UAD 3.6 and Appraisal Workflow

By on March 13, 2026   /   AI, humor, real estate market, statistics, UAD 3.6, Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment
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Newz: Practical AI Uses for Appraisers, Appraisal Forms Humor 

March 13, 2026

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

  • LIA AD: Client Insists on Cost to Cure
  • UAD 3.6 Is Coming: A Practical Moment to Rethink Your Workflow
  • Appraisal By Kevin Hetch
  • One of Palm Springs’ ‘Storied’ Rock Houses Hits the Market for $1.5 Million: ‘A Rare Treasure’
  • Getting 94 offers & a tighter housing market By Ryan Lundquist
  • MY AD: Do I really have to report that state board issue to my E&O insurance? By Peter Christsen, Esq.
  • Beyond the Hype: How I’m Using AI to Actually Save 10 Hours a Week By Dustin Harris
  • Appraisal Forms – the next Generation – Humor
  • MBA : Mortgage applications increased 3.2 percent from one week earlier

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UAD 3.6 Is Coming: A Practical Moment to Rethink Your Workflow Appraisal

By Kevin Hecht

Excerpts: For many appraisers, the transition to UAD 3.6 feels different from past form updates. This is not simply a revised version of the URAR with a few new fields or definitions. It represents a structural shift in how appraisal data is organized, communicated, and delivered.

While change on this scale can feel disruptive, it also creates an opportunity to improve efficiency, modernize workflows, and position your business for the future.

This transition is not just about learning a new report format. It is about adapting to a new data-centric environment. And one of the most important places to start is with your appraisal software.

This Is a Moment of Opportunity

Transitions like this can feel uncertain, but they also offer a chance to improve how you work.

By taking time now to understand UAD 3.6, evaluate your software options, and refine your workflow, you can position your business to operate more efficiently and confidently in the new reporting environment.

The goal is not simply to adapt. It is to build a workflow that supports you well into the future.

UAD 3.6 is coming. And with the right preparation, it can be a step forward for both the profession and your practice.

Topics

  • This Is More Than a Form Update
  • Start by Looking at Your Process, Not Just Your Software
  • Not All Software Will Handle This Transition the Same Way
  • Efficiency Gains Are Possible, But They May Require Change
  • Focus on What Supports Your Business Long Term
  • The Appraiser’s Role Remains the Same
  • This Is a Moment of Opportunity

To read more, Click Here

My comments: I had never thought about the “big picture”: how the software affects your business. Worth reading.

I have been writing about the appraisal software for a year and just wrote another article on Appraisal software vendor Timelines for my April newsletter. Only 1 or 2 are ready to go. The others need more work done. Appraisers cannot learn to use the software until it is fully completed.

Why is this going so slow? The GSEs did not check with the software vendors to see how much time they needed to complete their software. The actual time needed has been longer than expected. Also, GSE requirements to make all the software the same for the reporting section had to be exactly the same for all the vendors. Also, PDF and XML reports must be correctly done. Getting this all validated by the GSEs is taking time.

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One of Palm Springs’ ‘Storied’ Rock Houses Hits the Market for $1.5 Million: ‘A Rare Treasure

Excerpts: 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 1,600 sq.ft. 0.45 acre lot, built in 1929

Perched high above Araby Cove, 2550 South Araby Road is a rare and storied treasure and one of Palm Springs iconic Rock Houses, originally built in 1929 by R. Lee Miller.

This historic residence is a singular blend of architecture, history, and landscape, offering sweeping panoramic views across the desert floor and exceptional privacy. Access is provided via a private road with restricted entry. Designated a Class One Historic Landmark by the City of Palm Springs, the home showcases handcrafted artistry throughout.

Stone walls rise organically from the mountainside, while original details remain beautifully intact, including hand carved doors and windows, custom shelving, exposed ceiling beams, ironwork door latches, handmade fireplace tools, and two original fireplaces, one of which includes a preserved stove pipe.

Respectfully honoring the home’s architectural legacy, the current owners acquired the property in late 2024 and completed a thoughtful transformation, bringing the residence into the modern era while preserving its soul. Extensive upgrades include updated plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, new appliances, an EV charger, and infrastructure improvements throughout the property.

To read the listing with a virtual tour, aerial view, 3d tour and many Photos, Click Here

My comments: Very unusual home. The photos are interesting!

