Appraiser Dawn R Walker Santa Clarita

Appraising For FHA - Ebook Finally Finished!

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:17:16 -0600

Yes - that is right! My ebook is finally finished! Everything you always wanted to know about appraising for FHA - the most current and accurate appraising guide around. If you can appraise well for FHA, you can appraise for other lenders too! Go go www.appraisalgroupsocal.com and click on the FHA Appraising button. I take paypal. Once payment is recieved, I will send you a link to the book. Its 465 pages of FHA ins and outs. I hope you enjoy it and its useful to you! Dawn

What Is A FHA Appraiser?

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:19:16 -0500

A FHA appraiser is a state certified appraiser who has applied for and been approved to appraise property for FHA insured loans.

Because the down payment is lower and loan limits have been raised in Southern California, many first time home buyers have been approved for FHA insured loans. Boy is it a buyers market right now.

FHA has strict guidelines about what a property must have and not have in order to qualify for their insurance. For example, if a property is subject to hazards, contaminants, noxious odors, offensive sights or excessive noises, it will not qualify. If there is evidence of soil contamination, grading or drainage issues, or deficiencies regarding the well or septic system then the property will most likely not be approved.

Properties approved by FHA must be safe, secure and sound. FHA wants to protect the health and safety of the occupants, protect the security of the property and correct physical deficiencies or conditions affecting structural integrity.

Our job as appraisers is to be the eyes, ears and nose of the FHA. It is our job to report the risks that FHA would be taking by insuring the property as it is in the current state.

Zaio Updated Information

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:52:04 -0500

So here is the information that I got from an extensive conversation with John in the Sales Department and John Ross, Managing Director out of Chicago.

Basically, buy in to this business is breaking into the AVM/BPO market. There are 17,000-18,000 zones sold although not sure how many are actually "live" yet. Zones have been sold in So Cal, Phoenix AZ and Spokane WA.

Many zones have been photographed already. However, if the zone you purchase has not, you will be paid for every picture you take of every property in your zone. The more dense the zone, the less per pix. The more rural, the more per pix. Zones are approximately 10,000 developed parcels. Each zone costs about $10,000.

Your job as the appraiser is to have the photo and rank the exterior of the property on seven criteria (view, condition, size, parking, bsement, location and amenities) and on a scale of 1 to 10. You are required to have membership in the MLS of the area. Comps are choosen for each area and general marketing groups are established. If you have taken the pix within a year, and the lender accepts it, it makes a 2055 very easy. Otherwise, you might have to go out and shoot pix again. However, all the data that you have precollected autofills your forms to make your job easier.... or so they say.

Start up is $14k-21K. The appraiser only makes a percentage of what is charged to Zaio. I guess the potential is large if large lenders ask for huge appraisal assessments.

It is not for me. I don't have the money or the time to invest in a system that has not been proven to work. Iknow that I will be making less and less if management companies become the norm and if lenders rely more on AVMs.

They were very nice on the phone. They are hopeful that the system works and they can deliver what they think they can. They even sent me a $25 VISA gift card for listening to the talk!

I might have mixed up some of the info above since there was so much information and it was very overwhelming. Please feel free to add on if you have additional info.

I am anxious to hear from some of the zone owners and why they "took the plunge".

New Charter School in SCV Starting Sept 2!

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:59:20 -0500

Thank you to Jennifer Ricco for giving me the inspiration to talk about another school in this great Santa Clarita Valley. I'm so excited about the new school that my kids go into called SCVi.

The website is: http://www.scvcharterschool.org

and the calender is available at: http://www.scvcharterschool.org/Calendar___Schedule.html

The school is under the Hart School District and will be K-12. Its a public school but students get in through a lottery so it is FREE. The first year will be k, 1-4 and 7th. Every year they will add two grades and then 11th and 12th.

The difference between this school and most up here in the SCV is that it is project based learning. To find out more about project based learning, go to:

http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning

http://college.cengage.com/education/pbl/background.html

http://www.bie.org/index.php/site/PBL/overview_pbl

Other schools using PBL

http://www.hightechhigh.org

http://www.newcountryschool.com

You could use this link: http://www.scvcharterschool.org/Teacher_Tool_Box.html which gives examples of cirriculum and other resources for the teachers.

