In a recent Fannie Mae Selling Guide update – the GSE addressed this issue of lenders who have been reducing opinions of market value: In the past, Fannie Mae did not provide requirements concerning lenders making changes to the opinion of market value reflected in the appraisal report. During Fannie Mae’s post-purchase reviews, cases were identified where the lender had reduced the opinion of market value in the appraisal report based upon underwriter judgment, automated valuation models, or other methodology. Therefore, Fannie Mae has updated its appraisal policies to address the practice of lenders changing the appraiser’s opinion of market value and also to provide specific guidance when an appraisal is considered deficient.  Now instead of just making these based on the underwriter... 07/15/2010

While fires themselves may not always be foreseeable or preventable, in many cases the injuries they cause can be prevented with a family escape plan. Of course, one of the important steps in fire prevention is to install smoke detectors and check them monthly. But having these safety devices is not enough. According to fire experts, once a smoke detector sounds, you and other member of your household may have less than three minutes to escape. It’s critical to have an emergency escape plan and rehearse it regularly: Chart the Plan: Draw a floor plan of your home, one for each level of the house. Label bedrooms, staircases, hallways, and roofs that could be used as fire escapes. Survey Your Home: Check each bedroom for two possible escape routes. If you live in an apartment building, do... 06/27/2010

This information has been compiled to assist homebuyers and home owners in their understanding of the issues common to residential electric systems. All electric work should be performed by a qualified licensed electrician. In some cases, the presence of electric defects, problematic components, or antiquated systems may be an issue in obtaining homeowner insurance. Electrical Service IssuesThe use of electric appliances and devices has increased substantially since the first homes were wired for electricity. For the typical size home, 100 amps is generally considered the minimum acceptable electric capacity. For large homes or homes occupied by the typically modern family making use of many of the electric devices now available, at least 150 ampere would be more appropriate. All elect... 06/27/2010

There is a right way, and a wrong way to board up your windows when high winds are headed your way. The wrong method provides high winds with the ability to get behind the wood panels and pull them off, exposing your home to major damage. The right method recesses the wood panels into the windowsills and secures the plywood panels with bolts. Remember to secure all windows and doors, including sliding glass doors. And reinforce the inside of your garage as well. Securing Plywood ShuttersPlywood shutters are a low-cost alternative to expensive commercial shutters. You can also hire a carpenter or handyman to make custom plywood shutters for your house. Ideally windows need to be inset at least two inches from the exterior wall since the plywood will be mounted inside this recess. Each w... 06/27/2010

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used type of roof covering for pitched roofs on homes. The overlapping design of the installed shingles provides a double layer of protection as the water flows down the roof slope to the roof edge. Asphalt shingles, also known as composition shingles, are so widely used because of their moderate cost, light weight (compared to many other roofing products), durability, and ease of installation. Asphalt shingles are surfaced on the top side with mineral granules to provide protection from the elements and a level of fire resistance. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors, weights and patterns. Regular weight asphalt shingles generally have an economic life span of 16-20 years; heavyweight shingles are sold as 30-40 year shingles. Roo... 06/27/2010

Heat pumps make use of the same basic technology utilized in air conditioning systems to provide for both the heating and cooling needs of a house. In cold weather, a heat pump uses the heat present in outdoor air or stored in the earth to provide heat to the inside of a house. In warm weather, the same equipment works in a reverse manner, removing heat from indoors and transferring it to the outdoors. For this reason, heat pumps are sometimes referred to as reverse-cycle air conditioners. Heat pumps are very energy-efficient heating systems. Since they do not generate heat like conventional fuel-burning systems, but only transfer it from one location to another, they require much less energy to produce the same amount of heat as other heating systems. While it may be hard to comprehen... 06/27/2010

I came across this at one of my inspections the other day for a recent foreclosure.  The home wasn't SO bad...but the pool.....can you say "yiiiccckkk!!"  ? What impact on value does a pool in this condition have for prospective buyers?  Would the site of this turn off a buyer beyond the "how much to repair" question?!  Mental images play a big part in purchases! Suggestion for the bank - pay the money to drain, clean and treat this sucker!  You will reap HUGE payback in this market for a clean, blue pool as compared to ......."Yiiiicccckkkkk!!!" 06/25/2010

I recently appraised a home for foreclosure.  It was a really cute house, remodeled with Ikea style cabinets,  granite counters, premium light fixtures, etc. Like many foreclosures in my market, the appliances were removed, many of the custom ceiling fans now gone, and the space over the fireplace was noted to once house a 50+ " plasma TV. One bedroom though, had some painting which caught my eye and just compelled me to take a photograph of the wall.  While I am sure this was profound to the former occupant of this bedroom - NOW - it took on a whole new meaning as I walked through this empty home:     06/24/2010

If you know licensed real estate agents who want ot learn how to build a MASSIVE LEAD FOLLOWING, learn "todays market trends" social media, what it takes to make a $100k and if they are willing to work hard and full time, let me know. If they are focused, motivated have the drive and want IT! I will train & educate, give them unbeatable industry tools, and my 150%. Its not rocket science, but it does take dedication! Be an Ulimate Agent, make money and provide a great lifestyle for yourself. You can do it even in this market you just have to have the right training and dedication. 05/14/2010

Homes for Heroes is happy to introduce affiliate Eileen Scates! Click here to read more. 05/13/2010

