Showing posts with label appraiser. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appraiser. Show all posts

Friday, May 08, 2009

WCRER Housing Analysis/ 2009 1st Quarter/ Skagit County WA

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2009 First Quarter Housing Analysis; Skagit County home re-sales were down +1.6% from the previous quarter, and down -37.6% from the first quarter in 2008. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.6% from the previous quarter and down -30.6% from the first quarter in 2008. Overall building permits in Skagit County are down -62.0% from the first quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -53.3% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Skagit County is down to $245,900 (down -14.0% from the first quarter in 2008), below the statewide median of $253,500 (down -13.7% from the first quarter of 2008). The 2009 first quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 114.9 for Skagit County, lower than the statewide index of 125.5

WCRER Housing Analysis/ 2009 1st Quarter/ Snohomish County WA

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2009 First Quarter Housing Analysis; Snohomish County home re-sales were down -2.3% from the previous quarter, and down -37.0% from the first quarter in 2008. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.6% from the previous quarter and down -30.6% from the first quarter in 2008. Overall building permits in Snohomish County are down -39.3% from the first quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -53.3% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Snohomish County is down to $311,800 (down -11.6% from the first quarter in 2008), above the statewide median of $253,500 (down -13.7% from the first quarter of 2008). The 2009 first quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 112.4 for Snohomish County, lower than the statewide index of 125.5

WCRER Housing Analysis/ 2009 1st Quarter/ Island County WA

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2009 First Quarter Housing Analysis; Island County home re-sales were down +4.7% from the previous quarter, and down -28.3% from the first quarter in 2008. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.6% from the previous quarter and down -30.6% from the first quarter in 2008. Overall building permits in Island County are down -61.5% from the first quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -53.3% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Island County is down to $248,000 (down -14.3% from the first quarter in 2008), below the statewide median of $253,500 (down -13.7% from the first quarter of 2008). The 2009 first quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 115.6 for Island County, lower than the statewide index of 125.5

Monday, February 23, 2009

WCRER Housing Analysis/ 2008 4th Quarter/ Skagit County WA

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Fourth Quarter Housing Analysis; Skagit County home re-sales were down -24.2% from the previous quarter, and down -46.8% from the fourth quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -15.8% from the previous quarter and down -29.1% from the fourth quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Skagit County are down -60.6% from the fourth quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -53.4% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Skagit County is down to $263,700, (down -2.0% from the fourth quarter in 2007), below the statewide median of $266,700 (down -9.3% from the fourth quarter in 2007). The 2008 fourth quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 96.9 for Skagit County, slightly lower than the statewide index of 107.5

WCRER Housing Analysis/ 2008 4th Quarter/ Snohomish County WA

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 fourth Quarter Housing Analysis; Snohomish County home re-sales were down -20.1% from the previous quarter, and down -41.3% from the fourth quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -15.8% from the previous quarter and down -29.1% from the fourth quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Snohomish County are down -50.5% from the fourth quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -53.4% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Snohomish County is $325,000, (down -10.6% from the fourth quarter in 2007), above the statewide median of $266,700 (down -9.3% from the fourth quarter in 2007). The 2008 fourth quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 97.1 for Snohomish County, lower than the statewide index of 107.5

WCRER Housing Analysis/ 2008 4th Quarter/ Island County WA

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Fourth Quarter Housing Analysis; Island County home re-sales were down -13.4% from the previous quarter, and down -21.4% from the fourth quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -15.8% from the previous quarter and down -29.1% from the fourth quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Island County are down -58.8% from the fourth quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -53.4% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Island County is down to $298,000, (down -1.0% from the fourth quarter in 2007), above the statewide median of $266,700, (down -9.3% from the fourth quarter in 2007),. The 2008 fourth quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 86.8 for Island County, lower than the statewide index of 107.5.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Whatcom County /WCRER/ 3rd Quarter Housing Market Data 2008

Whatcom County Housing Data

Here is some interesting and helpful housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Third Quarter Housing Analysis; Whatcom County home re-sales were down -6.0% from the previous quarter, and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -5.1% from the previous quarter and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Whatcom County are down -38.2% from the third quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -42.5% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Whatcom County is down to $275,000, below the statewide median of $281,500. The 2008 third quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 90.0 for Whatcom County, lower than the statewide index of 96.9.

