Appraiser located in Charlotte, North Carolina

FHA UPDATES

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:20:28 -0600

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/talk/parc/phiarch.cfm

Basic FHA Appraisal Training(Live broadcast 11/18/2009): The webinar is intended for lenders and industry partners that do business with the Philadelphia HOC jurisdiction. FHA staff provide information on the FHA appraisal process, appraising in a declining market, flipping rules, and other appraisal related topics. Click here to link to the archived version.

The above link is for the Power Point presentation conducted by the Philadelphia HOC on 11/18/2009. Some of the information that was covered are repair guidelines, flipping guidelines, appraisal portability, appraiser independence, etc.

If you need a real estate appraisal in Charlotte, NC, please give me a call!! Thanks.

Landscaping adds value or marketability?

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 07:34:33 -0600

A professionally landscaped property is a sure ticket to resale. It gives a home curb appeal, an outdoor living area, and value. "It's the first thing you see," says Don at Pine Lake nursery and Landscaping, a nursery and landscaping company serving Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas.

That was two years ago. As an appraiser, I ride through many neighborhoods day in and day out. I am starting to see in this down market the extra landscaping home owners are putting into their yards in order to add curb appeal. The question is why? So I went back to my favorite landscaper and questioned him on why this is happening. Was it for personal preferences? To add value? Or in high hopes of selling the property faster?

Pine Lake Nursery and Landscaping says that a year ago when the market was still in decent shape; although we had another problem, the drought. After the drought ended, we got extremely busy replacing dead trees and plants that could not tolerate the dry conditions. Now were seeing home sellers calling us up for what he calls a "I need to sell my home landscape package". This may consist of plants, flowers, and trees that are drought resistant, and low maintenance. Homeowners need something that makes the yard look good, and will add curb appeal, and hopefully move the home faster. Were even seeing some home owners and bank owned property owners "painting their yards". We do not do it, but we know of a company that does. He says that this is nothing new, but it is new to the residential side. He explained that golf courses, football Fields, etc. all do it. How do you think it gets perfectly green?

How times have changed. Home owners went from installing landscaping for mainly personal preferences, to a must do to sell their homes. The owner of Pine Lake Nursery and Landscaping doesn't mind one bit, he's busier than ever. www.pinelakenursery.com www.appraisercharlottenc.com

Are You a Professional?

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:08:11 -0500

Are you a professional? Do you hold a state license in the State of North Carolina? I recently attended an appraiser convention, and a state legislator said that a draft was being prepared that would make every person holding a "professional license" to have a office that is not located in their home. This would affect appraisers, RE brokers, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, land surveyors, etc.

If you are not located in North Carolina, is your state planning something to this effect? Get informed.

Below are two letters from State Officials in North Carolina:

"Mr. Brubaker did state that one of the buzz topics at the legislative building was the requirement that real estate appraisers and other professionals have a public office and not be allowed to have home offices. I do not recall him stating a minimum required number of hours that an office must be open. I have not personally heard this until Mr. Brubaker brought this topic up at this meeting. He did encourage everyone to know who represented them in the house and senate and to contact these representatives on all issues that are of concern to you. He also encouraged everyone to get involved in the campaign of their representatives."

"I spoke to Harold Brubaker yesterday. The rumors you heard are true. Legislative staff members are preparing draft legislation that would require anyone who holds a "professional license" in the State of North Carolina to have a "brick & mortar" store front office that must be manned a minimum of 30 hours per week. It will apply to real estate appraisers, mortgage brokers, real estate brokers and I would assume attorneys, psychologists and anybody else who is required to have a "professional license". I'm not sure the definition of "professional license" has been hashed out yet, but I was told it would include real estate appraisers. The logic behind it appears to be if you work out of your home, you are not professional and you will work for lower fees which hurts the industry. I don't follow the logic, nor do I see how they will ever enforce such a rule. The Appraisal Board does not have enough staff to enforce the rules on the books now, I can't see them going around the state verifying that somebody has an office that is open 30 hours a week. The residential appraisers around here who have store front offices don't spend 30 hours a week in the office. Most of them do their reports from their home offices. You can't make any money in the appraisal business sitting in your office unless all you do is commercial property. A residential appraiser has to be out looking at houses to make any money. This is going to come up so you better make your feelings known to your elected representatives. This is just the kind of help and support we need to get the appraisal business back on it's feet."

