Bennett Appraisals Serving Bellingham WA and all of Whatcom & Skagit Counties

Where to find the latest version of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

2008-10-02T18:05:13Z

If economic worries are enough to keep you up at night, here is a sleepy time aid.... just read through the 451 pages of the revised Emergency Stabilization Act.

For a one page synopsis here it is: http://banking.senate.gov/public/_files/EESASummary1.pdf

Here is a summerized version section by section: http://banking.senate.gov/public/_files/SECTIONBYSECTIONANALYSISOFTHELEGISLATION.pdf

For the whole thing(all 451 pages) : http://banking.senate.gov/public/_files/latestversionAYO08C32_xml.pdf

Here is more information: http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/4581

Washington State's Financial Institution Information

2008-09-30T11:29:16Z

With all of this scary financial news, it is difficult to keep up with all the latest developments! One place to gather information about Washington State Financial Institutions is the WA DFI: http://www.dfi.wa.gov/

This website has an excellent question and answer section that covers such current changes in the market such as; deposit safety, money market funds, AIG, mortgage payment issues, etc. here: http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/economy.htm

Another helpful link (FDIC) on the financial health of your current baking institution can be found here: http://www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main_bankfind.asp

A helpful link o the finacial health of your credit union can be found here: http://www.ncua.gov/indexdata.html

Here is a set of links put together by the FDIC on the different bank and financial instituion ranking systems: http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/bank/index.html

Energy Saving Shareware/ Check out Edison

2008-08-21T12:35:21Z

Just saw a news clip on this computer energy saving software and it looked pretty cool. Per the Edison website the program was "created by Verdiem's patented PC power-management technology, which is used by major corporations the world over, Edison is an innovative application that brings dramatic PC energy savings into homes like yours. Easy to download and install, Edison enables you to manage your PC's power usage, save on energy costs, and help preserve the environment."

Check out the link: http://www.verdiem.com/edison/

One (or Two) Click Search For Washington State City / County Info

2008-08-19T16:02:26Z

There are many helpful websites in the quest for local information; here is a great wesite for finding all of a Washington State's city info, from Aberdeen to Zillah & county info as well! It is the Municiple Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC for short). Per their website: (MRSC) is a non-profit, independent organization created in 1969 to continue programs established in 1934 under the Bureau of Governmental Research at the University of Washington. In 1997, Washington counties joined cities in funding MRSC, and in 2007, special districts were added. Our mission is "working together for excellence in local government through professional consultation, research and information services."

This website is very helpful you can find out everything from a city's officials to its municiple code, very good site for those of us in WA real estate

City Info: http://www.mrsc.org/cityprofiles/citylist.aspx

County Info: http://www.mrsc.org/countyprofiles/profilesmenu.aspx

WCRER Housing Analysis/ 2008 2nd Quarter/ Island County WA

2008-08-19T15:31:26Z

Island County Housing Market

Here is some interesting Island County WA housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Second Quarter Housing Analysis; Island County home re-sales were down - 17.9% from the previous quarter, and down -30.7% from the second quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.5% from the previous quarter and down -31.7% from the second quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Island County are down -50% from the second quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -29.7% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Island County is $284,000, below the statewide average of $291,900. The 2008 second quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 88.9 for Island County, lower than the statewide index of 95.5.

See all county data: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q2/Snapshot_2008Q2.pdf

Snohomish County WA/ WCRER Housing Market Analysis/ 2nd Quarter 2008

2008-08-19T15:28:58Z

Snohomish County Housing Market

Here is some interesting/ helpful data on the Snohomish County Housing Market

Snohomish County home re-sales were down - 17.4% from the previous quarter, and down -44.4% from the second quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.5% from the previous quarter and down -31.7% from the second quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Snohomish County are down -41.5% from the second quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -29.7% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Snohomish County is $349,400, well above the statewide average of $291,900. The 2008 second quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 87.7 for Snohomish County, lower than the statewide index of 95.5.

See all county data: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q2/Snapshot_2008Q2.pdf

Skagit County WA/ WCRER 2008 2nd Quarter Housing Analysis

2008-08-19T15:25:34Z

Skagit County Housing Market

Here is some helpful and interesting housing data for Skagit County WA

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Second Quarter Housing Analysis; Skagit County home re-sales were down - 8.3% from the previous quarter, and down -33.5% from the second quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.5% from the previous quarter and down -31.7% from the second quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Skagit County are down -29.5% from the second quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -29.7% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Skagit County is $269,500, below the statewide average of $291,900. The 2008 second quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 93.5 for Skagit County, slightly lower than the statewide index of 95.5.