See all WA county info: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q3/Snapshot_q308.pdf

Skagit County WA/ WCRER 2008 3nd Quarter Housing Analysis

Skagit County Housing Data

Here is some interesting and helpful housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Third Quarter Housing Analysis; Skagit County home re-sales were down -12.7% from the previous quarter, and down -35.3 % from the third quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -5.1% from the previous quarter and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Skagit County are down -46.2% from the third quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -42.5% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Skagit County is down to $255,000, below the statewide median of $281,500. The 2008 third quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 96.1 for Skagit County, slightly lower than the statewide index of 96.9.

See all WA county info: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q3/Snapshot_q308.pdf

Snohomish County WA/ WCRER Housing Market Analysis/ 3nd Quarter 2008

Snohomish County Housing Data

Here is some interesting and helpful housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Third Quarter Housing Analysis; Snohomish County home re-sales were down -6.2% from the previous quarter, and down -37.8% from the third quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -5.1% from the previous quarter and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Snohomish County are down -45.7% from the third quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -42.5% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Snohomish County is $340,000, above the statewide median of $281,500. The 2008 third quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 88.3 for Snohomish County, lower than the statewide index of 96.9.

See all WA county info: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q3/Snapshot_q308.pdf

lsland County WA WCRER Housing Market Data 3rd Quarter 2008

Island County Housing Data

Here is some interesting and helpful housing data:

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2008 Third Quarter Housing Analysis; Island County home re-sales were down -9.2% from the previous quarter, and down -31.4% from the third quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -5.1% from the previous quarter and down -26.0% from the third quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Island County are down -46.0% from the third quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -42.5% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Island County is down to $282,500, above the statewide median of $281,500. The 2008 third quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 87.3 for Island County, lower than the statewide index of 96.9.

See all WA county info: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q3/Snapshot_q308.pdf

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Snohomish County WA/ WCRER Housing Market Analysis/ 2nd Quarter 2008

Here is some interesting/ helpful data on the Snohomish County Housing Market

Snohomish County home re-sales were down - 17.4% from the previous quarter, and down -44.4% from the second quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.5% from the previous quarter and down -31.7% from the second quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Snohomish County are down -41.5% from the second quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -29.7% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Snohomish County is $349,400, well above the statewide average of $291,900. The 2008 second quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 87.7 for Snohomish County, lower than the statewide index of 95.5.

See all county data: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q2/Snapshot_2008Q2.pdf

Snohomish County WA/ WCRER Housing Market Analysis/ 2nd Quarter 2008

Here is some interesting/ helpful data on the Snohomish County Housing Market

Snohomish County home re-sales were down - 17.4% from the previous quarter, and down -44.4% from the second quarter in 2007. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.5% from the previous quarter and down -31.7% from the second quarter in 2007. Overall building permits in Snohomish County are down -41.5% from the second quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -29.7% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Snohomish County is $349,400, well above the statewide average of $291,900. The 2008 second quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 87.7 for Snohomish County, lower than the statewide index of 95.5.

See all county data: http://www.wcrer.wsu.edu/WSHM/2008Q2/Snapshot_2008Q2.pdf

Friday, June 06, 2008

City of Bellingham's June "Neighborhood News" PDF cover Samish Way Urban Village Info.

The City of Bellingham has been putting out a very informative "Neighborhood News" pdf ( http://www.cob.org/documents/mayor/boards-commissions/neighborhood/2008-06-neighborhood-news.pdf ) almost every month this year, it covers issues such as neighborhood planning, park development, restorative projects, etc. This month the newsletter covers the Samish Way Urban Village project ( More information can be found here on the project: http://www.cob.org/services/neighborhoods/community-planning/urban-villages-planning/samish-way-urban-village.aspx ).
The meetings concerning the project started on June 5, 2008, and more are scheduled over the following Thrusdays:
Meeting Location: Elks Lodge, 710 S. Samish Way
Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
June 5: Introduction & Character (Including transition areas and plan boundaries)June 12: Public Realm: Streets, Trails, & PlazasJune 19: Development Character: Permitted Uses, Design, and ScaleJuly 10: Summary of Input and Discussion of Alternatives