Real estate appraiser Charlotte NC

FHA and the Appraisal Process: Safety, Security, and Soundness

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:48:35 -0500

As the mortgage meltdown continues, I am seeing more and more loans going through HUD/FHA. Furthermore, with all of the bank owned properties on the market, I'm noticing a lot of MLS listings that state: "will not qualify for FHA financing". On top of that, FHA requirements are new to many in the mortgage market.

In September 2005, the FHA issued Mortgage letter 2005-34. FHA adopted Fannie Mae's appraisal forms, and revised Appendix D of Handbook 4150.2. This mortgage letter provides some guidance regarding FHA's repair and inspection requirements for existing properties, and how to use Fannie Mae's forms.

This was done in an effort to reform and standardize its appraisal requirements. According to FHA, they have shifted from its historical emphasis on repair of minor property deficiencies and now only requires repairs for those property conditions that rise above the level of cosmetic defects, minor defects or normal wear and tear.

FHA appraisers are still required to report on the actual observed condition of the property, and any adverse conditions.

So what are these three S's?

To be eligible for FHA financing, the property must meet the MPR (minimal property requirements) and the MPS (minimal property standards). These are:

1. Safety. Protect the health and safety of the occupants.

2. Security. Protect the security of the property.

3. Soundness. Physical deficiencies or conditions affecting the structural integrity of the property.

If the property fails to meet any of the above, the conditions or repairs will have to be made before it can be eligible for FHA financing.

So what are some examples of minor property conditions that are no longer required to be repaired?

1. Missing hand rails. (I know, use common since on this one. Think safety: 2ft high front porch, or 10ft high second level staircase?)

2. Cracked or damaged exit doors that are otherwise operable.

3. Minor plumbing leaks (leaking faucets, not leaking waste lines)

4. Defective floor finishes or coverings (worn through the finish, badly soiled carpeting).

The appraisal process is the lender's tool for determining if a property meets the minimum requirements and eligibility for an FHA insured mortgage.

If you have general questions about HUD or its programs in Charlotte, North Carolina, please call 336-547-4000. In my next Blog, I will go in greater detail about the new requirements, and how and where to get information on the FHA, and their requirement's.

More help on the way from HUD

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:43:53 -0500

HUD press release

"The Bush Administration today announced additional mortgage assistance for subprime borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure. The plan, which is designed to help address the adverse economic conditions affecting many communities across America, will help break the cycle of house price depreciation that is being caused by an increasing number of foreclosures and the overall contraction in the credit market. Under the new plan, HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) would have the added flexibility to insure more mortgages, including those for borrowers who were late on a few payments and/or received a voluntary mortgage principal write-down from their lender."

"FHA will also encourage lenders to make other arrangements, such as subordinate financing, to "fill the gap" between the existing loan balances and the FHA-insurable loan amount. The refinanced loan amount backed by the FHA would be based upon a new appraisal, performed by an FHA-approved appraiser."

HUD SECRETARY: FHASECURE HELPS 100,000 AMERICANS STAY IN THEIR HOMES

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:21:47 -0600

Here is the latest update from HUD/FHA:

"WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today announced that HUD's FHASecure product has helped 100,000 homeowners refinance their mortgages and avoid foreclosure. Since September 2007, FHASecure has enabled tens of thousands of families - who are current on their home loans or past due because their teaser rates reset - to close on loans refinanced through HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is backed by the full faith and credit of the government. "

Full article

www.valuation-expert.com

Big Plans for FHA/HUD

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:37:26 -0600

In a recent HUD press release, revealed some promising news for home-buyers, and homes owners. The 2009 budget hopes to bring HUD around $38.5 billion dollars, to help protect families facing foreclosure, help with more affordable housing, and to promote local affordable housing developments.

With all of the creative financing going away, and now the mortgage insurer's are tightening up their guidelines, the FHA loans will now become more popular than ever, and will benefit many around the country.

