of factors, making it a specialized field within real estate valuation. This article provides an insight into the appraisal process of historical properties, emphasizing the role of market data, potential buyers, specialized databases, appraisal methods, and the significant impact of preservation restrictions.

The appraisal process begins with a thorough analysis of market data, focusing on sales of properties that share historical or antique characteristics. This comparative market analysis extends beyond standard parameters like size and location to include age, architectural style, and historical significance. The scarcity of historical properties often requires appraisers to expand their search to find comparable sales, both geographically and over longer time frames.

The distinction between a historic property with preservation restrictions and an old house without them is crucial in the appraisal process. Preservation restrictions, often governed by the National Register or local historical commissions, can add value by ensuring the property’s integrity. However, these restrictions may also limit modifications, potentially affecting the property’s market appeal.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: If you don’t want to appraise a historic property, be sure to check it out before accepting the assignment!

Worth reading. A good summary. I suspect that a company based in Boston, MA sees lots of historic homes!

For many years I appraised in the nearby city of Berkeley, CA. There were definitely adjustments for homes built by famous, widely known, architects. Fortunately, their names were listed in the MLS.

In my small city, there are a few homes by famous architects. One was sold about 20 years ago by a famous architect, Julia Morgan. She designed more than 700 buildings in California during a long and prolific career. She is best known for her work on Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. No effect on value. I was surprised. If it was in Berkeley, there would be a substantial adjustment.

Some cities have large historic buildings, such as the City Hall in my city, built in 1895, twenty years after the city charter in 1872. The Gold Rush in California started in 1848, which brought many people to Northern California.

But, in my city, there are many restrictions on what can be done with older homes, such as Victorians. For example, window replacements must replicate the original windows, plus some other restrictions on exterior modifications. Restrictions are from the city, the county, and the state. In my city of 78,000 population, there are over 10,000 buildings constructed prior to 1930, including many classic Victorians.

Many downtown mixed-use buildings (retail and apartments) are in my city. I appraised many of them, but never noticed any effect, plus or minus, for historic designation.

Knowing what modifications are allowed is very important for the appraiser. Many people don’t like them. You need to know the market. Sometimes buyers like them and sometimes not.

See how many historic homes and buildings are where you do appraisals and where you live. You may be surprised!

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Appraisal Time Adjustments Underutized

By on January 12, 2024   /   adjustments, Economic analysis, forecast, non-lender appraisals, real estate market   /   Leave a comment
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FHFA Report: Underutilization of Appraisal Time Adjustments

Published: 1/8/2024

Excerpts: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Federal Housing Administration appraisal guidelines require such adjustments whenever market conditions have been changing. However, this blog shows that appraisers frequently do not make time adjustments, even when they are likely to impact the appraised value substantially. This analysis also finds that the adjustments appraisers do make are typically substantially smaller than house price indexes would suggest.

The main dataset used in this blog is a 5 percent sample of single-family housing in the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) collect.5 The time period covered, the third quarter of 2018 through the fourth quarter of 2021, includes all the UAD data available to FHFA when the analysis began.

…monthly house price indexes for ZIP codes are used to walk forward the comparable sales amounts. For each comparable in the data, the price indexes are used to calculate a predicted time adjustment corresponding to the age of the comparable and local price trends.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Check out the very good graphs. Maybe the indexes were not as reliable as actual appraisal adjustments, but overall adjustments were lower by appraisers.

When I started my business in 1986, several very experienced local appraisers said don’t make time adjustments for lender appraisals. In a significant drop in prices, in the 1990s, some appraisers who made negative adjustments lost their businesses. I always made them and never had any complaints from my lender clients. I worked for an assessor’s office in the late 1970s where we were making 2% per month time adjustments upward. Since Fannie started focusing on UAD analysis around 2015, losing business because of negative market conditions has almost stopped. They are one of the easiest adjustments to make.

My market is very volatile. The only dollar adjustments on non-lender appraisals that I make on homes are market conditions unless it has a valuable feature, such as an excellent view, that needs an adjustment.

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Online comments by a very experienced and savvy appraiser:

This (price indexing) is one thing that AVMs do quite well.

I’ve seen thousands of appraisals over the years where appraisers made no Positive or Negative Market Conditions adjustments, as though the market is always in balance and prices are always stable, even during periods of rapidly changing prices.

Ignoring market conditions adjustments makes us look incompetent to buyers, sellers, lenders, Realtors, and the general public. I purposely omitted AMCs from this group as they are order takers. It’s not good for Residential Fee Appraisers when FHFA tells the public how poorly we’re performing with regards to what most call “time adjustments”.

 

Appraisal Adjustments Yes, No, Maybe

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Superadequacy Adjustments for Appraisals

By on December 22, 2023   /   adjustments, appraisal business, bias, humor, statistics   /   Leave a comment
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How to Account for a Superadequacy

By: McKissock

Excerpts: What is superadequacy?

Per The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, 6th Ed., superadequacy is defined as “an excess in the capacity or quality of a structure or structural component; determined by market standards.” It’s a type of functional obsolescence in which the structure or one of its components is overly improved to a capacity or quality than a prudent buyer or owner would build or pay.

While we provide more detailed illustrations below, a simple example would be a 5,000 square foot luxury home built in a neighborhood comprised of two and three-bedroom mid-century ranch homes.

Example #1: Superadequate custom fireplace

Example #2: Superadequate 12-car garage

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Although the blog post references luxury homes, this can occur anywhere. Have you ever driven closer and closer to your subject and noticed that the homes are much smaller or have standard designs? You keep getting closer, hoping it is not your subject. It Is! This definitely has happened to me. Large unusual additions, two large kitchens, very extensive landscaping, etc.

Maybe you were busy and forgot to check it out in public records, MLS or speaking with the owner or agent (if a sale) when scheduling the appointment.

Market Your Appraisal Services: 59 Ways to Get More Business Now

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