Paired Sales Analysis

By on September 12, 2025   /   adjustments, appraisal, appraisal business, appraisal forms, appraisal how to, UAD 3.6   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: Paired Sales Analysis, The Last Appraiser,
24 Hour Turn Times?

September 12, 2025

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

  • LIA AD: Why do Claims get Settled?
  • Paired Sales Analysis: Tips and Tools for Appraisers
  • Home on rare stretch of California’s Lost Coast hits market for $11M in Ferndale, CA Some Assembly Required
  • Combining Tools for Appraisals By Brent Bowen
  • The 24-Hour Appraisal Diet: Slim on Time, Light on Credibility
  • A Review of MEIN COMP: The Last Appraiser by Desiree Mehbod
  • Mortgage applications decreased 1.2 percent from one week earlier

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Tools To Support Appraisal Adjustments

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Paired Sales Analysis: Tips and Tools for Appraisers

By Kevin Hecht

Excerpts: As a professional real estate appraiser, you know that paired sales analysis is a reliable and popular method for determining the value of specific property features and providing market-based evidence to support appraisal adjustments.

Though not without challenges, paired sales analysis is a valuable technique to have in your appraisal toolkit. Mastering this method will help you develop more accurate, credible, and defensible appraisals.

Uses

Primarily used in the sales comparison approach, paired sales analysis is particularly useful for estimating the value of unique property attributes such as:

  • Location advantages (corner lots, cul-de-sac positions, or waterfront access)
  • Scenic views or privacy features
  • Property upgrades (pools, finished basements, luxury kitchens)

Importance

For property appraisers, paired sales analysis is an essential tool because it helps ensure that appraisal adjustments are supported by quantitative data. Rather than relying on cost estimates or subjective opinions, you can use actual sales data to support your value conclusions. This evidence strengthens your appraisal’s defensibility and helps you comply with USPAP.

Additional Topics

  • Step-by-Step Methodology of a Paired Sales Analysis
  • Paired Sales Analysis Tips and Best Practices

My comments: Paired sales has been used for decades by appraisers. Now, statistical analysis including graphs is available plus software that can determine adjustments. In the 8/25 issue of this newsletter, an appraiser survey of appraisal adjustments said that paired sales was the number one adjustment method used by appraisers.

I use paired sales for unusual adjustments, such as discussed above. For example, for many years I lived in waterfront homes, which is not unusual in my city. One of my homes was in a small development of similar homes built in the 1940s. Matched paired sales was very easy. Another non tract home built in the 1940s did not have similar homes nearby and paired sales did not work very well there.

To read more, Click Here

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Appraisal Regulator Chaos

By on September 5, 2025   /   appraisal, Appraisal Foundation, appraisal how to, appraisal regulations, Appraisal Subcomitee, climate risk, Economic analysis, HOME INSURANCE, liability, real estate market, state appraiser regulators   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: Appraisal Regulator Chaos , Cat and Raccoon Damages, Wildfire Risks

September 5, 2025

What’s in This Newsletter (In Order, Scroll Down)
NOTE: Scroll down to see Appraisal Regulator Chaos

  • LIA AD: Legal Request for Old Appraisal
  • The Kitty Litter Duplex: An Appraisal I Wish to Not Remember
  • $300K Maryland Home Is Overrun by Feral Cats and Raccoons
  • The Full Measure August 2025: Navigating Rates, Inventory, and Affordability
  • Appraisal Regulatory Chaos
  • The Town With No Bank: How Rural America Lost Its Mortgage Lifeline By Dallas T. Kiedrowski, MNAA
  • New Cotality Wildfire Risk Report finds more than 2.6 million homes are exposed to moderate or greater wildfire risk
  • Mortgage applications decreased 1.2 percent from one week earlier
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The Kitty Litter Duplex: An Appraisal I Wish to Not Remember

Excerpts: How one property’s furballs left an unforgettable impression on an apartment and an appraiser

Introduction

In the world of real estate, surprises abound. Industry professionals, especially appraisers, all expect the unexpected, but even the most seasoned professionals can stumble across situations that test the limits of their experience, composure, and their judgement. There are stories of haunted houses, collapsing ceilings, and outlandish tenant actions and decorative choices (Live, Laugh, Love), but the tale of the cat-soiled duplex stands out for its sheer yuck-factor. This is the story of what should be a routine property appraisal, which became cemented in my experience stories, due to its unfathomability and coated in an unmistakable, noxious layer of feline mischief.