HUD Press Release

Valuation Experts

www.charlotte-appraiser.net

Placing a Bid on a Short Sale

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:00:22 -0600

A homeowner has a question about short sales:

"Short sales also require some sophistication, skill and patience on the part of a real estate agent, so keep that in mind if you decide to bid on this house. If the agent you've been using doesn't want to get involved, ask him or her to refer you to someone who specializes in this sort of work. You also need to hire an attorney experienced in this"

"A short sale usually occurs when a seller can't make his loan payments because of death, divorce, job loss or other hardship. When homes are rising in value, owners can sell the house and pay back the lender. But when home values are dropping, like they are in many places today, and the owner hasn't built up much equity, that's not an option. So some lenders will accept less than the amount owed to avoid the hassle and expense of auctioning the house, providing the owner proves that he doesn't have other assets to make up what he owes."

For the full story

Highest and Best Use

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:07:03 -0600

Highest and Best Use is a term of art in the appraisal process. It is a process to determine the use of the property which produces the highest value for the land, as if vacant. There are four steps to the process. First, the appraiser determines all uses which are legally permissible for the property. Second, of the uses which are legally permissible, which ones are physically possible. Of those, which ones are financially feasible (sometimes referred to as economically supported). Of those uses which are feasible, which one and only use is maximally productive for the site. In a simple context, the appraiser must do this twice, comparing the results -- as if the land is vacant and in the as-is-improved state, taking into account the costs of demolishing any existing improvements. The outcome of this process is the highest and best use for the site. An appraisal of market value must explicitly assume that the owner or buyer would employ the property in its highest and best use, and therefore value the site accordingly.

In more complex appraisal assignments (e.g. -- contract disputes, litigation, brownfield or contaminated property valuation), the determination of highest and best use may be much more complex, and may need to take into account the various intermediate or temporary uses of the site, the contamination remediation process, and the timing of various legal issues.

Appraisal Regulations

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:36:23 -0600

Appraisal practice in the US is regulated by the various states. Prior to the 1990's, there were no commonly accepted standards either for appraisal quality or for appraiser licensure. In the 1980s, an ad-hoc committee representing various appraisal professional organizations in the U.S. and Canada met to codify the best practices into what became known as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, or USPAP.

The Savings and Loan Crisis in the U.S. resulted in increased Federal regulation of the mortgage lending process via the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1991. A portion of this act required federal lending regulators to adopt appraisal standards. A not-for-profit organization, the Appraisal Foundation (TAF), was formed by the same organizations which had developed USPAP, and the copyright for USPAP was signed over to TAF.

Federal oversight of TAF is provided by the Appraisal Subcommittee, made up of representatives of various Federal lending regulators. TAF carries out its work through two boards: the Appraisal Standards Board promulgates and updates USPAP; the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) promulgates minimum recommended standards for appraiser certification and licensure. During the 1990s, all of the states adopted USPAP as the governing standards within their states and developed licensure standards which met or exceeded the recommendations of TAF. Also, the various state and federal courts have adopted USPAP for real estate litigation and all of the federally lending regulators adopt USPAP for mortgage finance appraisal.

Mass Appraisal and AVMs

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:05:04 -0600

Mass appraisal and automated valuation models

Automated valuation models (AVMs) are growing in acceptance. These rely on statistical models such as multiple regression analysis or geographic information systems. While AVMs can be quite accurate, particularly when used in a very homogeneous area, there is also evidence that AVMs are not accurate in other instances such as when they are used in rural areas, or when the appraised property does not conform well to the neighborhood.

Scope of Work Appraisal

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 19:01:45 -0600

Scope of work

While USPAP has always required appraisers to identify the scope of work needed to produce credible results, it became clear in recent years that appraisers did not fully understand the process for developing this adequately. In formulating the scope of work for a credible appraisal, the concept of a limited versus complete appraisal and the use of the Departure Rule caused confusion to clients, appraisers, and appraisal reviewers. In order to deal with this, USPAP was updated in 2006 with what came to be known as the Scope of Work project. In short, USPAP eliminated the Departure Rule and the concept of a limited appraisal and created a new Scope of Work rule. In this, appraisers were to identify six key parts of the appraisal problem at the beginning of each assignment:

Client and other intended users
Intended use of the appraisal and appraisal report
Definition of value (e.g. -- market, foreclosure, investment)
Any hypothetical conditions or extraordinary assumptions
The effective date of the appraisal analysis
The salient features of the subject property

Based on these factors, the appraiser must identify the scope of work needed, including the methodologies to be used, the extent of investigation, and the applicable approaches to value. The rule provided the explicit requirement that the minimum standards for scope of work were:

Expectations of the client and other users
The actions of the appraiser's peers who carry out similar assignments

Income Capitalization Approach

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:47:58 -0600

The income capitalization approach

The income capitalization approach is used to value commercial and investment properties.