I read a really interesting article today from www.AppraisalLawBlog.com   You can read the whole article at http://www.appraiserlawblog.com/2010/04/single-biggest-threat-to-appraisers.html - but here are the highlights:   The single biggest liability threat to both residential and commercial appraisers is the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  The FDIC held a conference last week in Chicago for law firms interested in representing the FDIC.  What came out of that conference made me very anxious for appraisers, but it's much more than just a threat to individual appraisers.  What the FDIC is doing hampers the ability of the appraisal profession to deliver accurate valuations going forward.  The reason is: if you're an appraiser doing work for a lender (which may or may not be one o... 05/13/2010

Clermont, Florida Realtor Leads - (800) 900-2807 Even through this Real Estate downward spin, we are still seeing an increased number of families relocating to cities such as: San Diego, Austin, Clermont, etc… Still the #1 drive is jobs, and that cannot be disputed. Although another big reason for relocation that started in 2008, was due to great foreclosure prices. Cities such as Scottsdale, and Clermont have both seem dramatic drops in real estate prices, which is driving the people to purchase real etate in those cities. If you are not working with families whom want to purchase foreclosed homes, you are leaving a huge chunk of money on the table. One of the top discussions right now on RealTown and ActiveRain is in regards to boosting your business with foreclosures. Call us at (800... 04/07/2010

RE/MAX Navigator Referrals paid on your SHORT SALES, send them to Debra Payne RE/MAX Navigator. We make a SHORT SALE Smooth for all involved. I am a CDPE Broker, have the RE/MAX system in place ready for your referrals. call or email me. Thank you in advance 04/07/2010

Read more about Eileen Here   If you would like more information on becoming a Homes For Heroes affilate click here 03/12/2010

Coester Appraisal Group released its annual survey of appraisers - almost 1,600 of them!  These appraisers commented on their experience with AMCs - Appraisal Management Companies. You can find a copy of the survey HERE. I found one portion particularly interesting.  We all know about lower fees, higher turn time expectations, etc. One category appraisers commented on was their feelings with regards to being 'picked' for the assignments: I find this most interesting, revealing some true underlying tones of human nature.  We all like to be appreciated for the work we do.   Even in a high demand, high stress, and highly competitive field like real estate appraisal - we still like to know that our clients LIKE what we do. Having to compete against a 'broadcast appraisal assignment', where ... 03/08/2010

Price: $499,000 FIZBER.com ID 14421455 Farm/Ranch with in 37 acres villa city road Clermont, FL, 34711 http://www.fizber.com/14421455/ 37 acres villa city road - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Farm/Ranch Address: 37 acres villa city road, Clermont, FL, 34711 Sq footage: 0.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 0.0 Bedrooms: 0 Year built: 0 View full property details and seller's contacts. View more Florida homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner. Description: 37.5 Acres, Lakefront, Clermont Florida This Lake Front property (outlined in red) is a whopping 37.5 Acres! This property has 15 years planted pines throughout it. Because of the planted pine, there is a agriculture tax reduction of 90%%!! Taxes are only $80 per year! This property is Guaranteed Buildable, well and septic required. ... 02/15/2010

Price: $499,000 FIZBER.com ID 14167861 Acreage/Land with in Villa City Road Clermont, FL, 34711 http://www.fizber.com/14167861/ Villa City Road - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Acreage/Land Address: Villa City Road, Clermont, FL, 34711 Sq footage: 0.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 0.0 Bedrooms: 0 Year built: 0 View full property details and seller's contacts. View more Florida homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner. Description: 37.5 Acres, Lakefront, Clermont Florida This Lake Front property (outlined in red) is a whopping 37.5 Acres! This property has 15 years planted pines throughout it. Because of the planted pine, there is a agriculture tax reduction of 90%%!! Taxes are only $80 per year! This property is Guaranteed Buildable, well and septic required. This property can be su... 02/04/2010

Clermont is a beautiful, historic city located in Lake County, Florida. It is situated about 20 miles outside of Orlando, and as a result, is a popular place to live for those who want to live outside of the city. The most charming part about Clermont has to be its historic downtown area, which is basically exactly the same as 50 years ago. Many retirees enjoy living in Clermont as they get to experience this bit of nostalgia every time they visit the downtown district. Clermont's proximity to Orlando make it a popular destination for vacationers, and many fine food and beverage establishments have been created to meet that need. However, the locals are the ones who get to enjoy all the restaurants and lounges year-round. For a city of only 24,000, there is a lot to do and see in Clerm... 02/03/2010

HouseMaster Stresses Buyer Education as Home Sales Rise   HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America, stresses the need for buyer education as U.S. home sales rise by the largest amount in ten years. Low prices coupled with the first-time home buyers $8,000 credit has encouraged many aspiring home owners to enter the market, providing a welcomed surge in the marketplace. With homes sales on the rise for the fourth month in a row, HouseMaster is pleased to offer first-time buyers some guidance on identifying “red flag” issues that might be signs of significant problems with a home. “We know that purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments that most people will make in their lifetime. We also know how increasingly stressful the proc... 12/17/2009

While fires themselves may not always be foreseeable or preventable, in many cases the injuries they cause can be prevented with a family escape plan. Of course, one of the important steps in fire prevention is to install smoke detectors and check them monthly. But having these safety devices is not enough. According to fire experts, once a smoke detector sounds, you and other member of your household may have less than three minutes to escape. It’s critical to have an emergency escape plan and rehearse it regularly: Chart the Plan: Draw a floor plan of your home, one for each level of the house. Label bedrooms, staircases, hallways, and roofs that could be used as fire escapes. Survey Your Home: Check each bedroom for two possible escape routes. If you live in an apartment building, do... 12/17/2009