See all WA Counties: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q2/Snapshot_2008Q2.pdf

Second Quarter 2008 WCRER Housing Analysis: Whatcom County WA

2008-08-19T15:22:11Z

Whatcom County Housing Data

Here is some interesting and helpful housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Second Quarter Housing Analysis; Whatcom County home re-sales were down - 14.7% from the previous quarter, and down -26.5% from the second quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.5% from the previous quarter and down -31.7% from the second quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Whatcom County are down -42.9% from the second quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -29.7% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Whatcom County is $280,000, below the statewide average of $291,900. The 2008 second quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 90.9 for Whatcom County, slightly lower than the statewide index of 95.5.

See all county info: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q2/Snapshot_2008Q2.pdf

Listing Appraisals in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish and Island Counties WA

2008-07-23T14:22:12Z

A listing appraisal supports your asking price

If you're selling your home, how can you be sure the asking price is accurate? Did you take the advice of a real estate agent, ask around in the neighborhood, or even check the most current tax assessment? While all of these methods can be helpful, the only true way to know is to get a listing appraisal. A listing appraisal from Bennett Appraisals is a full appraisal of your property similar to one a buyer would receive on the purchase of your home, but with a few additional benefits for you:

You'll have a valuable negotiating tool once you have a potential buyer

You'll make yourself aware of any problems and eliminate last-minute repair hassles that might delay a closing.

Decrease the chances of unknown problems that cause sales to fall through

You'll have all the current market data with verified status of all the comparable sales so you can differentiate your property from other properties on the market And a listing appraisal from Bennett Appraisals gives you an expert opinion, an opinion that is unbiased, from a certified residential appraisal team like us. Our only job is providing customers with accurate property values. Banks and mortgage companies always use appraisers to value homes before they approve a loan. Why? Because they want to know what it's worth.

Call us at (360) 746-0224 or visit our website at http://www.bennett4appraisals.com to learn more about our company and to place your order online. We look forward to doing business with you.

To order an appraisal online click here: http://www.bennett4appraisals.com/ClientLogin

Bennett Appraisals
1 Woodrush Ct Bellingham, WA 98229
360-746-0224
bennettappraisals@comcast.net
www.bennett4appraisals.com

Estate Appraisals

2008-07-22T16:26:15Z

Call Bennett Appraisals.

Settling an estate usually requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. Often, the date of death differs from the date the appraisal is requested. We are familiar with the procedures and requirements necessary to perform a retroactive appraisal with an effective date and Fair Market Value estimate matching the date of death. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion.

Bennett Appraisals
(360) 746-0224
www.Bennett4Appraisals.com

Private Mortgage Insurance Elimination/ Bennett Appraisals

2008-07-22T16:13:16Z

Are you paying for Private Mortgage Insurance unnecessarily?

PMI, also known as Private Mortgage Insurance, is a supplemental insurance policy you may pay for to protect your mortgage lender in the event of your default. PMI is provided by private (non-government) companies and is usually required when your loan-to-value ratio - the amount of your mortgage loan divided by the value of your home - is greater than 80 percent. PMI isn't a bad thing - it allows lenders to accept lower down payments on homes than they would normally be comfortable with. But you may be paying it unnecessarily!

How is PMI calculated?

PMI is calculated by your mortgage lender and covers the lender for a percentage they think will make them whole if they have to sell your property in foreclosure. Your PMI premium is fixed based on plan type (loan-to-value ratio, loan type, loan term, etc.) and is not related to your particular credit history or other individual characteristics. PMI typically amounts to about one-half of one percent of your mortgage amount, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the premium payment is usually rolled into your monthly mortgage payment. On a $200,000 mortgage, you may be paying $1,000 per year for PMI.

How can you eliminate your PMI insurance?

For loans made after July 1999, lenders are required by federal law to automatically cancel PMI when the loan balance falls below 78 percent of your purchase price not when you achieve 22 percent equity, which will happen much more quickly with rising property values. (Certain "higher risk" loans are excluded.) But you have the right to cancel PMI (for loans made after July 1999) once your equity reaches 20 percent, irrespective of the original purchase price.