The Setting: An Unimposing Duplex with a Dirty Little Secret…

The Appraisal Appointment: An Unforgettable First Impression

…I could only see the flooring in the opening and a few other spots around the living room from about a foot outside the threshold, the rest of the floor was completely caked with cat poop. The walls, ceiling, and windows were all enveloped by heavy spider webs in a variety of states, while some were fresh looking, others clearly blackened from a long life filled with dust, dirt, fur, and of course fecal matter. Also, you could see multiple patches of orange mold scattered throughout the walls and ceiling. I quickly replied I would not be going in there, because it was a danger to my health and safety, which somehow surprised her….

Financial and Health Implications: When Cleanliness Becomes a Value Killer

Hygiene, general maintenance, and property values parallel each other. This may be why we have condition codes for our appraisals. Just saying…. I made sure to thoroughly explain the situation and how the value was determined in the report. I did not want this rolling back downhill and getting me. Luckily, a very gracious Fresno Construction, was able to give me a quote very quickly, which came just over $100,000 for an estimate to redo the unit in its entirety.

Conclusion

The Kitty Litter Unit stands as a testament to both the resilience of a property and the unpredictability investors face. Especially in this case, since it was for an estate of a deceased former owner.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: I appraised a house for a relocation company – one story with 3 bedrooms. There were cats on every surface above the floor, such as dressers, – all staring at me of course. In the rear of the home was a very large cat enclosure. They were rescue cats, temporarily at the home. I did not ask the owner where the cats would go when she relocated – back to the shelter or with go with her.  I will never forget about all those cat eyes staring at me!

I had another relocation appraisal where the male cat had sprayed urine along several walls in the living room. I told the relocation company to replace the drywall.

Of course, I could fill up a book with dog stories. Such as two Dobermans that broke down the door of a trailer to get to me. I somehow made it to my car and I will never forget it. Or the small dogs who bit my ankles as I was trying to get through the front door (home was owned by an appraiser I knew). For both appraisals, I told my lender client to get another appraiser.

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What AI Means For Appraisers

By on August 22, 2025   /   appraisal, appraisal forms, appraisal modernization, humor, liability   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: AI and Appraisers, FHA Handbook Updated,
History of Residential Appraisal Regulations

August 22, 2025

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

  • LIA AD: Should I consider this an actual claim?
  • 7.5 Things Appraisers Can Do That Artificial Intelligence Cannot, By Mark Buhler
  • Home Made Entirely Out of Shipping Containers Hits the Market for $5.2 Million in New Hampshire
  • FHA Handbook Updated
  • The New Appraisal Report: How One Company Is Rethinking Appraisal Software
  • A Primer on Regulations and the Practice of Residential Property Appraisal
  • Mortgage applications decreased 1.4 percent from one week earlier

AI and Appraisals – the Future

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7.5 Things Appraisers Can Do That Artificial Intelligence Cannot

By Mark Buhler

Excerpts: Artificial intelligence is making waves in nearly every industry — and real estate appraisal is no exception. Computer generated algorithms and valuations promise quick results and lower costs, and some headlines are already asking the question: “Will appraisers be replaced by AI?”

The short answer? Not even close.

What appraisers can do

1. Judge Condition and Quality

An AVM might see a listing that says “4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2,400 square feet.” What it won’t know is that one of those bedrooms hasn’t been updated since the Nixon administration and still sports avocado-green shag carpet. Appraisers evaluate condition, quality of construction, level of maintenance, and updates — all of which have a direct impact on value. Without physically inspecting a property, AI misses these nuances entirely.