In a commercial income producing property this approach capitalizes an income stream into a present value. This can be done using revenue multipliers or single-year capitalization rates of the Net Operating Income. The Net Operating Income (NOI) is gross potential income (GPI), less vacancy (= Effective Gross Income) less operating expenses (but excluding debt service or depreciation charges applied by accountants).

Alternatively, multiple years of net operating income can be valued by a discounted cash flow analysis (DCF) model. The DCF model is widely used to value larger and more expensive income-producing properties, such as large office towers.

Types of Value

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:08:39 -0600

Types of value

There are several types and definitions of value sought by a real estate appraisal. Some of the most common are:

Market Value - The price at which an asset would trade in a competitive Walrasian auction setting. Market Value is usually interchangeable with Open Market Value or Fair Value. International Valuation Standards (IVS) define Market Value as:

Market Value is the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arms-length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgably, prudently, and without compulsion.

Value-in-use - The net present value (NPV) of a cash flow that an asset generates for a specific owner under a specific use. Value-in-use is the value to one particular user, and is usually below the market value of a property.

Investment value - is the value to one particular investor, and is usually higher than the market value of a property.

Insurable value - is the value of real property covered by an insurance policy. Generally it does not include the site value.

Liquidation value -- may be analyzed as either a forced liquidation or an orderly liquidation and is a commonly sought standard of value in bankruptcy proceedings. It assumes a seller who is compelled to sell after an exposure period which is less than the market-normal timeframe.

Market Value Vs Market Price

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:04:23 -0600

Price versus value

It is important to distinguish between Market Value and Price. A price obtained for a specific property under a specific transaction may or may not represent that property's market value: special considerations may have been present, such as a special relationship between the buyer and the seller, or else the transaction may have been part of a larger set of transactions in which the parties had engaged.

Another possibility is that a special buyer may have been willing to pay a premium over and above the market value, if his subjective valuation of the property (its investment value for him) was higher than the Market Value. An example of this would be the owner of a neighbouring property who, by combining his own property with the subject property, could thereby obtain economies-of-scale. Such situations often arise in corporate finance, as for example when a merger or acquisition is concluded at a price which is higher than the value represented by the price of the underlying stock.

The usual rationale for these valuations would be that the 'sum is greater than its parts', since full ownership of a company entails special privileges for which a potential purchaser would be willing to pay. Such situations arise in real estate/property markets as well. It is the task of the real estate appraiser/property valuer to judge whether a specific price obtained under a specific transaction is indicative of Market Value.

FREE Building Cost Estimator

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:02:54 -0600

Here is a free building cost estimator that I would like to share

http://www.building-cost.net/

You can develop a home construction or replacement cost that considers all the important variables: materials used, design features, quality, size, shape, heating, cooling and geographic area.

If your wondering how much that new house will cost to build, or need a replacement value for insurance purposes, give this a try.

Definition of Market Value

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:57:24 -0600

Market value definitions in the USA

In the US, appraisals are performed to a certain standard of value (e.g. -- foreclosure value, fair market value, distressed sale value, investment value).

The most commonly used definition of value is Market Value.While USPAP does not define Market Value, it provides general guidance for how Market Value should be defined:
...a type of value, stated as an opinion, that presumes the transfer of a property (i.e., a right of ownership or a bundle of such rights), as of a certain date, under specific conditions set forth in the definition of the term identified by the appraiser as applicable in an appraisal.

Thus, the definition of value used in an appraisal analysis and report is a set of assumptions about the market in which the subject property may transact. It becomes the basis for selecting comparable data for use in the analysis. These assumptions will vary from definition to definition but generally fall into three categories:

The relationship, knowledge, and motivation of the parties (i.e., seller and buyer);

The terms of sale (e.g., cash, cash equivalent, or other terms); and
The conditions of sale (e.g., exposure in a competitive market for a reasonable time prior to sale).