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Getting 94 offers and a tighter housing market

By Ryan Lundquist

Excerpts: There is a property with 94 offers in Sacramento, and that’s not a typo. Let’s talk about this situation and how many offers most homes are getting..

A property was listed at $199,000, and it attracted 94 offers per MLS data (yes, our MLS has the number of offers). The agent who listed the property has been around a long time, and she’s great. All I’m saying is this home was strategically underpriced, and buyers showed up for it.

THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT FIXERS THOUGH

This 94-offer example is indicative of a price strategy rather than the market being so hot. Yet, there is no mistaking there is a massive appetite for low-priced fixers (the subject was a fixer). In fact, 86% of properties with ten or more offers in the region right now are priced under $500,000 (likely underpriced under $500K).

MORE COMPETITION AT LOWER PRICES

The market isn’t the same at every price range. Do you see how there are more offers at lower prices and not as many at the highest? This is a normal dynamic, but it’s fascinating to see visually. I think this underscores how freakish it is to see 20 or more offers also.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: See the graphs and stats that Ryan uses to explain what is happening. What is your market like?

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Click here

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Do I really have to report that state board issue to my E&O insurance?

By Peter Christensen, Esq.

In The June 2024 issue of Appraisal Today

Excerpts: This question arises because of the fear that reporting the complaint will result in non-renewal or a higher premium. Regardless of those fears and regardless of whether non-renewal or a higher premium may actually result, the safest course for an appraiser is always to report the filing of a complaint to the E&O carrier promptly upon receipt of first notice of the complaint.

Appraiser fears about reporting

Whatever the reason for having E&O, when a state disciplinary matter

occurs, appraisers understandably worry about the impact that the disciplinary matter may have on their insurance. Common fears are that their insurer will not renew their policy or that the insurer will increase their premium. These fears do have a rational basis but they are sometimes excessive.

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Monday March 2, 2026 please email info@appraisaltoday.com, and we will send it to you. You can also hit the reply button. Be sure to include a comment requesting it. Or, call 510-865-8041

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Beyond the Hype: How I’m Using AI to Actually Save 10 Hours a Week

By Dustin Harris

Excerpts: Let’s be honest. Most articles about Artificial Intelligence in the appraisal profession are long on dystopian warnings and short on practical advice. They talk about the “robo-appraiser” and AVMs as if they’re just around the corner, ready to take our jobs. But what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong?

For the past two years, I’ve shifted my focus from worrying about AI to leveraging it. I’ve treated it not as a replacement, but as the most capable assistant I’ve ever hired. The results have been stunning. By integrating a few smart AI tools into my workflow, I’m consistently saving over 10 hours a week. Here’s how.

First, I tackled initial data gathering. While AI can’t magically pull specific zoning data (yet), it acts as a brilliant research analyst. Instead of manually sifting through dense municipal code or county websites, I feed the text to an AI and ask it to summarize key zoning restrictions, setbacks, or use allowances. It turns a 30-minute headache into a 5-minute review.

Next came market analysis. We all know how to export MLS data into a CSV file, but the real time-sink is interpreting it. Now, I upload the CSV to an AI tool and ask it to identify trends, calculate absorption rates, and flag outliers. It drafts a solid, data-backed market conditions summary that I then refine with my local expertise. This alone saves me an hour on a complex assignment.

One of the biggest game-changers has been handling revision requests. Instead of getting defensive, I use AI to analyze the request objectively. I feed it the reviewer’s comments and my original report section, and ask it to draft a clear, concise, and non-confrontational response. It helps me address the core issue quickly and professionally.

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Definitely the most practical, and easiest applications of AI for appraisers. I play pickleball every week with a small group of older women (the youngest is 65 years old). Several of them are doing extensive genealogy research and writing articles for publication. They are using Claude extensively. I gotta get started on using Claude or at least ChatGPT!

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Appraisal Forms – the next Generation – Humor

NEW IMPROVED SPEEDY APPRAISAL FORM

Excerpt: Description of Subject Property and Neighborhood:

Subject property is located in _______________________, a popular, well-maintained area that has enjoyed dramatic appreciation over the past year.

Most buyers appeared to be unconcerned with size or overall utility of these homes, and seemed to be paying between $____________ and $____________, regardless of difference in appearance, condition, age, etc.

To read the full form, Click Here

My comment: A Blast from the Past. This seems appropriate for today’s UAD 3.6 !