Keep track of your principal payments. And keep track of what other homes are selling for in your neighborhood. If your loan is under five years old, chances are you haven't paid down much principal - it's been mostly interest. But property values in many parts of the country have gone through the roof lately. And that can earn you 20 percent equity even if you haven't paid down much principal.

When you think you've reached 20 percent equity in your home, you can begin the process of freeing yourself from PMI payments! You will need to notify your mortgage lender that you want to cancel PMI payments and you'll need to submit proof that you have at least 20 percent equity. A state certified appraisal on the appropriate form (URAR񮆼 uniform residential appraisal report for single family homes) is the best proof there is - and most lenders require one before they'll cancel PMI.

We can help you eliminate PMI!

If you think you've got at least 20 percent equity in your home by now, you can call or send me an e-mail and I'll be happy to schedule an appointment to appraise your home. If you'd like more information about the appraisal process, or if you'd like to order an appraisal for your property to see if you can eliminate your PMI insurance, please visit our website at www.Bennett4Appraisals.com. Or you can always contact us at the e-mail address or the phone number below. Don't delay! If you can avoid paying hundreds of dollars a year to insure someone else's risk, it's worth starting right away.

Jeremy Bennett
Bennett Appraisals
1 Woodrush Court
Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 746-0224 (360) 990-7296
bennettappraisals@comcast.net
www.Bennett4Appraisals.com

FHA Approved Appraisal Services

2008-07-22T16:03:35Z

Bennett Appraisals is on the FHA Roster of approved residential appraisers in Washington State. That means we're approved to do appraisals for FHA loans. Our certified residential appraisal team is trained on the rules and procedures in FHA's guidance and policy documents. We've met FHA's eligibility requirements and FHA has approved us to do appraisals for FHA insured loans. Remember, the FHA is different from the VA appraiser panel in that the lender can choose the appraiser.

We provide residential appraisal services to all of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish and Island Counties (including the Point Roberts WA area via the Canadian Border).

If you're in need of an appraisal for an FHA loan, please contact us and we'll be able to help you right away.

Bennett Appraisals
(360) 746-0224
bennettappraisals@comcast.net
Website: www.bennett4appraisals.com

Bennett Appraisals serves the following areas: Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale, Fairhaven, Geneva, Silver Beach, Sudden Valley, Sumas, Acme, Anacortes, Alger, Arlington, Bow, Burlington, Camano Island, Cain Lakes, Conway, Concrete, Darrington, Deming, Edison, Emerald Lakes, Edmonds, Everett, Everson, Glacier, Granite Falls, Hamilton, Kendall, Laurence, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynden, Lyman, Lynnwood, Maple Falls, Marblemount, Marysville, McMurray, Monroe, Mount Baker, Mount Vernon, Mulkilteo, Rockport, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood,Van Zandt, Whidbey Island, and all of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish & Island Counties. * Time permitted we also serve Point Roberts via the Canadian Border

Recorded Documents Online @ Whatcom County WA Website

2008-06-25T16:14:28Z

According to Whatcom County (http://www.whatcomcounty.us/ ) recorded documents are now available online.

"Whatcom County Auditor Shirley Forslof announces that documents recorded at the Whatcom County Auditor's Office are now available on the internet. These public records have always been available at the Auditor's Office, now they're available on the internet"

Go to Whatcom County Recorded Documents here: http://www2.co.whatcom.wa.us/paris/

City of Bellingham's June "Neighborhood News" PDF covers Samish Way Urban Village Info.

2008-06-06T14:41:03Z

The City of Bellingham has been putting out a very informative "Neighborhood News" pdf ( http://www.cob.org/documents/mayor/boards-commissions/neighborhood/2008-06-neighborhood-news.pdf ) almost every month this year, it covers issues such as neighborhood planning, park development, restorative projects, etc. This month the newsletter covers the Samish Way Urban Village project ( More information can be found here on the project: http://www.cob.org/services/neighborhoods/community-planning/urban-villages-planning/samish-way-urban-village.aspx ).