If you want more information, go to the link for the school and email them. They still have a few slots open .... I think???

Lowering Your Property Taxes In LA Updated

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:41:22 -0500

Here is what the Los Angeles County Assessor says about companies advertising lowering property taxes for homeowners:

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It has come to our attention that various private companies are doing mailings to property owners offering their services to pursue a reduction in their property taxes. These companies may charge hundreds of dollars to file for a reduction in value on behalf of the property owner. Solicitations of this type may not be illegal, but property owners should be aware that their property may have already been reviewed and the value reduced. There is no reason to pay for a review that has already been completed by the Assessor's Office. (FROM DAWN: THIS IS THE ISSUE... ALTHOUGH A REVIEW MAY HAVE BEEN DONE FROM THE ASSESSOR, THE REVIEW MAY BE INACCURATE FOR VARIOUS REASONS)

If a property was not reduced in this review and you believe the assessed value of the property shown on the 2007-08 tax bill is more than the fair market value as of January 1, 2008, you may file an application at any time through December 31, 2008. The Decline-In-Value form is simple to complete and readily available online or at one of our District Offices. We will review the application and if a reduction is warranted, the taxable value will be reduced. Please note that there is no charge to request a review.

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When clients call me, I state exactly what the county says above that many homeowners already recieved reductions and that many companies are trying to earn this type of business unfairly. Actually, I first look up the property on public data, information that although public, is not usually accessible to homeowners. I find out what they are paying and then look up comparables (also something that a homeowner would not have access to). If it looks like there is a significant difference between what the county says the property is worth, and comparables from the first part of this year, than I inform the homeowner. Only then, when the homeowners is informed about the situation, do they make the decision to hire me for a flat $100 to provide the form (which is readily accessible on the county website but many homeowners just don't want to take the time to retrieve)and comparables. As an appraiser, I have to pay for public data informaion, MLS information and my time to do the research. It is totally up to the homeowner if they want to try or not. I feel that this fee is fair and I am earning it honestly. Can't tell you how many times in the past few months that I had to turn down appraisal jobs because, no matter how desperate the homeowner is, the value is just not what they need to refi. Or telling homeowners that the assessed value looks accurate. I actually researched other companies trying to lower taxes for homeowners, one of which soemone in this group recommended and they actually ask for a percentage of what the homeowner saves. I think that is completely wrong!

Here is an example of the work I do. My client bought a house in May of 2006 for $650,000. Assessor sent a letter saying that the value should be $575,000. After doing all my research, I realized that properties in that area were selling during the first quarter of the year for $475,000 to $495,000. I was able to provide comparables to the county and they reduced the taxes further.

When the county assessor lowers values, they are looking at a large geographic area, usually referred to as a Mass Appraisal. They don't look at a particular neighborhood in a community in a city in a county specifically. So, it is possible, and maybe probable that the county's letter and assessment of a property is inaccurate. This was the case with the above mentioned client. Think values on the south side of Ventura Boulevard versus the north. I think that appraisers are probably the best people to look into this for a homeowner. Under USPAP, we appraisers have to follow a strict code of ethics.

As you know, homeowners could do all this research themselves. I do not know any homeowner, with the exception of realtors, escrow officers or lenders who actually know how to look up retroactive comparables, let alone understand what a comparable is. Why do you think it takes 2000-2500 practice hours and several large state exams to become an appraiser? This is what we do everyday.

Homeowners have to be warned about people doing immoral things. As a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser, I look into values of homes all day long and this only seems like a natural road to take given the way the mortgage and real estate market is today.

Lower Property Taxes for LA County Purchases Between 2004-2007

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:29:25 -0500

If you know anyone who bought a house between 2004-2007, they probably got notified by the LA County Assessors Office of their property value being reassessed and taxes lowered. However, in many cases, and in some of my client's cases, the new assessed value is really too high for the current market. By filing a new form to the Assessor's Office along with two comparables from the first quarter of this year, those homeowners can possibly lower their taxes. The form must be filed prior to December 31, 2008 for the property to be considered and the Assessor's office takes about four months to decide. If you know anyone who would like assistance in the form and the comps, please email me and I will help. I charge a fee for this service but it is a small fee considering the amount of money that some of my clients have saved by going through this process. Email me for more info!

