I recently did an inspection for an appraisal on an FHA refinance loan. It was an older home that had been undergoing some updates and renovations. One of the biggest problems I see on older homes, and one which this home had, is peeling and chipping paint. This is not an issue with conventional loans [...]
Entries from February 27th, 2010
Is Peeling Paint Killing Your FHA Loan?
February 27th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 7 Comments · Appraisal
Tags:Alabama·Alabama Mortgage Loans·FHA·FHA Requirements·FHA Tips·HUD·Lead Paint·MPR·Paint·Tom Horn
Realtor Tips For FHA Appraisals
February 25th, 2010 by Tom Horn · No Comments · Appraisal
In recent months FHA financing has been on the increase. With the decline of the sub prime lending market, and related creative financing programs, many lenders have been offering FHA loans to many homeowners for refinancing and home purchases. Current FHA requirements are not as stringent as they once were. If you are interested in [...]
Tags:Alabama FHA appraisals·Birmingham Alabama Real Estate Appraiser·FHA·FHA Appraisals·FHA Loans·FHA Tips·HUD·HUD Minimum Property Requirements·Realtor Tips
How to Find Out the Qualifications of an Appraiser Before You Retain Them
February 21st, 2010 by Tom Horn · No Comments · Appraisal
As a follow up to my last post I thought I would provide practical ways for users of appraisal services to find out the qualifications of the appraiser they want to use before they retain them for services. By doing this first you will not have to regret hiring an appraiser after the fact. Let’s [...]
Tags:Alabama Appraiser·appraiser continuing education·appraiser education·appraiser qualifications·Birmingham·Qualifications
Things To Consider When Choosing an Appraiser
February 19th, 2010 by Tom Horn · No Comments · Appraisal
Are you a homeowner in need of an appraisal? Are you a lender needing to choose an appraiser to do work for your company? If you are, I hope what I have to say can help you in your decision making. All appraisers are not alike. Appraiser experience varies based on several factors, including but [...]
Tags:appraiser continuing education·appraiser education·appraiser experience·appraiser qualifications·choose appraiser·geographic competence·hvcc
There Is No “Rule Of Thumb” in Real Estate Appraisal
February 15th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 2 Comments · Appraisal
I often get asked by homeowners how much their home should bring per square foot. This is not an easy question in today’s market. It’s impossible, with any accuracy, to throw out a figure because there are a lot of things that go into how much a home is worth. These include size of the [...]
Helping Your Home Appraise For Top Dollar
February 12th, 2010 by Tom Horn · 1 Comment · Home Improvement
Most people, at some point in their life will probably get a home appraisal. Appraisals are necessary for the following reasons: • Buying a home • Selling a home (either a marketing appraisal or appraisal after contract is signed) • Refinancing a home (either to get a lower rate or to get a home equity [...]
Tags:Alabama·alabaster·Appraisal·Birmingham·fsbo·jefferson county·marketing·pelham·Real Estate·sell·selling·shelby county·top dollar
Why pay high property taxes? Get your home reassessed!
February 9th, 2010 by Tom Horn · No Comments · Property Taxes
It’s an unfortunate but true fact: property values are declining. With the number of foreclosure properties and short sales entering the market, property values have declined in most areas. In the past a foreclosure sale, or other similar sale where the price is lower than normal, would not have been given much consideration because it [...]
Tags:Alabama Appraiser·Property Taxes·Real Estate·Reappraisal·Reassessment·Shelby County Alabama·Tom Horn
Hello Everyone!
February 7th, 2010 by Tom Horn · No Comments · Uncategorized
Welcome to BirminghamAppraisalBlog.com. My name is Tom Horn and I am a residential real estate appraiser in the greater Birmingham, Alabama area. I have set up this blog to pass along information I gather on a daily basis that may be of benefit to someone. I may sometimes run into something in my work which [...]