The meetings concerning the project started on June 5, 2008, and more are scheduled over the following Thrusdays:

Meeting Location: Elks Lodge, 710 S. Samish Way

Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

June 5: Introduction & Character (Including transition areas and plan boundaries)
June 12: Public Realm: Streets, Trails, & Plazas
June 19: Development Character: Permitted Uses, Design, and Scale
July 10: Summary of Input and Discussion of Alternatives

First Quarter Housing Market Snapshot: Statewide, Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, & Island Counties WA.

2008-05-28T22:10:59Z

According to the WCRER (Washington Center for Real Estate Reaserch) First Quarter 2008 Housing Market Snapshot:

WA Statewide: Home re-sales are down (-) 3.6% from last quarter, and down (-) 29.7% from a year ago. Building permits are down (-) 46.7% from a year ago. The median re-sale price is down (-) 2.4% from a year ago.

Whatcom County: Home re-sales are down (-)6.5% from last quarter, and down (-) 12.8% from a year ago. Building permits are down (-) 57.8% from a year ago. The median re-sale price is down (-)3.4% from a year ago.

Skagit County: Home re-sales are down (-)12.3% from last quarter, and down (-) 32.5% from a year ago. Building permits are down (-) 28.9% from a year ago. The median re-sale price is up (+)10.1% from a year ago!

Snohomish County: Home re-sales are down (-) 5.1 % from last quarter, and down (-) 34.8% from a year ago. Building permits are down (-) 46.7% from a year ago. The median re-sale price is down (-) 4.7% from a year ago.

Island County: Home re-sales are up (+) 21.8% from last quarter, and down (-) 30.2% from a year ago. Building permits are down (-) 44.1% from a year ago. The median re-sale price is down (-)1.2% from a year ago.

For Full State of Washington and Counties PDF Info:

http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q1/Snapshot_08Q1.pdf

Press Release: Chantale@ Bennett Appraisals Receives FHA Qualification.

2008-05-28T20:54:56Z

Chantale Merrick, a Certified Residential Appraiser @ Bennett Appraisals has received her FHA appraisal qualification. Appraisers accepting FHA appraisal assignments must be registered under HUD, and comply with HUD guidelines as well as USPAP guidelines. Use the below link to check if an appraiser is qualified. https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/apprlook.cfm

You should always be sure your appraisal service provider is licensed and in good standing. The Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) maintains a national database of appraisers and their license/certification status. It is available publicly at this link.

We currently provide FHA appraisal services to the Greater Bellingham area, as well as all of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish & Island Counties. (Including the Point Roberts area via the Canadian Border).

Bennett Appraisals provides FHA residential appraisal services to the following areas: Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale, Fairhaven, Geneva, Silver Beach, Sudden Valley, Sumas, Acme, Anacortes, Alger, Arlington, Bow, Burlington, Cain Lakes, Conway, Concrete, Darrington, Deming, Edison, Emerald Lakes, Edmonds, Everett, Everson, Glacier, Granite Falls, Hamilton, Kendall, Laurence, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynden, Lyman, Lynnwood, Maple Falls, Marblemount, Marysville, McMurray, Monroe, Mount Baker, Mount Vernon, Mulkilteo, Rockport, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood,Van Zandt, and all of Whatcom, Skagit & Snohomish Counties. * Time permitted we also serve Point Roberts and certain areas of Island County.

Interesting Info at OFHEO

2008-05-22T19:05:14Z

There is a lot of interesting information about national/ statewide housing at:

http://www.ofheo.gov/

Here is the quaoted definition of the Housing Price Index in OFHEO's own words:

" The HPI is a broad measure of the movement of single-family house prices. The HPI is a weighted, repeat-sales index, meaning that it measures average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings on the same properties. This information is obtained by reviewing repeat mortgage transactions on single-family properties whose mortgages have been purchased or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac since January 1975.

The HPI serves as a timely, accurate indicator of house price trends at various geographic levels. Because of the breadth of the sample, it provides more information than is available in other house price indexes. It also provides housing economists with an improved analytical tool that is useful for estimating changes in the rates of mortgage defaults, prepayments and housing affordability in specific geographic areas."