In the US, the most common definition of Market Value is the one promulgated for use in Federally regulated residential mortgage financing:

The most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller, each acting prudently, knowledgeably and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby: (1) buyer and seller are typically motivated; (2) both parties are well informed or well advised, and each acting in what he or she considers his or her own best interest; (3) a reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market; (4) payment is made in terms of cash in U. S. dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and (5) the price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.[3}]
or example, adjustments must be made to the comparables sales prices for special or creative financing or sales concessions. No adjustments are necessary for those costs which are normally paid by sellers as a result of tradition or law in a market area; these costs are readily identifiable since the seller pays these costs in virtually all sales transactions. Special or creative financing adjustments can be made to the comparable property by comparisons to financing terms offered by a third party institutional lender that is not already involved in the property or transaction. Any adjustment should not be calculated on a mechanical dollar for dollar cost of the financing or concession but the dollar amount of any adjustment should approximate the market's reaction to the financing or concessions based on the appraiser's judgment.

Housing Slump Finally Catches up to Charlotte

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:44:59 -0600

http://www.charlotte.com/mobile/story/469234.html

"Home building and sales are falling more sharply in the Charlotte area than nationally, a sign the housing slump is worsening in what has been one of the country's stronger markets"

Some of the causes:

Multiple market forces at work

High foreclosure rates, tougher lending practices and rising prices for gas, food and other goods have slashed housing sales nationwide. The slowdown has threatened to push the economy into recession and prompted proposals for billions of dollars in tax rebates and other steps to stimulate spending.Some cities, including Miami, San Diego and Las Vegas, also have seen double-digit declines in housing prices, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index released Tuesday. Others were hurt further by regional economic woes, such as Detroit's fallout from the ailing domestic auto industry.

Double-digit housing declines

IMSHO: Now buyers can't afford that 300,00 home because the adjustable rate mortgage has disappeared. Inflation, inflation, inflation. Sure was fun to live in a dream world. All good things must come to an end.

Appraiser Charlotte North Carolina

New Home Sales Fall by Record Amount

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:03:06 -0600

Lastet Real Estate News

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sales of new homes plunged by a record amount in 2007 while prices posted the weakest showing in 16 years, demonstrating the troubles builders are facing with a huge backlog of unsold homes.

The government reported that the median price of a new home barely budged last year, edging up a slight 0.2 percent to $246,900, the poorest showing since prices fell by 2.4 percent during the 1991 housing downturn.

The new report reinforced the view that housing is currently undergoing its worst downturn in more than two decades, with the slump threatening to surpass in some ways the severe housing recession of the early 1980s.

The housing weakness has dragged down overall growth and sent shockwaves through the rest of the economy including the financial sector, which is dealing with billions of dollars in losses in subprime mortgages. Some analysts are worried that the fallout could become so severe it will drag the entire country into a recession.

Full Story

Valuation Experts

Appraiser Charlotte North Carolina

What are you going to do with your free (well your) money?

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:27:00 -0600

So the government is going to be giving back some of our money, that is if it passes. And you know it will, it's election year!!

Full story

So what are you going to do with your money?

I'm trying to talk my wife into going on a cruise. The market is slow, so why not.

"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Congressional leaders and Bush administration officials agreed Thursday on a $150 billion stimulus measure aimed at keeping the economy from falling into recession.

Most single taxpayers would get $600 and most two-wage households would get at least $1,200. The deal includes an additional amount of $300 per child. A total of 116 million taxpayers will receive checks of some size.

The main exception: higher-income taxpayers or individuals earning $75,000 or more or couples earning $150,000 or more. They would get reduced rebate checks, or none at all, depending on their income."

Dark Side of Going Green

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:21:22 -0600

This is a article about the "dark side' of going green. The article mainly focuses on the new fluorescent light bulbs.

"Yet unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, these bulbs contain mercury, a metal hazardous to human health and the environment. Consumers are urged not to toss them in the trash. In some states, such as California, it's illegal to throw them away; they must be recycled. Still, many cities and towns don't have recycling programs for the bulbs, and consumers aren't sure what to do with them"

"Yet Ms. Silbergeld says she is more concerned about the environmental impact if millions of these bulbs end up in landfills or incinerators."

I replaced my house with these new bulbs, now this. Can we ever win???? Gosh.

Click Here for the full story

Appraiser Charlotte North Carolina

Whats a Home Seller to Do?