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Residential Appraisal; Seller Services Provided in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish & Island Counties, WA

HOME SELLER SERVICES

If you are planning to sell your home, it might be a wise decision to make a small investment in a professional appraisal. Unless you study real estate values on a day to day basis, like a professional appraiser does, it's difficult for you to get a handle on real estate values. We aren't talking about how much you have invested in your home, how much you paid for it, or how much you want for it. We're talking about the true market value of your home, which could really pay off for you in the long run!

SELLING YOUR HOME FSBO

More and more homeowners today are choosing to sell their homes FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and foregoing the help of a real estate agent. Selling your home by this method can end up saving you a potential "hefty" commission (industry average is 5-7% of the home's selling price). Plus many FSBO sellers feel that they have more control in the process of selling their home since they're in essence making all the rules. But selling your home on your own will require a significant amount of "homework" if you're going to do it right. One piece of advice that is consistently given by the experts in selling your home FSBO....Do NOT "Overprice" Your Home! It's very hard to be objective about your own home because of your emotional attachment to it. A professional appraiser is objective and will tell you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear.

PRE-LISTING APPRAISAL

If you're working with a real estate agent to list your property, more than likely they'll provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that lists selected sales in your area as one of the first steps in determining what to set as the "Listing Price". This step is vital if you're going to maximize your profit and minimize the home's time on the market.

But even if you're working with the most experienced real estate agent, it's probably in your best interest to have an "objective" third-party's opinion of value prior to signing a Listing Agreement. And that's where we come in. We can provide you with a pre-listing appraisal so both you and your agent have an accurate description of your home's features and a detailed analysis of the most recent and similar "comparable sales" or as they're commonly called, "Comps". In addition to helping you set a realistic selling price so your home will attract buyers, a professional appraisal can:

Be a very valuable negotiating tool once you have a potential buyer
Impress buyer's with written proof of your home's condition inside and out
Make you aware of problems and eliminate last-minute repair hassles that might delay a closing
Decrease the chances of unknown problems that cause sales to fall through
Eliminate the wait for the buyer or their mortgage company to get the appraisal done on their own

Many people are surprised when they find out that the market value of their home is much more than they thought, so investing in a professional appraisal actually allowed these people to receive several thousand more dollars than they thought they would when their home was sold. Others have an inflated opinion of their home's value and an appraisal helped them to realistically price their home in order for it to sell. An overpriced home will not attract buyers, which means no offers and no closing and that you have wasted valuable time, money, and efforts.

CONSULTATION

Maybe you feel like you don't need an "appraisal" but you'd still like some help gathering local property and sales data. Our reports help you to make an informed buying decision. We understand the complexities of buying a home and know what you are going through and will do our best to make it easier for you by giving you a high quality, professional appraisal that you can depend on!

When you order an appraisal report from us, you can expect. . . .

Prompt response to your initial inquiry:

We will give you personalized information for your particular appraisal need. Just tell us your situation and we will make suggestions.

Quick turnaround time:

Typically one week or less from the date the request is received. If you've chosen to receive a copy of your appraisal or consulting report via the Internet (EDI), you'll receive it within MINUTES of its completion.

Appraisal and consulting reports formats to suit YOUR needs:

When it comes to appraisal and consulting, "One size does NOT fit all!" We offer a variety of report types and delivery methods. Express mail too slow? We can deliver your report attached to a standard email, or notify you of an Internet site to download your report, the MINUTE it's completed!