Need Sponsors For Girl Scout Event on November 16 2008 in Santa Clarita

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:51:44 -0500

My daughter's troop is having a Father/Daughter Car Rally on Sunday Nov 16th here in Santa Clarita. We are trying to find a starting location and ending location. Each location must have parking for cars not used for the rally and be able to provide light breakfast (bagels, donuts, coffee and juice) or light lunch (perhaps big sub sandwiches, drinks and cookies) for about 100 dads/daughters. I think a car dealership might be great so that the dads can browse the showroom too. Real Estate Office, Escrow or Brokerage might be great because of parking available on the weekends. Its a tax write off for the business and we will promo the businesses as much as we can. If anyone knows anyone who might be interested, please let me know. Thanks!!!

Need Sponsors For Girl Scout Event on November 16 2008 in Santa Clarita

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:49:28 -0500

Home Values In Northern Los Angeles County Statistics

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:41:48 -0500

Dataquick has recently reported the following home price declines for selected locations in northern Los Angeles County between June 2007 and June 2008:

Acton: -27.3%
Canyon Country: -28.3%
Castaic: -17.3%
Lancaster: -40.0%
Newhall: -20.0%
Palmdale: -38.4%
Santa Clarita: -5.2%
Stevenson Ranch: -5.2%
Valencia: -27.2%
LOS ANGELES COUNTY: -24.3%

Thank you Scott Voltz of Scott Voltz Commericial Real Estate for hunting down these very current statistics!

Design Scape Oops

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:29:26 -0500

I feel terrible but I have to retract my recommendation of designscape.com . I did a job last May and they still have not paid me. I have sent emails, voice mails and event paypal invoices but they have neglected to pay me as of today. Beware and work with them at your own risk. Sorry for the recommendation!

Attention Appraisers - Do you get business leads on activerain?

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:28:57 -0500

Just curious. I've been on here for a few months and have decent blog going. I try to comment on other's post but I have never gotten a lead from AR. Just curious if I'm doing something wrong or if maybe this is not the right place for leads. I don't mind if it isn't because I've had fun meeting other appraisers but I was just curious.

Appraiser XSites-Do you get business from your xsite?

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:25:39 -0500

Just curious if you get real leads by having an xsite.

Appraisal Management Companies - Whats up?

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:20:02 -0500

I have never worked with them before and was wondering if they are worth it. Many have start up fees. Many only accept certain file types (as those on xsites). What are your thoughts? Is it worth it? Does anyone have experience here in Los Angeles with them?

Design Scape Website For Home Improvement Projects

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:51:04 -0500

I mentioned this site in a previous post but I wanted to write a little more because it is a awesome service. I do not know the cost involved but you have to watch the demo because it is really awesome what they do ... all online! I can only imagine the applications .... specifically for realtors! The send an appraiser out to measure land and improvements. Then, the develop blue prints or plans for hardscape and landscape. They work with the client on line to make changes to the plans ... in real time! Then they connect the client with contractors to do the work. I like it because it gives me work (as an appraiser). But now clients do not have to spend top dollar for plans for small projects. Check them out! http://www.designscape.com

FHA Contact Information

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:41:53 -0500

I've been trying to answer as many questions as I can about FHA and their new online procedures for becoming a FHA Roster Appraiser. I thought I would pass on some contact information. First of all, if you go online to: http://www.hud.gov/groups/appraisers.cfm , it has answers to almost any question you may have. Also, prior to a few months ago, questions were directed to the service center responsible for the geographic area that you were in. However, they have centralized customer service and now, you just call (800)CALLFHA (225-5342) or email to hud@custhelp.com . If you call, you could be on ahold A LONG TIME. I've waited an hour before. However, it is worth the wait. They can look you up by phone number if you have called before so they keep records of all calls. They are very willing to help and really know answers to most questions. If they can not answer a question, they might refer to the local service center, in which case they will have someone call you back or they give you an email address to write to. Either way, they are very helpful. Only problem is the long hold time.

I hope this helps!