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HOW TO USE THE NUMBERS BELOW. Appraisals are ordered after the loan application. These numbers tell you the future for the next few weeks. For more information on how they are compiled, Click Here.

Note: I publish a graph of this data every month in my paid monthly newsletter, Appraisal Today. For more information or get a FREE sample go to www.appraisaltoday.com/order Or call 510-865-8041, MTW, 7 AM to noon, Pacific time.

My comments: Rates are going up and down. We are all waiting for rates to drop lower in 2026.Mortgage applications increased 3.2 percent from one week earlier

Mortgage applications increased 3.2 percent from one week earlier

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 11, 2026) — Mortgage applications increased 3.2 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending March 6, 2026.

The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 3.2 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index increased 4.1 percent compared with the previous week. The Refinance Index 0.5 percent from the previous week and was 81 percent higher than the same week one year ago. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index increased 7.8 percent from one week earlier. The unadjusted Purchase Index increased 9.3 percent compared with the previous week and was 11 percent higher than the same week one year ago.

“Financial markets were volatile last week amid the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. Mortgage rates increased on net over the week, while refinance volume was roughly flat. Borrowers in recent weeks were able to get 30-year conforming rates below 6 percent, but with the current volatility, longer-term rates have moved up, pushing up the 30-year fixed rate to 6.19 percent,” said Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s SVP and Chief Economist. “Purchase activity increased last week, particularly for FHA loans, which moved up more than 11 percent. The pace of homebuying continues to track ahead of last year’s pace, with overall purchase volume up 10 percent. More inventory on the market is supporting more transactions.”

The refinance share of mortgage activity decreased to 57.8 percent of total applications from 59.8 percent the previous week. The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity increased to 8.9 percent of total applications.

The FHA share of total applications increased to 17.1 percent from 15.8 percent the week prior. The VA share of total applications decreased to 16.1 percent from 17.1 percent the week prior. The USDA share of total applications remained unchanged at 0.4 percent.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($832,750 or less) increased to 6.19 percent from 6.09 percent, with points increasing to 0.58 from 0.52 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent loan-to-value ratio (LTV) loans. The effective rate increased from last week.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with jumbo loan balances (greater than $832,750) increased to 6.26 percent from 6.16 percent, with points decreasing to 0.3 from 0.31 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages backed by the FHA increased to 6.02 percent from 5.97 percent, with points increasing to 0.70 from 0.62 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.

The average contract interest rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 5.54 percent from 5.49 percent, with points increasing to 0.68 from 0.60 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.

The average contract interest rate for 5/1 ARMs decreased to 5.26 percent from 5.32 percent, with points increasing to 0.64 from 0.51 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans. The effective rate decreased from last week.

The survey covers U.S. closed-end residential mortgage applications originated through retail and consumer direct channels. The survey has been conducted weekly since 1990. Respondents include mortgage bankers, commercial banks, thrifts, and credit unions. Base period and value for all indexes is March 16, 1990=100.

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Ann O’Rourke, MAI, SRA, MBA

Appraiser and Publisher Appraisal Today

1826 Clement Ave. Suite 203 Alameda, CA 94501

Phone: 510-865-8041

Email:  ann@appraisaltoday.com

Online: www.appraisaltoday.com

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Arms Length Sales for Appraisers

By on January 16, 2026   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

Newz: Arm’s Length, AMC Panel Requirements, Fed’s Influence on Mortgages

January 16, 2026

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

  • LIA AD: AMC Panel Requirements
  • What Does Arm’s Length Mean in Real Estate?
  • $329K California Cabin Has a Tree Growing Through Its Center: ‘Commune With Nature in a Whole New Way’
  • How does the Federal Reserve affect mortgages?
  • MY AD: What is new in the New URAR/UAD 3.6 SF-1 Scenario
  • Critical Thinking Skills Needed by Appraisers By Vernon Martin
  • Waste, Fraud & Abuse Flourished Under Former Secretary Fudge
  • MBA: Mortgage applications increased 28.5 percent from one week earlier

Non-Arms Length Sales for Appraisers

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

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What Does Arm’s Length Mean in Real Estate?

Excerpts: As a real estate appraiser, understanding whether a transaction is an arm’s length sale or a non-arm’s length sale is crucial. Therefore, when evaluating the current terms of a sale or analyzing past sales of the subject property or comparables, it’s essential to consider the nature of the sale to ensure a credible appraisal.