For the latest OFHEO news releases go to

http://www.ofheo.gov/newsroom.aspx?ID=435&q1=1&q2=None

City of Ferndale WA ( Whatcom County) announces new online mapping function

2008-05-16T15:08:38Z

The City of Ferndale WA announced its new online mapping function today via an email:

"The City of Ferndale is pleased to announce the implementation of an online mapping function that allows users to view overhead photos, parcel lines, zoning information, as well as create and print maps directly from our webpage! We encourage you to use this new online feature found by clicking on the GIS/Mapping icons"

http://www.cityofferndale.org/GIS/GIS.php

Very good real estate info!!

A Call For Action: Help Real Estate Appraisers Remain Independent!!

2008-04-28T13:16:13Z

The future for independent Real Estate Appraisers is threatened. See the details here: http://www.appraisalpress.com/news/hvcc?lickID=HVCC_Appraiser&ClickThruEmail=&ClickThruCustomerNumber=0

Please take two minutes and go to https://www.alamode.com/action/. The Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) threatens our livelihood as Appraisers, and we have to do something to stop it.

"a la mode has put together a letter for us to submit to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO), and N.Y. Attorney General Cuomo. The letter strongly urges these agencies to make modifications to the HVCC, and a la mode is trying to get as many people as possible to submit this letter. They'll be physically delivering a copy of each letter signed (thousands of letters) to each agency this Wednesday, April 30th. We all need to take action now. This is the best way to have the loudest collective voice against the HVCC as it's currently written."

Thank you for your help!!

Residential Appraisal; Home Seller Services in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish & Island Counties, WA.

2008-04-24T14:28:36Z

HOME SELLER SERVICES

If you are planning to sell your home, it might be a wise decision to make a small investment in a professional appraisal. Unless you study real estate values on a day to day basis, like a professional appraiser does, it's difficult for you to get a handle on real estate values. We aren't talking about how much you have invested in your home, how much you paid for it, or how much you want for it. We're talking about the true market value of your home, which could really pay off for you in the long run!

SELLING YOUR HOME FSBO
More and more homeowners today are choosing to sell their homes FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and foregoing the help of a real estate agent. Selling your home by this method can end up saving you a potential "hefty" commission (industry average is 5-7% of the home's selling price). Plus many FSBO sellers feel that they have more control in the process of selling their home since they're in essence making all the rules. But selling your home on your own will require a significant amount of "homework" if you're going to do it right. One piece of advice that is consistently given by the experts in selling your home FSBO....Do NOT "Overprice" Your Home! It's very hard to be objective about your own home because of your emotional attachment to it. A professional appraiser is objective and will tell you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear.

PRE-LISTING APPRAISAL
If you're working with a real estate agent to list your property, more than likely they'll provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that lists selected sales in your area as one of the first steps in determining what to set as the "Listing Price". This step is vital if you're going to maximize your profit and minimize the home's time on the market.

But even if you're working with the most experienced real estate agent, it's probably in your best interest to have an "objective" third-party's opinion of value prior to signing a Listing Agreement. And that's where we come in. We can provide you with a pre-listing appraisal so both you and your agent have an accurate description of your home's features and a detailed analysis of the most recent and similar "comparable sales" or as they're commonly called, "Comps". In addition to helping you set a realistic selling price so your home will attract buyers, a professional appraisal can:

Be a very valuable negotiating tool once you have a potential buyer
Impress buyer's with written proof of your home's condition inside and out
Make you aware of problems and eliminate last-minute repair hassles that might delay a closing
Decrease the chances of unknown problems that cause sales to fall through
Eliminate the wait for the buyer or their mortgage company to get the appraisal done on their own

Many people are surprised when they find out that the market value of their home is much more than they thought, so investing in a professional appraisal actually allowed these people to receive several thousand more dollars than they thought they would when their home was sold. Others have an inflated opinion of their home's value and an appraisal helped them to realistically price their home in order for it to sell. An overpriced home will not attract buyers, which means no offers and no closing and that you have wasted valuable time, money, and efforts.

CONSULTATION
Maybe you feel like you don't need an "appraisal" but you'd still like some help gathering local property and sales data. Our reports help you to make an informed buying decision. We understand the complexities of buying a home and know what you are going through and will do our best to make it easier for you by giving you a high quality, professional appraisal that you can depend on!

When you order an appraisal report from us, you can expect. . . .