Appraisers Earn Extra Money In A Down Market

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:01:12 -0500

I thought I would pass on a lead to you. I met a lady named Dace from Design Scape. They are a company that does landscape design on line. They hire appraisers nationwide to do diagrams of homes. Its purely a outside inspection and you have to take between 70-120 pictures, as well as diagram the outside of the property including hardscape, large landscape, pools, improvements. They pay about $200. If you want more information, email me with you name, phone, email and the zip codes that you are willing to work in and I will forward it on to Dace. Not bad money for the work!

Fruit Dip

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:12:46 -0500

Beat 1-8 ounce package of cream cheese, 1 jar of marshmallow creme, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon grated lime peel and a dash of ground ginger together in a bowl. Dip fresh or dried fruit in and enjoy!

Can't Eat It But Its Fun For Kids - Homemade Play Dough

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:04:49 -0500

My kids LOVE this stuff. Its so easy to make!!!

4 cups flour

2 cups salt

2 tbs cream of tartar

1 small package jello

Mix the above and add

4 cups water

1/4 cup oil

Food coloring

Cook on low fire until you see it get thick. Do not over cook! Pour out onto a silpat mat and knead after it has cooled. It will come together. If it still sticky after you kneed for a few minutes, just add more flour.

We made strawberry, blueberry, peach and apple. Apple was the best smelling dough!

Check out my cooking website at www.chefdawn.com . If you sign up for my newsletter, I will email you an 11 page kitchen gadget list of things I LOVE to use in my home kitchen.

Dawn R Walker

Certified Residential Appraiser and Chef

Appraiser and Chef Tells All - Why Some Recipes Do Not Work

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:01:38 -0500

I can tell you that over the 25 years that I have been cooking and baking, there have been numerous recipes I've prepared that have turned out awful! However, over the years, I have developed a sense that helps me to look at a recipe and just know whether or not it will work. I can construct a recipe in my head and know how it will look and taste before my whisk starts spinning. For those of you who have not developed this sense yet, here are seven reasons that recipes do not work.

1. One of the most common errors in recipes are mistakes in the measurements of ingredients. Perhaps you only need 1/2 teaspoon of salt instead of the 1 1/2 teaspoons requested or maybe 1 ounce of butter instead of 1 cup, but misprints often occur and there is very little way that you would know.

2. Inaccurate ingredient descriptions occur frequently in recipes. I have seen recipes ask for "sugar", not telling the cook whether they need brown or white. Sometimes recipes do not specify if you are to use dry or fresh herbs.

3. In recipes that are passed down from generation to generation, often ingredients are used that are simply not available today, or not used in that manner. The best example of this is pork fat or lard. Lard was used heavily in baking during the early part of this century. Now, because of health reasons, we do not bake with animal fat. However, many recipes were never converted and are obsolete.

4. Several years ago, I tried one of Emeril's recipes which called for pure cane syrup. This item is used primarily in the south and should not be confused with corn syrup. Cane syrup is not widely available here in Southern California and at the time I did not have access to the internet to check what an appropriate substitute was. This happens for many regionally based and specialty products. Substituting products that are not available to you can produce disastrous results if you do not know what you are doing.

5. If a recipe was written by a chef who lives in a different climate or altitude, the recipe may not work. For example, the special sourdough bread that is made in San Francisco can not be duplicated anywhere else than in San Francisco. The spores and bacteria that grow when the starter is developing is unique to that area of the country. Should that dough be taken to Chicago, for example, the end product would taste drastically different than the bread of S.F.

6. Stories and recipes that are passed from person to person sometimes get distorted and details change. My grandmother has some recipes in her head. When I ask her for the recipes, she rattles off the ingredients and instructions without looking at a recipe card or book. She has prepared these recipes so many times that she doesn't need to "look". However, it is so automatic for her that she misses some of the key steps or elements that make her dishes so terrific. I guess this is how stories get changed the more they are told.

7. The final reason some recipes do not work is because they just don't! There are recipes out there that are just bad recipes.

And do not assume that because a recipe did not work, that it is your fault. There are so many reasons that recipes do not work, user error is just one.

You can check out my cooking website at www.chefdawn.com. If you sign up, I'll email you my 11 page must have kitchen tool list.

