Blog by Steven R SmithSep 9, 20193 minSeller Concessions and Verification of SalesThis Mortgagee Letter reiterates and clarifies Federal Housing Administration (FHA) policy regarding the responsibilities of mortgagees a...
Blog by Steven R SmithSep 9, 20195 minReal Estate Frauds Increase as Markets Decline; Some Thoughts to Help Stay out of TroubleI have been involved in researching and writing about real estate frauds, mortgage frauds and appraisal frauds since about 1982. My Maste...
Blog by Steven R SmithSep 8, 20197 minManifesting Support for AdjustmentsIn the appraisal world of lender work, there is never enough time or fee to develop support for adjustments before the report is due. And...
Blog by Steven R SmithSep 7, 20192 minHow Much is a Pool Worth?Neighborhood 1: This is an older area with homes from the 1920’s onward. It is a desert area that is subject to high winds at times. Almo...
Blog by Steven R SmithSep 7, 20194 minHas Appraisal Failed at Understanding the concept of the Public Good? The Public Good is in the opening paragraph of USPAP. An appraiser friend once wrote that appraisal regulations/guidelines included Inten...
Blog by Steven R SmithSep 7, 201913 minDeveloping and Supporting GRM Factors, and other ThoughtsWhen I started appraisal with a savings and loan association, I was given a List of Adjustments to use. We did the Market Data and Cost A...
Blog by Steven R SmithSep 4, 201915 minEasing Into Consulting and Expert Witness WorkEasing Into Consulting and Expert Witness Work Prepared for the Appraisal Buzz Presentation by Steven R. Smith, MSREA, MAI, SRA, AG 2123 ...
Blog by Steven R SmithSep 4, 20196 minAppraising a Changing MarketOFTEN, AS MARKETS COOL AND SALES START SLOWING DOWN, THE LACK OF CURRENT CLOSED SALES SENDS APPRAISERS OFF IN A RADIUS LOOKING FOR COMPAR...
Blog by Steven R SmithSep 4, 20194 minBeing Aware of Nuances of the Market, or NotThere are lots of sources that published national housing trend data, by state, county and even metro market trends down to the city leve...