I need to write a college term paper on a real estate appraisal topic. This is for a real estate appraisal class, so it can’t be anything too simple. I have a few ideas, but it seems to either be too simple or not enough info available. Could you suggest a topic that would impress a college professor who also happens to have his appraisers license?

One of the things that trips up many inexperienced appraisers is improperly differentiating between surplus and excess land, or even failing to discern the situation when it presents. Valuation of land (including lots) has, in the past, received too little attention in basic appraisal education.

Run something like this, or another land related topic, past your professor and I’ll bet you make an impression.

I’m 20 years old and I’m really interested in real estate and flipping houses, however I know that real estate is down. So I’m looking into appraising, from what I’ve found out they are always in demand because they are used for all different reasons. Does anyone know of any websites or know of any information that can get me started here in Florida?

http://www.ifrec.com/courses/appraisalreqs.htm

Hello,

We bought a new house last February 2008. The house was a brand new (finished on End of 2007). I realized that my property taxes are higher than expected. I contacted the city and realized that their appraisal value is higher than the actual house value by 20-25%.
The city advised that the taxes are based on 2005 assessment (values were much higher at that time), and they typically re-assess the houses every 5 years. They added that I have the right to appeal (next appeal date will start March 2010). I expect their conclusion will be similar to the above "regarding re-assessment frequency", as I sensed from them.

My point is even I understand the 5-year re-assessment concept and they don’t re-assess the houses every year, I accept this explanation for a house that is there for long. The market is subjected to fluctuations which may not be realistic to re-assess on year to year basis. However, in my case my assessment date (based on 2005) was "prior" to the building date of the house (end of 2007). The house itself wasn’t there and therefore, it shouldn’t be subjected to 2005 assessment but 2008 instead (as a special case), then I can catch up with the city’s next reassessment frequencies.

According to my concept, I’ve paid 25% more taxes than what I should have been paying for two years.

Do I have a solid ground to dispute this based on the above?
If yes, where should I go? (City, Supreme court, etc)
What are my chances?

Thanks

not a leg to stand on. the amount you would spend in legal bills would deplete in an hour the amount you would ever get back from the county, you would probably get non back at all. the only people that win this (i went thru this on a vacation home of mine) I one because they reassessed my lake property this year and the bill came in double the year before while property value lost 250,000$. i won because the county had to fight me and about 30 of my neighbors who got an attorney and their appraisal was outrageous. you would not win because yours is technically still new construction. when these houses are built they have a formula they use given the plans for the neighborhood or the plans for the home. good luck but it really isnt worth the fight you will pay more to fight than you will to get back.

My mom is doing that to my grandmom’s house just to get her money :[
I think she’s lying about how much money she’s going to get back so she has to give my grandma less.
So how does the reverse mortgage work? and how much money would my mom get back?

If you are looking for a reverse mortgage to receive some much needed cash, you may want to look into a reverse mortgage wholesale loan. This is the perfect way for you to get a reverse mortgage<!–without all the added fees that lenders are adding on these days. Keep reading to discover exactly what this type of loan is and what it can do for you.A reverse mortgage wholesale loan is not available directly to you.

http://mortgages-finance.awardspace.com/Advantages-Disadvantages-of-Reverse-Mortgage.htm

This type of mortgage loan is sold to a lender at a discounted rate and the lender will add points to the rate and pass the savings on to you.There are three main–>agencies that sell reverse mortgage wholesale lender accounts. These agencies are the Federal Housing Authority, the Fannie Mae foundation and the Financial Freedom Cash Account.

that I can take to a friends house as an invited guest? Something everyone will like?
Can you suggest any easy home made appetizers . .lol . .?

what about sausage balls ? here is the recipe ;
3 c bisquick,10 oz sharp grated cheddar cheese,1 lb bulk sausage (crumble and fry),1/4 c water
Mix together . roll in small balls no bigger than 1/2 dollar size. bake at 400 for 10 min on ungreased cookie sheet . they are fabulous and never have any left . good luck and happy new year

I’m a fist time Home owner and getting my home appraised for the fitst time. What is it the appraiser is intreted in seeing when arriving to the home?

Location, location, square footage, roof condition, age of structure and HVAC systems. Paint, grass mowing, and other minor appearance items have no impact.

We are waiting for the FHA appraisal but my private inspectors revealed some repairs that are needed, in order to pass FHA, should I give the lender this information just so the FHA appraiser can review it and tell me what needs to be fixed become they come out???
The seller agreed to pay for repairs

FHA appraisers have their own set of criteria, they probably won’t be interested in your inspector’s report.

I live in TN – looking to becomse strictly a Real Estate Appraiser… what are the steps? and do you have to be a Real Estate Broker or anything before becoming a Appraiser only?
Thank you!

You don’t have to be. It takes years to be certified, but you do not have to have a real estate license.

This site will give you a good idea of the education and employment (you have to serve an apprenticeship) that is required.

http://appraisalinstitute.org/

We are renovating a home that we plan to turn into a rental property. The home originally had a wall mount natural gas furnace. There is no ductwork in the home currently and no gas hookup. We are looking at upgrading the electric to 200 amp service and making everything in the home electric, therefore, not having any gas hooked up. We are looking at electric baseboard heating, realizing it may or may not be more expensive depending on the volatility of gas costs. We are curious to know if electric baseboard heat will hurt our appraisal value when we do sell the home. In addition, does baseboard heating in anyway limit the type of loans that a person can obtain – ie. conventional, fha, etc?

If comparable homes are used with central air, there will be an adjustment. In our area, $2000 to $ 5000 is adjusted for a house with central heat and air against ones with radiant heat. FHA guidelines maintain that there be heat in every room. You will meet that requirement with baseboard heaters. Air conditioning does allow a higher rent rate though. Its 6 of one and 1/2 dozen of the other. You will pay higher for it in the beginning and retrieve it back in higher rent.

Hi, I’m a senior customer service officer. I was told to set my own objectives for this year’s appraisal. But I’m really at a loss now. Can anyone give me some suggestions? Will be very appreciated.

Hi Joyeeyim,

Normally, objective setting is done jointly by the employee and his/her manager. In your case, if you are told to do it yourself, i suggest the following:
1. Business Objective- What are your company objectives this year (Your boss can help you on this)
2. Team Objective- what is expected from your team to achieve in terms of sales and deliverables, this contributes to the more general business objectives.
3. Individual Objective- What specific contributions are expected from you to achieve the team and business objectives?
Please note, all objectives must be measurable and achievable. Assign a corresponding relative weight to each objective based on importance. The sum should be 100%.

Next, you must also include your career and competency development plans.
Identify and rate your competencies. All areas where you rate yourself average or below average must be included in your development plan.

i hope this helps.

epe