Quick response to follow-up questions: Our reports are clearly written, understandable, and meet or exceed the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice that governs the appraisal practice. If you have any questions regarding your appraisal, after you've read the report, we encourage you to email or call us!

http://www.bennett4appraisals.com

Bennett Appraisals
1 Woodrush Ct, Bellingham WA 98229
Phone: 360-746-0224
Fax: 360-838-0634
Email: bennettappraisals@comcast.net


Bennett Appraisals provides appraisal services to the following areas: Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale, Fairhaven, Geneva, Silver Beach, Sudden Valley, Sumas, Acme, Anacortes, Alger, Arlington, Bow, Burlington, Camano Island, Cain Lakes, Conway, Concrete, Darrington, Deming, Edison, Emerald Lakes, Edmonds, Everett, Everson, Glacier, Granite Falls, Hamilton, Kendall, Laurence, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynden, Lyman, Lynnwood, Maple Falls, Marblemount, Marysville, McMurray, Monroe, Mount Baker, Mount Vernon, Mulkilteo, Rockport, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood,Van Zandt, Whidbey Island, and all of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish & Island Counties. * Time permitted we also serve Point Roberts via the Canadian Border.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

City of Bellingham, seeks imput on North Bellingham Park

If you live or work in the North Bellingham area, here is your opportunity to voice your opinion about the park being planned in the area

Per the city of Bellingham Website:

"City officials continue to seek input in the master planning for a recently acquired 20-acre park in north Bellingham known as "Cordata Park." More than 30 people participated in the first of a series of meetings to discuss the park and its amenities.

Interested residents are invited to participate in steering committee meetings held on the 2nd Thursday of every month from March through August. Discussion topics will include design elements of the park, naming the park, and trail alignment through the park.
Meetings will continue to be held in the Chapel Room of the Birchwood Community Presbyterian Church, 400 Meadowbrook Court, from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month as follows:

Thursday, April 10, 2008Thursday, May 8, 2008 Thursday, June 12, 2008Thursday, July 10, 2008Thursday, August 14, 2008 "

For information on the North Bellingham Park and trails go to:
http://www.cob.org/documents/parks/development/projects/north-bellingham-trail-plan-draft.pdf

The City of Bellingham puts out a neighborhood newletter that covers all of the important changes going on in the various 23 neighborhoods. Very good information to keep up to date! See it here at:

http://www.cob.org/documents/mayor/boards-commissions/neighborhood/2008-03-neighborhood-news.pdf

Bennett Appraisals Provides residential appraisal services to the following areas:Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale, Fairhaven, Geneva, Silver Beach, Sudden Valley, Sumas, Acme, Anacortes, Alger, Arlington, Bow, Burlington, Cain Lakes, Conway, Concrete, Darrington, Deming, Edison, Emerald Lakes, Edmonds, Everett, Everson, Glacier, Granite Falls, Hamilton, Kendall, Laurence, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynden, Lyman, Lynnwood, Maple Falls, Marblemount, Marysville, McMurray, Monroe, Mount Baker, Mount Vernon, Mulkilteo, Rockport, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood,Van Zandt, and all of Whatcom, Skagit & Snohomish Counties. * Time permitted we also serve Point Roberts, via the Canadian Border.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Homeowner Appraisal Services in Whatcom, Skagit & Snohomish Counties

Homeowner Appraisal Services

Homeowners need appraisals or appraisal reviews for a variety of reasons, including a mortgage refinance, home equity loans, Pre-listing services, and PMI removal. When you order an appraisal or review from us, you can rest assured that you will get the best in professional service, courtesy, and quality.

Refinance / Home Equity
Be sure that you request us if your lender asks you for YOUR choice of appraisal firms. More than likely we are already on their "approved list", and if not we will quickly provide your lender with the necessary documentation to become approved.

For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) / Pre-Listing Services
It's very hard to be objective about your own home because of your emotional attachment to it. A Professional Appraiser is objective and will tell you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear. In addition to helping you set a realistic selling price so your home will attract buyers, a professional appraisal is very valuable as a negotiating tool once you have a potential buyer. It gives you something concrete to show your buyer. It's an independent third party's opinion of your home's value, and not just you saying how much your home is worth. Potential buyers know you have an emotional attachment to your home and will be far more likely to give credibility to a professional appraiser's value opinion than yours.

PMI Removal Appraisals
A popular money saver for homeowners in the last few years is to get the PMI removed from their mortgage loan, thus saving them money on their monthly payments. PMI stands for "Private Mortgage Insurance". Once your mortgage loan amount is down below 80% of the value of your home, in most cases you can apply to the lender to have the PMI removed from your loan, which will make your monthly payments go down. We are experienced in helping folks just like you rid themselves of unneeded and unwanted PMI insurance.

