appraisals: Property Taxes: What, Where, How, Why - 01/16/13 04:00 PM
 
Property Taxes:  What, Where, How, Why  
     The topic of  property taxes  is always an important one when speaking to my clients ... either because it will show as a proration needing to be paid on their home purchase ... or because it effects their  escrow  account for future monthly payments.
       What property taxes do or pay for ... and the perception of such, are often two completely different things.  But the fact is, that in Illinois ... local governments alone levy and collect property taxes.      The tax cycle extends over a 2-year period.  The … (5 comments)

appraisals: If it Walks like a Duck and Quacks like a Duck ... it isn't always a Duck! - 01/09/13 01:41 PM
 
If it Walks like a Duck and Quacks like a   Duck ... it isn't always a Duck!                 Condominium ... or Townhome?  Which is it?      This age old question recently reared itself, had me scratching my head, and doing some major homework and clean-up for a couple of weeks.  First, let me give you some background on an unusual circumstance ...      My Borrower had transacted for a property listed as a  Condominium.  Only thing, after a couple weeks into the deal, we uncover that it's legally described as a  Townhouse  Style unit … (46 comments)

appraisals: Multiple Offers and Appraisals. Learning to Co-Exist Successfully - 05/16/12 06:39 AM
 
 
Multiple Offers and Appraisals. Learning to Co-Exist Successfully               We are presently in the time of year when Appraisers, Realtors, and Mortgage Originators ... as well as Home Buyers and Sellers are often "anxious". Both good anxious and bad anxious.       This Spring, many of us find ourselves anxious, but hopeful, that our housing market is reviving itself after a long winter. This is especially true in the Midwest region where I live. Weather makes home sales somewhat more seasonal here.       This year's anxieties are accompanied by the … (26 comments)

appraisals: The Appraisal Process ... Chances to Learn More, Share, and Be Happy When the Stars All Align - 01/23/12 01:18 PM
 
 
The Appraisal Process ...
Chances to Learn More, Share, and
Be Happy When the Stars All Align
 
 
 
     This last week, I attended my local  Three Rivers' Association of Realtors (Serving Will and Grundy Counties, IL) Learning Lunch.  I was very impressed by the great turnout for this particular event.
 
     I believe the topic being highlighted at this luncheon greatly influenced members' decision to attend ... as it was a topic that touches upon all of us within our industry frequently.  The topic in question??
 
    
          Appraisals!
 
  … (4 comments)

appraisals: Who's the Real Expert Here? The Buyer or the Appraiser? Part 2 ... - 09/07/11 01:10 PM


     Yesterday, in Part 1 of this post, I spoke of a first-time home buyer facing the dilemma of having to "adjust" her purchase offer on a home or walk away from the transaction.  This home buyer found herself in this predicament because appraisers (and yes, I said plural) would not "adjust" their evaluation for the home.
      As supported by the many comments I received regarding Part 1 of this post, this dilemma is not an isolated incident.  It in fact is occurring in near epidemic levels in many areas of our country.       There is … (24 comments)

appraisals: Who's the Real Expert Here? The Buyer or the Appraiser? Part 1 ... - 09/06/11 04:34 PM


    Lately, it's become obvious to me ... the "so-called" un-ending oversupply of homes for sale, is not so ripe with great homes at great prices.  Not all homes are in tip-top shape, nor are they priced realistically or temptingly for today's current market or home buyers.
    It's also abundantly clear that those homes that ARE priced right and in good condition don't always get the consideration and respect they are due.  Sometimes by the buyers.  Other times by the appraisal professionals asked to appraise them.
      Here's a good example of the latter opinion:  I … (41 comments)

appraisals: Put Away the Deodorant. Follow These Tips and There Will Be No More Sweating over Appraisals. - 09/14/10 05:36 PM
 
 
 
       Want to see a real estate professional or seller really sweat? 
         Mention the word APPRAISAL to them these days ...     
  
     
     As a Mortgage Banker and former professional Appraiser, I can tell you ... APPRAISALS are the number one reason loans are currently being scrutinized so closely by Lenders, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, and FHA ... and then eventually deemed "unacceptable files" for repurchase in the secondary market.
    This concern regarding repurchase, accounts for many of the delays, analysis, and scrutiny by Underwriters of appraisals that real estate professionals are experiencing today.
 
    
    How can an agent or broker help alleviate some of this … (12 comments)

appraisals: The Glass Ceiling for Buyers and Sellers | Plainfield IL Homes for Sale - 07/29/10 12:00 PM
   
    Julie Ferenzi , CENTURY 21 Hometown of Plainfield, IL, presented this amazingly well written article regarding the need for intelligent and realistic pricing of a home when selling.
     I thought it articulated the importance of pricing a home correctly in a clear, intelligent, and concise way.  It's a good roadmap for those thinking of selling their home in the future.
     I wanted as many as possible to have the opportunity to read this advice.  It contains real value ...
Gene

 

Via Julie Ferenzi (CENTURY 21 Hometown):
The lowest priced home sale in any town is a benchmark.
… (6 comments)

appraisals: Protecting the Values of An Area's Homes Begins With ABC ... - 08/04/09 07:32 PM
                                                                   I was in the local Wal-Mart over the weekend.  It was jam-packed   with families buying school supplies for the upcoming new school year.   Cart after cart of pens, paper, computers, folders, and colorful crayons  were flying out the door.
       My wife was the queen of school supplies.  Our boys never had to   worry about running out of a thing.  We had a big box several feet deep and several feet wide filled with the stuff.  Need glue sticks?  Got 'em!  Posterboard?  Check!  Stencils?  Bingo!  We even had the boys' friends calling us at times.  WE were the local supply store!  They just knew       Mrs. Mundt would have … (3 comments)

 

Find IL real estate agents and Joliet real estate on ActiveRain.