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The appraisal that baffled the buyer, seller and realtors

By
Mortgage and Lending with First Meridian Mortgage

This story unfortunately is typical in 2010.  The perfect home, the perfect buyer, anxious sellers and friendly realtors.  The clients signed contract, were putting 20% down and then they applied for their mortgage.  They applied at a bank branch of a well-known bank.  An appraisal was ordered and guess what: it came in 100,000 short.  The realtors called a very respected local appraiser who told them that the value was clearly there and the other appraisal was off the mark.  All my stories have happy endings.  Since my AMC (Appraisal management Company) only uses LOCAL appraisers, the deal came to me and I was able to appraise it, commit it and lock the rate at 4.75%!! I can’t tell you how important it is to apply to a local mortgage professional, who has a vested interest in their reputation.  I have built my reputation for the past 22 years as a professional who gets the job done right, efficiently, timely and with great rates and service to my clients. Unlike the employee of a local bank branch that is taking mortgage applications now because that is his/her job description until they climb the next rung on the corporate ladder, I am here to stay.

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Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

Ann, what does local appraiser mean to you?

We have struggled with appraisals all year. The appraisers are NOT from our area. They don't know the elementary school lines. They "may" live in the county, although most don't.

Many are young and inexperienced. The good ones are now working for banks who don't have to go the HVCC route.

I applaud you for getting the job done.

May 21, 2010 01:48 AM
Leanna Putman
Shanna Selections, LLC - Enfield, CT

Wow.  That's a shocking difference.  Good to know, thanks for posting the story.

May 21, 2010 01:52 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Good job, these appraisals are becoming issues time and time again!

May 21, 2010 02:06 AM
Mark Brian
Silver Star Real Estate LLC - Anderson, SC
Anderson SC Realtor

Sad that shoddy appraisals are hurting so many people, whether it is a buyer or a seller. It is important that a buyer understands the importance of using someone local and with the vast experience you have when looking for a mortgage professional.

After all, 22 years in the business shows that you MUST be doing things right!

May 21, 2010 02:37 AM