2. Interpret Unique Features

3. Spot Red Flags the Data Misses

4. Smell the House

5. Explain and Defend Adjustments

6. Testify in Court

7. Apply Professional Judgment

7.5 Half Point: Remember to Knock

How to Start Leveraging AI in Your Practice – 7 ways

AI won’t replace appraisers — but appraisers who embrace it will leave others behind. Here are a few easy ways to get started:

1. Use AI‑Driven Comp Tools: Platforms now exist that can quickly identify potential comparables based on similarity scoring. Use them to save time — but always vet the comps yourself.……………

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Worth reading the entire article. What AI can do.

What Appraisers can do, with and without AI.

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Humor What is an appraiser?

By on August 15, 2025   /   AMCs, appraisal, humor, liability, New URAR   /   Leave a comment
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What is an Appraiser? Humor, Upzoning,
New UAD Quality Ratings

August 15, 2025

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

  • LIA AD: A Family feued and Intended Use
  • Upzoning: What It Is and What Appraisers Need to Know
  • Off-Grid ‘Stilt Home’ That Hovers Above a St. Augustine Beach Hits the Market for $1.35 Million
  • What Is An Appraiser? Humor
  • The New UAD Quality Equation: Interior + Exterior = Overall Rating
  • The Harbor Model: Where Appraisers Take the Helm
  • Mortgage applications increased 3.1 percent from one week earlier,

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Upzoning: What It Is and What Appraisers Need to Know

Excerpts: Upzoning is a powerful but often misunderstood tool in urban planning and real estate. In this post, we’ll break down what upzoning is, why it’s becoming more prevalent, and what appraisers need to know about its potential impact on property values.

What Is Upzoning?

Upzoning is the process of modifying zoning laws to allow for higher-density development in areas that previously had stricter land-use regulations. This might include permitting multi-family housing where only single-family homes were allowed, increasing building height limits, or reducing minimum lot sizes. The goal is often to promote more efficient land use and address housing shortages.

What to Be Aware of as an Appraiser

It’s important for real estate appraisers to stay informed about changes in local zoning laws, as these can significantly affect property valuations. Upzoning, in particular, can alter what is legally permissible on a parcel of land, shifting development potential and land use expectations.

When upzoning occurs, the highest and best use of a property may change—from a single-family home to a multi-family development, for example—requiring appraisers to reassess the property’s value accordingly.

How to Address Upzoning in Your Appraisal Report

If you find that a property has been upzoned, how do you tackle that in your actual appraisal report? “I think the place to start is building permitting,” says Dobbs. “A lot of cities have pretty decent permitting websites. You can go in there and look at what types of permits are being pulled in the area.”

More topics:

  • How to Address Upzoning in Your Appraisal Report
  • Opportunities for Real Estate Appraisers
  • How to Prepare for Future Upzoning

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Excellent, understandable article about this important topic. There are rental housing shortages in many areas in U.S. Today there is pressure to allow upzoning to make more rental housing available.

Residential appraisers did not receive much education on this topic. You don’t want to get into trouble with the state board by using the incorrect highest and best use on a property or not recognizing and reporting on upzoning.

I do commercial appraisals. HBU issues occur regularly in my city, so I keep up on zoning changes.

Don’t forget local regulations. In my city, regulations (not in zoning regs) restricts the number of rental units on a property (downzoning) after many Victorians were demolished and ugly modern apartment buildings constructed in the early 1960s. Appraisers only looking at zoning for HBU would make a very big mistake.

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Off-Grid ‘Stilt Home’ That Hovers Above a St. Augustine Beach Hits the Market for $1.35 Million

Excerpts 4 bedroom 3 baths,3,374 square feet, 0.41acre lot, built in 1980

Beachfront homes that offer instant access to white sand and a crystal-clear ocean are a rare find—but even rarer is a dwelling that sits directly atop that beachfront, mere feet away from the water.

Yet one such property has just washed ashore in St. Augustine, FL, listed for $1.35 million, 19 years after it last changed hands for less than a sixth of that price.