A non-arm’s length sale is a transaction between parties who have a personal or professional connection, such as family, marriage, or work relationships. Due to their relationship, the parties might not act in their own best interests, which can result in a final sale price that does not reflect the property’s true market value.

Non-arm’s length transactions extend beyond the relationship between the buyer and seller; additional conditions must be considered to determine whether a transaction qualifies as an arm’s length transaction.

Example of a non-arm’s length transaction: An employer sells a property to an employee and agrees to pay 80% of the down payment for a mortgage loan, all the closing costs, the transfer tax, and any and all repairs up to $50,000 in the first 5 years of home ownership.

Example of a non-arm’s length transaction: An elderly couple sells their property to their next-door neighbor without fully understanding its market value, relying solely on the neighbor’s offer.

Example of a non-arm’s length transaction: An elderly couple sells their property to their next-door neighbor without fully understanding its market value, relying solely on the neighbor’s offer.

To read more and watch a 5 minute video, Click Here

My comments: Worth reading for all appraisers. I have never read a more comprehensive and understandable explanation of this very important topic.

When I have a sale that does not “look right” I always find out why it is high or low or has some other issue on “arms length”. If I can’t find out, I don’t use the sale.

Read more!! →

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How To Appraise Rural Properties

By on March 15, 2024   /   appraisal business, appraisal how to, modernization, Uncategorized, USPAP   /   Leave a comment
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How To Appraise Rural Properties

Excerpts: Appraising residential properties in rural areas can be both challenging and rewarding. Unlike the standardized expectations of urban and suburban properties, rural properties often present unique characteristics that require a nuanced approach to valuation. Whether you’re a seasoned appraiser or new to the field, having a better understanding of rural properties is essential for providing credible appraisals. In this guide, we’ll explore what defines a rural property, the challenges appraisers face, reasons for conducting rural appraisals, strategies for finding comparables, and tips for writing a compliant appraisal report.

  • Defining rural properties – USDA and GSEs
  • Challenges of appraising rural properties
  • Appraising rural properties presents unique challenges due to their diverse characteristics and market dynamics.

Topics include:

  • Diverse property types and uses
  • Unique property characteristics
  • Limited market activity and more
  • Writing your rural property appraisal report – good ideas

To read more, click here

My comments: Worth reading, if only to find out about rural appraising. Well written. There are relatively few residential lender appraisals available now. This is an excellent diversification opportunity, with little competition from other appraisers or the GSEs use of other ways to get a value without human appraisers.

What if there are few rural areas near you?

You can expand your area to include rural appraisals to get more business.

When I worked for a northern California assessor’s office with rural areas I learned a lot about almond growing (the main crop) and other ag topics. It is not hard to learn the valuation factors. I had niece who had several horses for many years where she lived. There are equestrian facilities within 5 miles from my house in Oakland hills and in farther out Bay Area cities with larger lots. You may have some similar rural experience now!

The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers www.asfmra.org has a specialty in Rural Appraising, but it requires a Certified General. There may be seminars available. Another reason for upgrading!

Urban, Suburban, Rural in Appraisals

Appraisal Business Tips 

Humor for Appraisers

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

NOTE: Please scroll down to read the other topics in this long blog post on USPAP and Personal Inspection, GSE Appraisal Modernization, Transaction costs and values including real estate commissions, unusual homes, mortgage origination stats, etc.

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Why do appraisers hit the sales price?

By on May 31, 2019   /   adjustments, bifurcated appraisals, commercial appraisal, humor, hybrid appraisals, Mortgage applications, real estate market, state appraiser regulators, Uncategorized, weird properties   /   Leave a comment
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Why do appraisers hit the sales price?

By George Dell

Excerpt: A recent study includes a graph which shows that some 90% of appraisals hit the sale price exactly, or were higher, while only some 10% were below the sale price (when the sale price is known).

Is this a bias on the part of appraisers, or is the bias the cause of the system? What could possibly cause this strong upside skew?

First, ignore the ongoing pressures from the entire ‘loan industry’ to make the loan, make the commission, make the quota, make the bonus, and look successful. Ignore the claimed purpose of the public trust (of our quasi-governmental standards and licensing quagmire).

The goal of protecting the public trust failed, and will fail again— this time with different excuses and blaming— but it will fail again.