Field and Desktop Appraisal Review Services
Have you just received a copy of your appraisal and youd like to have a professional "double-check" it for accuracy or do you need a second opinion without the expense and delay of waiting for a whole new appraisal?

Appraisal Field Reviews: Well check your appraisal for accuracy and provide exterior "field inspections" of the subject and comparable properties for maximum appraisal certainty. Perfect for any situation demanding a second opinion on value.

Appraisal Desk Reviews: In a hurry and just want to "double-check" the facts? Well use our extensive Internet research capabilities and office files to deliver reviews with the highest degree of precision in the industry.

Bennett Appraisals provides residential appraisal services to the following areas: Bellingham, Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale, Fairhaven, Geneva, Silver Beach, Sudden Valley, Sumas, Acme, Anacortes, Alger, Arlington, Bow, Burlington, Cain Lakes, Conway, Concrete, Darrington, Deming, Edison, Emerald Lakes, Edmonds, Everett, Everson, Glacier, Granite Falls, Hamilton, Kendall, Laurence, La Conner, Lake Stevens, Lynden, Lyman, Lynnwood, Maple Falls, Marblemount, Marysville, McMurray, Monroe, Mount Baker, Mount Vernon, Mulkilteo, Rockport, Samish Island, Sedro Woolley, Snohomish, Stanwood,Van Zandt, and all of Whatcom, Skagit & Snohomish Counties. * Time permitted we also serve Point Roberts and certain areas of Island County.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

What are (EEMs) Energy Efficient Mortgages?

In a time of escalating fuel and energy costs and an increase in energy efficient building practices, materials and appliances-- we wonder if this type of loan program may gain popularity? Here is some infomation we gathered on this interesting and rarely mentioned program:
What is an EEM?
When you are buying, selling, refinancing, or remodeling your home, you can increase your comfort and actually save money by using the Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). It is easy to use, federally recognized, and can be applied to most home mortgages. EEMs provide the borrower with special benefits when purchasing a home that is energy efficient, or can be made efficient through the installation of energy-saving improvements. EEMs make it easier for borrowers to qualify for loans to purchase/ refinance homes with specific energy-efficiency improvements.
Conventional EEMs
Conventional EEMs can be offered by lenders who sell their loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Conventional EEMs increase the purchasing power of buying an energy efficient home by allowing the lender to increase the borrower's income by a dollar amount equal to the estimated energy savings. The Fannie Mae loan also adjusts the value of the home to reflect the value of the energy efficiency measures.
FHA EEMs
FHA EEMs allow lenders to add 100 percent of the additional cost of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to an already approved mortgage loan (as long as the additional costs do not exceed $4000 or 5 percent of the value of the home, up to a maximum of $8000, whichever is greater). No additional down payment is required, and the FHA loan limits won't interfere with the process of obtaining the EEM.
VA EEMs
The Veteran's Administration (VA) EEM is available to qualified military personnel, reservists and veterans for energy improvements when purchasing an existing primary home. The VA EEM caps energy improvements at $3,000-$6,000.
HERS, or Home Energy Rating Systems
A HERS report is similar to a miles-per-gallon rating on a car. HERS are program s which provide evaluations of individual primary homes energy-efficiency. A HERS report is prepared by a trained Energy Rater. Factors such as insulation, appliance efficiencies, window types, local climate, and utility rates are used to rate the home and calculate energy costs
To learn more about EEMs contact:
US Dept of Energy: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.energy_efficient_mortgage
Fannie Mae: http://www.fanniemae.com/index.jhtml
Freddie Mac: http://www.freddiemac.com/
HUD: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/eem/eemhome.cfm
Additional information about writing energy-efficient mortgages can be found on the Web sites:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Residential Energy Services Network (Resnet)
For all of your FHA insured and Conventional Mortgage Appraisals contact:
Bennett Appraisals http://www.bennett4appraisals.com/
Disclaimer **All information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed.
Disclaimer** Bennett Appraisals does not endorse any loan programs, we just appraise residential properties in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish Counties WA.