Prompt response to your initial inquiry: We will give you personalized information for your particular appraisal need. Just tell us your situation and we will make suggestions. Quick turnaround time: Typically one week or less from the date the request is received. If you've chosen to receive a copy of your appraisal or consulting report via the Internet (EDI), you'll receive it within MINUTES of its completion.
Appraisal and consulting reports formats to suit YOUR needs: When it comes to appraisal and consulting, "One size does NOT fit all!" We offer a variety of report types and delivery methods. Express mail too slow? We can deliver your report attached to a standard email, or notify you of an Internet site to download your report, the MINUTE it's completed!
Quick response to follow-up questions: Our reports are clearly written, understandable, and meet or exceed the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice that governs the appraisal practice. If you have any questions regarding your appraisal, after you've read the report, we encourage you to email or call us!

Bennett Appraisals provides appraisal services to the following areas: Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale, Fairhaven, Geneva, Silver Beach, Sudden Valley, Sumas, Acme, Anacortes, Alger, Arlington, Bow, Burlington, Camano Island, Cain Lakes, Conway, Concrete, Darrington, Deming, Edison, Emerald Lakes, Edmonds, Everett, Everson, Glacier, Granite Falls, Hamilton, Kendall, Laurence, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynden, Lyman, Lynnwood, Maple Falls, Marblemount, Marysville, McMurray, Monroe, Mount Baker, Mount Vernon, Mulkilteo, Rockport, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood,Van Zandt, Whidbey Island, and all of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish & Island Counties. * Time permitted we also serve Point Roberts via the Canadian Border.

Bennett Appraisals Expands to Island County Washington

2008-04-21T15:23:05Z

The Certified Residential Appraisal Team at Bennett Appraisals is proud to announce their business expansion into Island County, Washington! In addition to providing residential appraisal services to all of Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish Counties the appraisal team is looking forward to their expansion of appraisal services into Island County. Bennett Appraisals provides the following residential appraisal services.

Primary and Secondary Mortgages

Mortgage Refinancing

FHA

Reverse Mortgages

REO/ Forclosure

Employee Relocation

Private Mortgage Insurance Removal

Estate Planning

Divorce Settlement

Complex Properties

Waterfront/ Acreage

Bennett Appraisals serves the following areas: Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale, Fairhaven, Geneva, Silver Beach, Sudden Valley, Sumas, Acme, Anacortes, Alger, Arlington, Bow, Burlington, Camano IslandCain Lakes, Conway, Concrete, Darrington, Deming, Edison, Emerald Lakes, Edmonds, Everett, Everson, Glacier, Granite Falls, Hamilton, Kendall, Laurence, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynden, Lyman, Lynnwood, Maple Falls, Marblemount, Marysville, McMurray, Monroe, Mount Baker, Mount Vernon, Mulkilteo, Rockport, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood,Van Zandt, Whidbey Island, and all of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish & Island Counties. * Time permitted we also serve Point Roberts.

www.bennett4appraisals.com

Bennett Appraisals
1 Woodrush Ct, Bellingham WA 98229
Phone: 360-746-0224
Fax: 360-838-0634
Email: bennettappraisals@comcast.net

Homeowner Appraisal Services in Whatcom & Skagit Counties

2008-04-16T13:36:22Z

Homeowner Appraisal Services

Homeowners need appraisals or appraisal reviews for a variety of reasons, including a mortgage refinance, home equity loans, Pre-listing services, and PMI removal. When you order an appraisal or review from us, you can rest assured that you will get the best in professional service, courtesy, and quality.

Refinance / Home Equity

Be sure that you request us if your lender asks you for YOUR choice of appraisal firms. More than likely we are already on their "approved list", and if not we will quickly provide your lender with the necessary documentation to become approved.

For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) / Pre-Listing Services

It's very hard to be objective about your own home because of your emotional attachment to it. A Professional Appraiser is objective and will tell you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear. In addition to helping you set a realistic selling price so your home will attract buyers, a professional appraisal is very valuable as a negotiating tool once you have a potential buyer. It gives you something concrete to show your buyer. It's an independent third party's opinion of your home's value, and not just you saying how much your home is worth. Potential buyers know you have an emotional attachment to your home and will be far more likely to give credibility to a professional appraiser's value opinion than yours.