This unique dwelling is situated on large wooden stilts that have been hammered into the sand, providing the perfect perch overlooking the water, ensuring 24/7 beach access—a rare amenity that comes with its fair share of complications.

Unsurprisingly, given its location, the home is classified as being at “extreme” risk of flooding, according to the Realtor.com® Flood Factor rating, which notes that the dwelling has a “100% risk of flooding” over the next 30 years.

Additionally, the “stilt house” has an extreme wind factor rating, as well as an extreme risk of hotter-than-average temperatures.

To read more Click Here

To read the listing with 59 photos and a video tour, Click Here

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What Is An Appraiser? Humor

An appraiser is one who compiles and analyzes voluminous data of problematical accuracy from sources of dubious veracity and derives therefrom a numerical quantification of unquestionable necessity,

analogous to a nebulous and euphemistic concept representational of value commensurate with ambient configurations of the open market

and promulgates thereby a precise written declamation which delineates his observation, deliberations and conclusions all done while he feigns absolute ignorance of the avaricious machinations of Buyers, Sellers, Brokers and Lenders, compensated only by that penurious stipend known as the professional fee.

This joke is from Bill Sparks. Bill doesn’t know where this joke originated, but Thanks for sending it to us!

My comments: We all need a little appraiser humor!

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12 APPRAISAL MYTHS

By on August 8, 2025   /   appraisal, bias, Economic analysis, liability   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: 12 Appraisal Myths, Appraisal Bias Lawsuit

August 8, 2025

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

  • LIA AD: Legal Request for Old Appraisal
  • 12 Common Appraisal Myths/Misconceptions by Tom Horn
  • $750K Hobbit-Style Bunker in Tennessee Puts a Unique Spin on Underground Living
  • The Appraiser’s Market Compass: Navigating the Summer 2025 Housing Landscape By Kevin Hecht, Appraiser and Economist
  • Appraiser questions answered: Interview with Craig Capilla, Attorney
  • No, Appraisers Didn’t Cause America’s Racial Wealth Gap by Jeremy Bagott
  • Mortgage applications increased 3.1 percent from one week earlier
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10 Appraisal Myths

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12 Common Appraisal Myths/Misconceptions

By Tom Horn

Excerpts:

1. Appraisers Rely Primarily on Price Per Square Foot

This is probably the most common misunderstanding I run into.

Yes, price per square foot is one of many tools we use to analyze value—but it’s not the whole story.

2. Appraisals Are Just a Quick Comparison of Recent Sales

Some folks think appraisers pull the three most recent sales and call it a day.

In reality, it’s much more involved. We look at a wide range of comparable sales, analyze market trends, make adjustments for differences between properties, and apply professional judgment.

3. Appraisals and Home Inspections Are the Same

This is a big one for homeowners and buyers.

Home inspections focus on the condition and function of the property—things like the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and safety issues. The inspector is looking for problems.

Appraisals, on the other hand, are focused on value. We observe the overall condition, yes, but we don’t test systems or check for code compliance.

4. Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) Like Zillow Zestimates Are Equivalent to Appraisals

Zillow can be helpful for a ballpark estimate, but it’s not an appraisal.

AVMs use algorithms, public data, and sometimes outdated or incorrect info. They don’t know if your kitchen was remodeled last year or if the neighbor’s home was a distressed sale.

5. The Purpose of the Appraisal Changes the Value

This one trips people up sometimes.

They’ll ask, “What’s the value for a refinance?” or “How much is it worth for a divorce?” as if the answer changes depending on why we’re appraising it.

To read the details and all 12 reasons, Click Here

My comments: Read this blog post. It can help you keep out of hassles and problems when appraising. When you get asked these questions you will know how to respond.  Written for real estate agents, buyers, sellers and many other people but excellent tips for appraisers.

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$750K Hobbit-Style Bunker in Tennessee Puts a Unique Spin on Underground Living

Excerpts: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3,024 sq.ft., built in 2010, 38.84 acre lot

When you think of a bunker, you probably don’t imagine a three-bedroom abode that’s brimming with modernity—which is just one of the reasons that a newly listed dwelling in Tennessee comes as a surprise.

