Hi Everyone, If you live in Northern Virginia, you are ready for the spring.  Last month gave us record snow falls not seen in the area for over 100 years.   The appraisal and all business started out slow for the month due to the 3-4 feet of snow on the ground and the time it took to shovel and plow our way out.  Once the snow storm was over, the business storm began.  We thank all of our loyal customers for providing us with another great month.  One of our biggest yet!   It was not easy appraising houses in 3-4 feet of snow, but we were proud to get the job done, and get it done correctly.  We are looking forward to a strong spring.  Interest rates are very low and the housing market should be extremely busy as buyers try to take advantage of the extended house buying credits from the governement!!  Lets make it happen!!!

The FHA has adopted for 1004D and it can be used for final inspection instead of the standard Form -92051.  This should be old new for most people because this change went into effect on February 15th.  I wanted to make an information post about this because many lenders have not informed there underwriters of the change.  Please go the the FHA-HUD website to review the associated mortgage letters with this new form.  This form is more relevant and easier to understand than the 92051 and is a better choice for final inspections.

Hi Everyone,   I have been really busy and have not had time to update my blog.  Basically, Everything is hitting on all cylinders.  The sales market and appraisal market are as busy as they have ever been.   (at least for me).   It appears that in the appraisal market a lot of attrition has occurred leaving only the better appraisers still standing  (very good thing for the market).  In residential real estate, the sellers are coming back into the market.  The short sale and bank owned properties are still out there, but are selling as fast as they hit the market.  This is leaving opportunity for resale and move up buyers to sell there homes at competitive rates that are typically higher than short sale or bank owned properties.  Buyers realize the benefit of going with a home that is not distressed and are willing to pay a premium for it.  Thats all for now.  Thanks again to all of my clients for keeping us very,  very busy.