Let’s look at some underlying economic truths and social/governmental policy. What economics and public policies come into play here? Three come to mind immediately:

To read the full, very interesting post click here

My comment: When I started my appraisal business in 1986, I was told by local very experienced appraisers to appraise at the sales price or I may be kicked off a lender’s approved list. Of course, since I was trained at an assessor’s office, I was shocked and refused to do this… There was always another lender client I could get.

Dell’s blog has very short posts. My June paid newsletter will have a much longer article written by him: “Old Versus New: Conflict or Opportunity?” It has a brief look into the past, including a photo of an acoustic coupler for connecting to remote sites. Plus, of course, comments on the future! I remember 30 baud transmission rates in the early 1980s connecting from my home PC to my company’s servers;>

Appraisal Business Tips 

Humor for Appraisers

Covid-19 Residential Appraisers Tips on Staying Safe

What to Do When Your Appraisal Is Under Review(Opens in a new browser tab)

To read more of this long blog post, click Read More Below!!

Read more!! →

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Residential Appraisal Changes Coming

By on May 10, 2019   /   adjustments, appraisal how to, george dell, marijuana license, Mortgage applications, mortgage loan volume, Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment
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How is Appraisal Gonna Change?

By George Dell

Excerpt: What new “appraisal methods and techniques” have we seen? As I speak to reviewers who see valuations from around the country, there seems to be a degradation of quality. Less analysis rather than more. Less explanation rather than clearer logic. More “trust me” and less “see my reasoning.”

What does the world really need? Trust my opinion-or see the result? Trust my comps-or see market parameters.

Competitors for valuation, risk, and investment needs want “better, faster, cheaper.” For now, lets just look at “better.” What is “better?”

“Better” is actually fairly simple. There are only three parts: 1) is the right question being asked; 2) is the result true (accurate); and 3) how sure (precise) is the result? So, let’s look briefly at each of these needs, and how each can be helped with today’s technology.

https://georgedell.com/how-is-appraisal-gonna-change/

Appraisal Business Tips 

Humor for Appraisers

Covid-19 Residential Appraisers Tips on Staying Safe

To read more of this long blog post, click Read More Below!!

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Appraisals and Altered Listing Photos

By on March 7, 2019   /   adjustments, appraisal business, appraisal how to, Fannie, mortgage loan volume, real estate market, Uncategorized, unusual home   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , ,

Digitally-doctored listing photos are on the rise

Excerpts: It will cost $2.40 for a paint job, $24 to replace flooring, and $40 to remove a wall or add a swimming pool.

Digital photo manipulation has become so widespread and cheap that home sellers are increasingly using the technology to spruce up their listings, the Wall Street Journal reported. This has the potential to create new headaches for end users, investors, appraisers and brokers…

Furthermore, with federal regulators pushing for automated appraisals that will make use of online listings, the hazards of doctored images could be spread to the general public.

My comments: How do AVMs and CU deal with this? Appraisers can always contact the agent to confirm what the home looked like. CU robo emails/calls to agents and somehow integrate this into the data?

Lenders and AVMs are now using agent MLS comments. I recently spoke with an appraiser where the lender disputed one of her comps because the MLS mentioned it was “close to shopping” and she did not. Yes, it was very close to a historic shopping street, but there was little to no off street parking on this street, as it was taken up by employees in the stores. The comp had 9 off street parking places for 2 units and sold for a premium price. Typically there is 1 or 0 parking spaces per unit in the historic apartments on the comp’s street. I recently tried to go to an open house on the street. The closest parking space was 3 blocks away. I skipped the open house. The agents often mentioned “close to shopping” to say something positive about their listing’s location.

Appraisal Business Tips 

Humor for Appraisers

Covid-19 Residential Appraisers Tips on Staying Safe

For Covid Updates, go to my Covid Science blog at covidscienceblog.com

To read more of this long blog post, click Read More Below!!

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Non-lender Appraisals Good fees and few hassles

By on February 14, 2019   /   Appraisal Standards Board, mortgage loan volume, state appraiser regulators, Uncategorized, USPAP, weird properties   /   Leave a comment
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Private Appraisal Work, the Final Frontier

By Rachel Massey

Author’s Note: Private appraisals aren’t really the “final frontier” for appraisers but it is a good metaphor. Private work for courts and disputes predates modern lending appraisals, so they should actually be considered the “first” frontier…but never let a good Star Trek saying go to waste!