Tucked into the hillside like a doomsday bunker, this Bethel Springs residence was originally built in 2010, yet it boasts a historic Hobbit-style feel akin to the quaint homes depicted in J.R.R. Tolkien’s picturesque Shire.

But much like Tolkien’s books, this home should not be judged by its cover.

Despite its bunker-esque setting and Hobbit-inspired exterior, inside the dwelling is a modern marvel, having been thoughtfully remodeled by its current owners to include an open floor plan and design-forward finishes like granite countertops and luxury vinyl plank flooring.

To read more plus photos, Click Here

To read the listing with 50 photos, Click Here

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What’s a comparable property for appraisals?

By on June 13, 2025   /   appraisal, bias, Fannie, liability, real estate market   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: Q2 Fannie Appraiser Update, Appraiser Wins Discrimination Lawsuit

June, 13, 2025

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

  • LIA ad: Am I Still on the ‘Do Not Use’ List?
  • What’s a comparable property? Or a “comp,” as we say more informally? By Bryan Reynolds
  • Rotterdam’s Yellow Cube Homes
  • Q2 2025 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update – UAD 3.6
  • A Back to the Future Housing Market By Ryan Lundquist
  • Case Dismissed: Ohio Appraiser Wins Discrimination Lawsuit by Isaac Peck
  • Mortgage applications increased 12.5 percent from one week earlier

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Real Estate Agents and Comparable Sales – Tips for Appraisers

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What’s a comparable property? Or a “comp,” as we say more informally?

By Bryan Reynolds

Excerpts: Let me give you an example of an appraisal report I saw recently, which is why I’m asking this question: There are 65 comparable properties currently offered for sale in the subject’s neighborhood, ranging from a price of $330,000 to $5,400,000. The report also states that there are 44 comparable sales in the subject’s neighborhood within the past 12 months, ranging from $152,000 to $2.2 million. That’s a big range. Are you comfortable putting that in your report?

What does the term “comparables” even mean? Let’s go to the authoritative sources. Here’s one: The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, published by the Appraisal Institute. It defines comparables as “a shortened term for similar property sales, rentals, or operating expenses used in the comparison in the valuation process and best usage. The thing being compared should be specified.” In other words, are you looking at comparable sales, comparable rentals, or comparable listings?

Lastly, I’m going to pull up the Encyclopedia of Real Estate Appraising. It’s a great big book, and it has a whole section on this. I highlighted one part of it because I like it: “What is a comparable property? It is one that would be a reasonable alternative for most prospective buyers who would be interested in the subject property.”

What is a comparable property? It is one that would be a reasonable alternative for most prospective buyers who would be interested in the subject property.” —Encyclopedia of Real Estate Appraising

That’s very simple, and it invokes some good, common sense

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Lots of opinions on this topic!

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29008552 – innovative yellow cubic houses built in rotterdam

Rotterdam’s Yellow Cube Homes

Excerpts: Both a popular tourist attraction and a strange architectural experiment, the cluster of 39 homes stands out amongst the city’s mostly modern architecture. However, that is what makes these “cube-perched-on-a-point” homes all the more interesting.

he elevated cubes are essentially houses supported on hexagonal piers; this design frees up the ground space for public use. Each cube measures 72 feet in height with each side measuring 25.5 feet. While the pillars and floor are made from reinforced concrete, structural wooden skeletons from the base for constructing the cubes were mounted on the floors’ edges. Interestingly, cement panels with rockwool insulation in the middle resulted in cutting down on almost all exterior sounds.

Inside, the complicated form meant that the interior walls were angled at 54.7 degrees with the floor. The consequences of this construction detail is that 25% of the almost 1,100-square-feet of living space is unusable because of the angular walls. The interior is divided into three floors that are connected by a narrow wooden staircase. The ground level houses in the living room and an open kitchen with plenty of windows. The second floor has two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small living area. Finally, the third floor is a three-sided pyramid that can be used as a bedroom or an office.