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:34:31 -0600

This is a interesting article on how tough it is getting for one to sell their home. It also describes the economic principle of supply and demand.

Quote:

"The market rules

"The market determines what someone will pay for the house, and if it's not selling you have an issue with marketing or price," says Jacques Beauchamp, principal of Harbortown Real Estate in Oyster Bay. "What people need to do is let go of what the perception was [of their home price in the rising market] and get a handle of what the real value is."

Beauchamp, who now spends most of his time on commercial mortgages, says a "sound marketing plan and a realistic price" will move homes even in a price-declining market. "Glaring negatives," including desperately needed repairs, should be addressed because, with "a lot of supply, those are magnified." But, "I don't think there's any reason to take a property off the market for a significant length of time."

For the entire story click here Newsday.com

Valuation experts

Real Estate Appraiser Tools for Charlotte, North Carolina

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:27:11 -0600

I would like to share some of my favorite Websites for researching, pulling comps, etc. for Charlotte, North Carolina.

Tax Card Information Mecklenburg County Search for properties, upcoming subdivisions, aerial views, PID #,

Zoning Information.

Online Deed Lookup Great tool to see if that pending property on MLS is closed.

Comparable Search with photos Meck Co. Pull/find comps, Do a market analysis

Flood Zone Search

Zoning Descriptions

Area Planning

GIS Page This page hasit all! From property info, schools, environment, etc.

Online Permit Check Check to see if that addition has a permit, and to find the PID #, and OCC.

Charlotte Statistics

Info on Flood Zones and Community Flood Zones Variuos neighborhoods fall into this category. If the cost of repair or construction is greater than 50% of the value of the structure, then the entire building must be elevated above the projected flood level or otherwise modified to meet current flood code.

Economic and Statistics

Free Building Cost Estimator

Search local codes, and ordinances for any municipility

Economic Development Charlotte

Free Home Value Tool

Housing Statistics

You can gather more information at my website www.valuation-expert.com

How to Choose a Real Estate Appraiser

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:34:11 -0600

How to choose a real estate appraiser
Because the process of appraising a piece of real estate is usually done at the location of the property, most appraisers will be able to meet their clients at their homes or offices in order to discuss their services. Although some real estate appraisers may have offices where they do research on a property and customers can come and discuss their needs, most interactions with a real estate appraiser will happen at the location of the property. When meeting with a real estate appraiser to discuss your needs and their services, take note of how helpful they are in answering your questions regarding the appraisal process and the services you will receive for your payment. Real estate appraisers may offer a variety of different features associated with their services, so you should find out before hand exactly what you will receive in regards to your appraisal. Some real estate appraisers will offer digital signatures and color photographs along with their final report, as well as computer generated floor plans, replacement cost reports, and email and electronic delivery of appraisal reports and related documents. Depending on your specific appraisal needs, you should find out exactly what services a real estate appraiser offers before deciding to hire them. Because getting an accurate and detailed appraisal is an important part in determining the market value of your property, choosing an experienced and independant real estate appraiser is an important decision.

Steve at Valuation Experts. Real estate appraiser in Charlotte, North Carolina

http://www.valuation-expert.com

Tips on How to Speed Up Your Computer

Steven Stone - Charlotte Real Estate Appraiser (Valuation Experts) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:23:23 -0600

Hi everyone!!!

I love to go fast, and I am highly impatient. So here are some ways to speed up your computer:

1. Under system tools, Disk De-fragment your computer. Next Disk Cleanup.

2. Google AVG free anit-virus and anti-spyware. These are two great programs. If your computer is running slow or freezing up, the anti-spyware should fix it. THEY ARE FREE!!

3. Optional: Webroot anti-spyware ($29.00) is another good choice. I highly recommend. I have both.

4. Systewak Advanced System Optimizer. This has it all. The main purpose is to clean your registry. So if your computer is slow or freezing up, this can help.

5. In your Internet options (tool bar), delete all your history, temp files, etc.

6. In your Internet options, go to content, auto complete, settings, hit okay.

7. Get rid of all the start up buttons that you do not use at the bottom right of your computer. #4 has this built in to help you.

8. Window Washer by Webroot. This is optional. This helps rid of websites visited, and cleans your system.

9. Add Ram/Memory. Super easy to do. You can do it yourself.

I have all of these, and I can tell you that they work. Enjoy.