As mortgage work has started to slow down in large swaths of the country, and likely will continue to do so, the temptation to move into the private arena is appealing. This is an area where our work is valued by those who need it the most. Private work is not lending work, and there are different requirements for different clients. Intended use and users rule supreme. Do I have the patience to walk someone through the process who is not experienced? Maybe yes, maybe no. This is not a place where I would want to spout off a bunch of expletives to a client who bothers me, but instead try to step back and ask whether I need to explain it differently so it is understandable. The onus is on me, the appraiser, to help my client understand.

My comment: A good intro to non-lender work. Marketing and client communication is very different. I have written many articles about non-lender work since 1992 in my paid newsletter.

The article “Should you do non-lender work? Pluses and minuses of both lender appraisals and each different type of non-lender appraisal.” Is in the October 2018 issue and can help you decide if non-lender work will work for you.

Appraisal Business Tips including non-lender work

Humor for Appraisers

Covid-19 Residential Appraisers Tips on Staying Safe

For Covid Updates, go to my Covid Science blog at covidscienceblog.com

To read more of this long blog post, click Read More Below!!

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11-21-18 Thanksgiving Thoughts For Appraisers

By on November 21, 2018   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment
My Comments: I sent this last Thanksgiving also. I received it from an old friend. It “spoke” to me, especially as an appraiser and business person. This is a different, very personal, way to look at what we can be thankful for in our daily lives. Feel free to forward this to whomever you want, changing the subject line if needed.

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Be Thankful

These words from an unknown poet remind me to be thankful on Thanksgiving and all the other days, too.

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times, you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

I love the thought that Thanksgiving is less of a meal and more of a mindset. May your Thanksgiving be filled with friends, family, love and all that is important to you.
Ann O’Rourke, MAI, SRA, MBA
Appraiser and Publisher Appraisal Today
2033 Clement Ave. Suite 105
Alameda, CA 94501 Phone 510-865-8041
Fax 510-523-1138
Email   ann@appraisaltoday.com
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Comps From Different Neighborhood for Appraisals

By on March 8, 2018   /   adjustments, appraisal, Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment
Tags: ,

Can you use comps from a different neighborhood?

By Ryan Lundquist
Excerpt: BIG CAUTION: If one area has smaller homes, heavy fixers, not enough data, more foreclosures, or more remodeled properties, we might draw the wrong conclusions when looking at stats if we’re not careful. In other words, we need to know how to think through the numbers rather than taking them at face value.

Good analysis and graphs from Sacramento area, but applies to many other locations. Worth reading.

My comments: Going to another neighborhood is tricky if a location adjustment is required. However, I do it occasionally. If the two neighborhoods are similar, it is easy. FYI, I attended a Fannie webinar last week that showed how CU displays comps in neighborhoods, based on census tract blocks, showing how median prices vary. I will be writing about how underwriters use CU in next month’s paid Appraisal Today newsletter.

Appraisal Business Tips 

Humor for Appraisers

Covid-19 Residential Appraisers Tips on Staying Safe

For Covid Updates, go to my Covid Science blog at covidscienceblog.com

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

To read more of this long blog post with many topics, click Read More Below!!

NOTE: Please scroll down to read the other topics in this long blog post on What is an Island, mortgage origination stats, Covid tips for appraisers, etc.

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12-7-17 Newz//Appraisal Waiver Threat, Very Modern Churches, New USPAP Q&As

By on December 7, 2017   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

A Tour of the World’s Most Unrepentantly Modern Churches

Worship at the altar of striking architecture.
Excerpt: Outside the town of Almadén, in central Spain, nestled on a scrubby hillside, there is a chapel. You’d be forgiven for thinking it is an art gallery, or perhaps a particularly modern-looking winery, or the home of an eccentric tech mogul. Planes of concrete fold into one another, creating elegant, severe triangular surfaces that frame a wooden doorway marked by tapering planes of glass. But inside there is only sunlight-and a cross. Known as the Valleaceron Chapel, it was designed for the property by the architecture firm S-M.A.O. in 2001.

Click here to see the very interesting photos. For more info and fotos, google the name and location of the churches (under each photo – copy and paste).

My comment: I have seen lots of very interesting and creative U.S. churches (religious buildings) in many places. I don’t really know why church congregations are willing to be “out there” in their architecture but I love looking at these buildings!!

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