To read more and see interior photos and floor plans, Click Here

My comments: Fascinating, with very good photos.

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Comparable Sales for Appraisals

By on May 23, 2025   /   AMCs, appraisal, appraisal how to, Fannie, GSEs, liability   /   Leave a comment

Newz: Curiosity and Appraisers, GSEs future, Sideline AMCs

May 23, 2025

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

  • LIA AD: Your Role as a Judge’s Appraiser
  • On Comparable Sales By Timothy Andersen, MAI
  • Futurist Architect’s Funky Spaceship-Inspired ‘Starcastle’ Hits the Market in Connecticut for $1.5 Million
  • Why Curiosity Matters in Appraisals
  • Mortgage Bankers Association head addresses ‘elephant in the room’
  • Bye Bye AMC: A Script to Sideline Appraisal Middlemen
  • Mortgage applications decreased 5.1 percent from one week earlier

Real Estate Agents and Comparable Sales – Tips for Appraisers

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On Comparable Sales

By Timothy Andersen, MAI

Excerpts: This short article raises issues related to what constitutes or defines a comparable sale. While it may seem arrogant to take on a topic of this import, it is necessary, since there is not currently a formal definition. There are descriptions of what a comparable sale is. But there is no formal, universally recognized definition¹. However, does there need to be? Do we have enough technical information to understand the concept of a comparable sale? This article suggests the descriptions are sufficient.

It is common for the GSEs to criticize appraisers’ poor choice of comps. Under some conditions, the GSEs’ have the justification to level these critiques. Yet, given the wealth of descriptions there are in the available literature about what constitutes a comparable sale, why do appraisers ignore those descriptions to their own peril?

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Good analysis by Tim, The USPAP Expert. GSEs vs. USPAP goes on and on. I hate it when GSEs tell me how to do my appraisals. I am so glad I quit working for them in 2005. Non-lender appraisals rarely have special requirements and reviews.

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Appraisers: Advice On Staying Current

By on February 28, 2025   /   AMCs, appraisal, appraisal how to   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: AMCs Fee Skimming Lawsuit, Appraising a Hobbit Hole

February 28, 2025

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

  • LIA ad: Disclosing Identity of Complaining Party
  • On Staying Current By Timothy Andersen, MAI
  • Futuristic $177 Million Bel-Air Megamansion With Its Own Private Jazz Club Hits All the Right Notes
  • Appraising a Hobbit Hole: The Property Value of Bag End
  • AMCs Deceptive Fee Skimming Exposed in Lawsuit
  • The 10 Most Expensive Home Listings and Home Sales in the U.S.
  • February 21, 2025
  • Mortgage applications decreased 1.2 percent from one week earlier

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On Staying Current

By Timothy Andersen, MAI

Excerpts: In this monograph, we discuss the absolute necessity of developing more than one skill set as part of becoming a competent and professional real estate appraiser.

Real estate appraising is a complex practice that requires a diverse range of skills and knowledge, from understanding current market conditions to understanding and interpreting complex legal and financial documents. If you want to be your own boss, it also requires business acumen.

At its core, real estate appraising involves the due diligence necessary to form a credible opinion of the market value of a particular property. This requires a deep understanding of the appraiser’s local real estate market, as well as of the physical, legal, and economic factors that influence property values in it. However, becoming a successful real estate appraiser requires more than mere market knowledge.

It also requires a range of other skills, including the ability to conduct thorough research, analyze mountains of data, communicate persuasively and effectively with and to other professionals, and manage complex projects. These are all aspects of being an appraiser they do not teach us in appraisal school.

Most importantly, successful appraisers must adapt to changing market conditions and trends. Currently there are so many of these ongoing, especially as the GSEs are about to inaugurate UAD-2 to replace their archaic appraisal reporting forms. This means continually learning and developing new skills to stay ahead of the curve.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Good analysis of appraising. I have been appraising for 50 years and I still love it. I am easily bored, but every property is different and market conditions change regularly where I work. I am always learning something new.