Dawn R. Walker

Certified Residential Appraiser In Los Angeles CA and Chef

Real Estate Appraising Secrets - Pictures For FHA Appraisals

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:19:47 -0500

Preparing an appraisal report for FHA is not as complicated as it once was. As far as taking pictures, one of the most important requirements that HUD makes is that any picture included in the appraisal report must be taken by the appraiser signing the report. Appraisers are not allowed to hire a trainee or assistant to take any photographs of the subject or comparable properties.

The only time MLS photos are allowed to be used in an appraisal report is when backing up an original picture taken by the appraiser. For example, if a comparable is located behind a security gate that the appraiser can not gain access to, the appraiser should include the picture of the gate with a MLS photo of the property in the appraisal report.

Subject photos should include the front and rear of the property at opposite angles to show all sides of the dwelling and should include improvements. The street scene should include a portion of the subject site and the grade of the vacant lot shown if proposed construction.

Comparable photographs must include at least one front view and should show compliance with Scope Of Work.

HUD encourages the appraiser to include additional photographs that represent positive or negative influence in value or deficiencies and/or adverse conditions. An example might be including a picture of evidence of infestation or exposed wiring.

Another example of including additional pictures as support would be if the appraiser could not view the attic because there was a large piece of furniture blocking the opening. In addition to commenting in the comment addendum of the appraisal, the appraiser should include a picture of the obstructed entrance to the attic as verification that the appraiser could not see in the attic.

And FHA appraisal are very similar to appraisals performed for other lenders. By investigating the requirements, appraisers can provide FHA with a accurate and complete picture of properties they are looking to insure.

New Paperless Process For Applying To Be A FHA Roster Appraiser

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:20:06 -0500

On May 5, 2008 the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) through Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is launching an online appraiser application process that will replace the existing process of sending paper applications through the mail. This process may make the process of applying to become a FHA Roster appraiser much easier and faster.

Information on their website states that the cut off date for accepting paper applications is April 22, 2008 and that appraisers should wait until after the May 5th date to avoid the possibility of their application not being accepted. If applications were mailed any time prior to April 22nd, appraisers should not reapply and are encouraged to wait the eight to twelve week processing time, although the process should be faster after the implementation of the new system.

To find out if an appraiser has been placed on the active Roster, appraisers can go online the FHA website and find out. HUD does not send any correspondence if the application is accepted. A letter is sent and the reason identified if the application has been been denied or the appraiser is ineligible.

FHA Connection is a website that provides approved lenders and businesses partners, like Roster appraisers with direct, secure, online access to computer systems of HUD. FHA Connections allows appraisers to update their business information and to get their identification number. To gain access to FHA Connection, appraisers have to apply once they have been placed on the Roster.

Because the loan limits were temporarily raised for FHA insured loans, FHA Roster appraisers might become busier appraising for FHA approved lenders. The VC form, once required to accompany the URAR 1004 appraisal form, is no longer used and the requirements of an appraiser while appraising for FHA approved lenders has been simplified.

I am Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser and FHA Roster Appraiser currently authoring a EBook on appraising for FHA insured loans.

How To Become A FHA Roster Appraiser

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:21:04 -0500

In order to perform appraisals for FHA, appraisers must be on the approved FHA Roster. Appraisers must possess a current license/certification with credentials based on the minimum licensing/certification criteria by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) of the Appraisal Foundation for each state in which they desire to perform FHA appraisals. Trainees are not eligible to apply to be on the Roster.

Registration procedures for appraisers who are not currently on the FHA Roster are as follows:

1. Submit proof of a valid state appraiser's license or certification with credentials based on the minimum criteria issued by the AQB for each state in which you desire to perform FHA appraisals.

2. Complete the Register Designation Application (Form HUD-92563) including references for line 18.

3. Not be listed on the General Services Administration's Suspension and Debarment List, HUD's Limited Denial of Participation (LDP) List, or HUD's Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System (CAVIRS).

4. Submit copy of license(s)/certification(s) and Register Designation Application with original signature to HUD at:U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Single Family Housing, 451 7th Street, SW, Suite 9270, Attention Valuation Division, Washington, DC 20410

HUD does not take faxes for applications and they recommend that you send your application via UPS or other mail service so you can track the package.