PMI Removal Appraisals

A popular money saver for homeowners in the last few years is to get the PMI removed from their mortgage loan, thus saving them money on their monthly payments. PMI stands for "Private Mortgage Insurance". Once your mortgage loan amount is down below 80% of the value of your home, in most cases you can apply to the lender to have the PMI removed from your loan, which will make your monthly payments go down. We are experienced in helping folks just like you rid themselves of unneeded and unwanted PMI insurance.

Field and Desktop Appraisal Review Services

Have you just received a copy of your appraisal and youd like to have a professional "double-check" it for accuracy or do you need a second opinion without the expense and delay of waiting for a whole new appraisal?

Appraisal Field Reviews: Well check your appraisal for accuracy and provide exterior "field inspections" of the subject and comparable properties for maximum appraisal certainty. Perfect for any situation demanding a second opinion on value.
Appraisal Desk Reviews: In a hurry and just want to "double-check" the facts? Well use our extensive Internet research capabilities and office files to deliver reviews with the highest degree of precision in the industry.

Bennett Appraisals serves the following areas: Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale, Fairhaven, Geneva, Silver Beach, Sudden Valley, Sumas, Acme, Anacortes, Alger, Arlington, Bow, Burlington, Cain Lakes, Conway, Concrete, Darrington, Deming, Edison, Emerald Lakes, Edmonds, Everett, Everson, Glacier, Granite Falls, Hamilton, Kendall, Laurence, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynden, Lyman, Lynnwood, Maple Falls, Marblemount, Marysville, McMurray, Monroe, Mount Baker, Mount Vernon, Mulkilteo, Rockport, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood,Van Zandt, and all of Whatcom, Skagit & Snohomish Counties. * Time permitted we also serve Point Roberts.

Working to be green everyday!!

Informative Quarterly Newsletter; City of Anacortes, Planning Department

2008-04-16T13:24:09Z

The City of Anarcortes planning department puts out a very informative quarterly pdf newsletter concerning upcoming talks and changes in the community. April 2008 subjects include: Old Town design standards, updating development standards, the city's focus on transprotation (with maps of areas arterials), and promoting green building standards.

Check out the link here:

http://www.cityofanacortes.org/Planning/Newsletters/2006/file.asp?ID=11

City of Bellingham, Green Buildings/ Projects Map- Interesting.

2008-03-27T18:24:38Z

The City of Bellingham has a PDF map of all the green buildings and projects being planned, as of the end of 2007. It is pretty interesting, here is the (large) PDF:

http://www.cob.org/documents/planning/maps/2007-12-green-building-in-bellingham.pdf

City of Bellingham's Green Team

Per city website: The Green Team was created to promote a sustainable community with public and private partnerships, through efficient use of land and building resources, protection of the environment, support of the local economy, and fostering social equity. For information on programs or sustainable building practices, contact the Green Team via email: greenteam@cob.org or visit the Planning Division at 210 Lottie Street.

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Bennett Appraisals works hard to conserve in our office with paperless/ virtual file storage, recycling, low watt high efficiency light bulbs. and driving trip plans to save on fuel.

Bennett Appraisals provides residential appraisal services to the following areas:Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale, Fairhaven, Geneva, Silver Beach, Sudden Valley, Sumas, Acme, Anacortes, Alger, Arlington, Bow, Burlington, Cain Lakes, Conway, Concrete, Darrington, Deming, Edison, Emerald Lakes, Edmonds, Everett, Everson, Glacier, Granite Falls, Hamilton, Kendall, Laurence, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynden, Lyman, Lynnwood, Maple Falls, Marblemount, Marysville, McMurray, Monroe, Mount Baker, Mount Vernon, Mulkilteo, Rockport, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood,Van Zandt, and all of Whatcom, Skagit & Snohomish Counties. * Time permitted we also serve Point Roberts, via the Canadian Border.

Bellingham WA Driver Beware, I-5 Construction April-May 08'

2008-03-27T17:33:19Z

According to WSDOT, drivers in Bellingham, WA can expect many delays on the I-5 corridor April/ May 2008

according to the published article approximately 80,000 drivers use I-5 every day through Bellingham.

The first weekend-long closure is scheduled for April 11 through April 14. I-5 will be reduced to one lane in each direction for three miles. Lanes will close at 10 p.m. Friday and reopen at 6 a.m. Monday.

For full article go to: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2008/03/27_i5constructiondrawsnear.htm

Bellingham drivers can check traffic conditions online @ http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/bellingham/