Appraisal Content Index - Page 1

An appraisal is the opinion of an appraiser, who estimates the value of a home at a specific point in time for the purpose of financing or refinancing a home. Typically, the bank assigns an approved appraiser to do the appraisal. To make sure the appraiser has all the information, you (or your agent) can provide the appraiser with relevant market data that demonstrates the value of the property. Learn more about the appraisal process on this page.

Appreciation is the value that assets (property, real estate, cars, investments, etc.) gain over a period of time. Market value, market conditions and demand can all affect the appreciation of an asset. Appreciation is not an increase in value from inflation.

**Refinance Fees: How Much Is Too Much?** When you're refinancing your mortgage, how much should you be paying in refinance fees? It can be hard to tell what fees you're paying to the lender, what is prepaid interest, and what are the other costs of the loan. Refinance fees, especially for prepaid interest, can add up to the closing costs of refinancing your loan. Have your lender explain exactly what all the refinance fees are going toward before you make any decision about refinancing or canceling your refinance.

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**HUD Revised Streamline Refinance Transactions** Streamline mortgage refinance applications will be undergoing some changes. Under the HUD revised streamline refinance, there are changes to the mortgage seasoning, payment history requirements, and verification of assets, employment and income. For a streamline refinance without an appraisal there will be a new maximum mortgage amount, and under the HUD revisions, there is is maximum combined loan-to-value amount for the streamline refinance. Read the full letter below for more details on the changes to HUD streamline refinance applications.

HUD Secretary Donovan and FHA Commissioner Stevens briefed leaders on the FHA's financial outlook today, in coordination with the release of its annual independent actuarial study. The study found the capital reserve ratio to be 0.53 percent of total insurance in force this year, well below the congressionally mandated threshold of two percent. The FHA holds $31 billion in total reserves today. Robert Ryan was introduced as the FHA's first-ever Chief Risk Officer. Ryan will focus on understanding risk to the FHA's insurance fund and develop policy responses that address that risk.

FHA cash reserves fall to the lowest level in history, below the congressionally mandated level. The Federal Housing Administration's mortgage insurance cash reserves fell to the lowest levels in recorded history, 0.53 percent. The FHA announced today FHA cash reserve levels have fallen below the congressionally mandated threshold. The annual independent accounting survey of the FHA came with the assessment that additional action needed to be taken to manage risk to prevent further losses.

**Divorce Decree vs. Quit Claim Deed** You get divorced. You refinance your home. Your ex-spouse gives you a quit claim deed. End of story? Not so, says this reader whose ex-spouse wants half of the proceeds from the sale of the home 13 years after the quit claim deed and and 14 years after the divorce. Does the divorce decree trump the quit claim deed? Does the quit claim deed trump the divorce decree? What should the ex-spouse get in this real estate problem.

**Low Appraisal Caused By Declining Home Values Results In Change To Loan Refinance Terms** If you apply to refinance your loan and get quoted terms, can you force the lender to abide by those terms? What if your property received a low appraisal? What if declining home values caused your home value to drop below what you owe on your current mortgage? And what if you decide not to go forward with the loan refinance, can you get your application money back?

**More Reasons Why Your House Won't Sell** If you are getting the showings, but your house won't sell, what should you do. Make sure that you understand the listing price of your home and that it is competitive with other homes. Make sure that the condition of your home is in as good a shape as possible. While you can't change the location of the home, location, location, location is still the norm in real estate and you should understand how that affects your home. Finally, make sure you understand the market when it comes to the commission you are paying your broker and how much of that commission will be paid to the agent that brings a buyer to buy your home. If you don't understand each of these issues, you have added more reasons to why your house won't sell.

**Home Buying Risks, Pitfalls and Tips For New Construction Homes Part 2** Home buying has risks associated with it, particularly the purchase of a new construction home in a new development. There are pitfall all along the way. What should you do to protect yourself? How do you handle the uncertainty of buying a new construction home in a new development? One reader suggests that the buyer should share any risks in that new construction purchase with the lender that give the buyer the loan. Would you agree? What about municipal inspections and certificates of occupancy? The builder's or developer's reputation? What about using a real estate attorney? Leave your comment below.

**Home Buying Risks, Pitfalls and Tips For New Construction Homes** Home buying has risks associated with it, particularly the purchase of a new construction home in a new development. There are pitfall all along the way. What should you do to protect yourself? How do you handle the uncertainty of buying a new construction home in a new development? One reader suggests that the buyer should share any risks in that new construction purchase with the lender that give the buyer the loan. Would you agree? Leave your comment below.