Appraisers can check the FHA Roster for their status and to make sure their information is correct. Appraisers will not receive a registration confirmation if approved. However, a denial letter will be sent from HUD to appraisers that are not approved. Appraisers noticing incorrect information should fax the corrected information to (202) 401-0416 .

If the appraisers license expires, they must provide HUD with proof of renewed license(s)/certification. An expired license will cause the appraiser to be ineligible to perform FHA appraisals.

For renewals to occur, the appraiser renews their license with the State Regulatory Board or SRB. In California, we have the Office of Real Estate Appraisers or OREA. The SRB submits renewal information to the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. ASC updates the National Appraiser Registry. HUD interfaces with the National Registry and then updates their systems to reflect the renewals. Some states upload to ASC upon receipt of the renewal from the appraiser. Others, update on the renewal date of the license.

To check to see if your license has been updated, go to https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/apprlook.cfm . If HUD's website information on your renewal is correct, no further action is needed. If HUD's information is incorrect, you must contact your SRB to ensure renewal was processed and to ask when they submit their information to the ASC. If ASC's National Registry is correct but the FHA Roster is not, FAX evidence of updated status to HUD HQ at 202-402-0416 Attn: Home Valuation Policy Division.

HUD allows a thirty day grace period for systems to interface for renewals and there is currently a 10-12 week lag between the time they receive a new application to become a Roster Appraiser and the time that the application is either rejected or accepted.

And becoming a Roster Appraiser is really not that difficult. HUD even eliminated the examination.

Appraising Secrets - Working With HUD and FHA Doing Appraisals

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:31:17 -0500

With the fall of the real estate market in the country, here in Los Angeles, we have been hard hit. Business has been slow. Since the Feds introduced the Economic Stimulus Plan and HUD lowered loan limits, business is slowly picking up.

In an attempt to diversify into new markets, I applied to be an FHA Roster appraiser. After spending hours on the HUD and FHA websites and real estate industry websites and message boards, I realized that there was scattered information about appraising for FHA. Although the FHA website seems to be catching up with information for appraisers, it was difficult to find out basic information like if the VC form was still used.

This month, I attended a seminar sponsored by the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women, an organization that, as it turns out, has many members both male and female whose main focus is to provide education to industry professionals. The seminar featured several HUD employees who trained appraisers from California, Nevada and Arizona on appraising for FHA insured loans.

The class was amazing and the representatives from FHA were extremely knowledgeable and personable. I learned where to find the information I was looking for and what FHA looks for in appraisals.

The appraisers who actually worked for HUD wanted to let appraisers know that we are the eyes of FHA. We paint a picture for the agency so that they can make sure that they know the risk they are taking in insuring loans. If we miss something important, it puts HUD at risk. They are relying on us to make sure that they get all the information they need in the format they are asking for.

I am currently writing an ebook which not only includes MANY resource documents, it explains what HUD and FHA actually are, how to get on the list and how to perform a FHA appraisal. Keeping checking with me to find out when the book is finished.

New Niece

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:41:42 -0500

I just got back from Seattle visiting my awesome brother Jeffrey, his beautiful wife Tami and their gorgeous daughter Caitlin Alicia, born on April 5, 2008 at 8lb, 10 oz. I got to cook for them and organize all the stuff. I'm exhausted but just loved my visit. Now, back to work!

Appraising Secrets - Bring Em On FHA Appraisals

Dawn Walker (Dawn Walker Appraisal Services) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:06:00 -0500

Because of HUD raising the loan limits for conforming loans, I have been innundated with appraisal requests for FHA loans. I am a FHA appraiser but have not done that many appraisals for FHA loans. On Friday, I am attending a class in Las Vegas (about four hours from home) to learn more about appraising for FHA loans. I am so excited because there will actually be five representatives from HUD to answer questions and train appraisers. I also can't wait to get back and report more on what I learned as I am sure that many appraisers are getting requests and not knowing exactly how to do the appraisals correctly. I do know that you do not need the VC form any longer and all that is needed to appraise an SFR is the Fannie Mae 1004. More information to come.