If this seems overwhelming to you or other post-licensing appraisers, it is not your fault. Unfortunately, after licensing started many trainees hired other trainees. Almost all had poor training and classes. I was unable to refer wannabes to professional associations as they only wanted classes for members, not for new appraiser. Changing what you learned when you started is very difficult to do. I was very fortunate as I started before licensing and had very active local chapters of AIREA and SREA predecessors of the Appraisal Institute. The appraisers I met had lots of experience. They helped me whenever I had any questions. I learned how to lender appraisals plus many types of non-lender appraisals correctly from them.

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Appraising Unique Homes

By on January 10, 2025   /   appraisal, appraisal business, Economic analysis, forecast, GSEs, retirement, ROVs   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: GSE Privatization, 2025 Forecasts, Unique Homes

January 10, 2025

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

My comments on topics: This newsletter is long. Almost all the news items I have received are 2025 Forecasts, so I have included some of them in this newsletter.

    • LIA: Disclosing Identity of Complaining Party
    • Why Selling a Unique Home Is Challenging — and Can Leave Some Owners Feeling ‘Stiffed
    • 2025 Housing Market Predictions: Key Insights for Real Estate Appraisers The National View
    • Real estate trends to watch in 2025 – The Local View
    • Appraisal Industry Outlook Under Trump Administration
    • Will Homeowners Finally Sell in 2025? Here’s What the Experts Say, Amid a Glimmer of Hope
    • GSE Privatization A ‘Herculean Task’
    • Mortgage applications decreased 3.7 percent from one week earlier

Click here to subscribe to our FREE weekly appraiser email newsletter and get the latest appraisal news!

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Why Selling a Unique Home Is Challenging — and Can Leave Some Owners Feeling ‘Stiffed’

Excerpts: When Ann Levengood decided to let go of her beloved double-dome home two hours outside of Seattle, she thought she did everything a seller needed to do to get a good price.

“We built a new garage and completely did the heavy work with a $50,000 new roof, new drainage, new retaining walls, landscaping (including removal of alder trees), interior was completely redone, new lighting, new skylights, you name it. We had zero tasks upon inspection,” she tells Realtor.com®

“The inspector had never seen such a clean house.” But when it came time to price the Poulsbo property, Levengood and her agent didn’t see eye to eye. While the proud owner wanted to price the house at $425,000, the cautious agent listed it at $339,000.

The problem? The house, with its double domes, was unusual.

Even so, the home took only two months to close a sale at full price, leaving Levengood with the lingering feeling that she had been stiffed. “I couldn’t even get agents to come out and see it,” she says.

Not only can it be more difficult to find the proper buyer for such a home, but it is also challenging to find comps.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Worth reading the article. All appraisers appraise unique homes, which are often very challenging, especially for comps and market analysis. This article helps appraisers understand the difficulties in selling unique homes. I have never read about this important topic.

Read more!! →

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Q4 2024 Fannie Appraiser Update

By on December 27, 2024   /   AMCs, appraisal, appraisal waivers, Fannie, george dell, Mortgage interest rates, waivers   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: Q4 Fannie Appraiser Update, 2025 Mortgage Rates Forecasts Are Now Wrong

December 27, 2025

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

  • LIA ad: Disclosing Identity of Complaining Party
  • Q4 2024 Fannie Mae Appraiser Update
  • Dramatic Concrete-and-Glass Santa Monica CA Masterpiece Designed by Famed Architect Ray Kappe Lists for $4 Million
  • Is Ethics a Spiritual Principle By George Dell, SRA, MAI, ASA, CRE
  • All those 2025 mortgage rates forecasts are now wrong
  • The New Con: Hybrids, Waivers & AMCs Threaten Public Trust
  • MBA: No data released until January 2, 2025

CHANGE THE YEAR ON YOUR TEMPLATES NOW TO 2025!
DON’T WAIT UNTIL AFTER 1/1/25!

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Mortgage forecast – loans predicted to drop 30% in 2014

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