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

Island County/ WCRER/ 3rd Quarter Housing Data 2008

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:46:14 -0600

Island County Housing Data

Here is some interesting and helpful housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Third Quarter Housing Analysis; Island County home re-sales were down -9.2% from the previous quarter, and down -31.4% from the third quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -5.1% from the previous quarter and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Island County are down -46.0% from the third quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -42.5% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Island County is down to $282,500, above the statewide median of $281,500. The 2008 third quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 87.3 for Island County, lower than the statewide index of 96.9.

See all WA county info: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q3/Snapshot_q308.pdf

Snohomish County WA/ WCRER Housing Market Analysis/ 3nd Quarter 2008

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:39:28 -0600

Snohomish County Housing Data

Here is some interesting and helpful housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Third Quarter Housing Analysis; Snohomish County home re-sales were down -6.2% from the previous quarter, and down -37.8% from the third quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -5.1% from the previous quarter and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Snohomish County are down -45.7% from the third quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -42.5% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Snohomish County is $340,000, above the statewide median of $281,500. The 2008 third quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 88.3 for Snohomish County, lower than the statewide index of 96.9.

See all WA county info: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q3/Snapshot_q308.pdf

Skagit County WA/ WCRER 2008 3nd Quarter Housing Analysis

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:31:53 -0600

Skagit County Housing Data

Here is some interesting and helpful housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Third Quarter Housing Analysis; Skagit County home re-sales were down -12.7% from the previous quarter, and down -35.3 % from the third quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -5.1% from the previous quarter and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Skagit County are down -46.2% from the third quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -42.5% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Skagit County is down to $255,000, below the statewide median of $281,500. The 2008 third quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 96.1 for Skagit County, slightly lower than the statewide index of 96.9.

See all WA county info: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q3/Snapshot_q308.pdf

Whatcom County /WCRER/ 3rd Quarter Housing Market Data 2008

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:24:51 -0600

Whatcom County Housing Data

Here is some interesting and helpful housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Third Quarter Housing Analysis; Whatcom County home re-sales were down -6.0% from the previous quarter, and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -5.1% from the previous quarter and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Whatcom County are down -38.2% from the third quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -42.5% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Whatcom County is down to $275,000, below the statewide median of $281,500. The 2008 third quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 90.0 for Whatcom County, lower than the statewide index of 96.9.

See all WA county info: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q3/Snapshot_q308.pdf

Keeing up with new technology in the housing /building sector.

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:50:18 -0600

There are so many innovations taking place in building technology, it is difficult to keep up!

Here are some interesting web sites with a ton of information:

Tool Base Services is the housing industry's resource for technical information on building products, materials, new technologies, business management, and housing systems. : http://www.toolbase.org/index.aspx

Path -The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) is dedicated to accelerating the development and use of technologies that radically improve the quality, durability, energy efficiency, environmental performance, and affordability of America's housing.
http://www.pathnet.org/index.asp

US Department of Energy: Residential Buildings: Energy Efficient Building Practices.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/residential/

Bellingham Mayor's Waterfront Connection Plan

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:54:49 -0500

Per City of Bellingham website: "Pike presented his Waterfront Connection Plan to the Bellingham City Council and community on Sept. 29, and expects to engage the public in considering its pros and cons.

Public open houses scheduled for Nov. 13 and Nov. 17 offer public opportunities to review the Waterfront Connections Plan and weigh in on options that will shape the look and feel of our downtown and waterfront for generations to come."

The PDF can be viewed here: http://www.cob.org/documents/issues/waterfront-connections-plan.pdf

Future Traffic Projects, Ferndale WA

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:46:44 -0500

Ferndale's Mayor issued his 2008 State of the City Address, there are some interesting updates on traffic and transportation in the area which include: Second Avenue to Portal Way, Second Avenue to Thornton Road, Washington Street and Vista Drive, Main Street: Fourth Ave. to Church Rd, Church Road: Main St. to Thornton Rd, and Church Road: Main St. to Slater Rd. See the map in the pdf.

There is also info about the new law and justice facility, and new library. It is worth the read at: http://www.cityofferndale.org/mayor/State%20of%20the%20City.pdf

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:05:13 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:29:16 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:35:21 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:02:26 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:31:26 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:28:58 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:25:34 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:22:11 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:22:12 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:26:15 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:13:16 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:03:35 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:14:28 -0500

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.

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:41:03 -0500

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.

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:10:59 -0500

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.

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:54:56 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:05:14 -0500

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

Certified Residential Appraisal Team @ Bennett Appraisals (Bennett Appraisals) — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:08:38 -0500

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!!