The National Association of Realtors needs Realtor® and consumer assistance.  We are asked to contact our members of Congress to co-sponsor HR 3044, a bill that would impose an 18 month moratorium on the code.  We need to temporarily stop the mandatory use of the appraisal management companies.

            As the housing market may be on a slow recovery, the new Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) is causing havoc in the market place by placing undue financial cost on the home purchaser and other issues with the appraisers.

            As we all know, appraisers are taking a beating over the housing markets past increased values.  Due to new regulations, in most cases for an appraiser to be assigned to a job for a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan, they must belong to an appraisal management company (AMC).  The AMC has overhead to pay.  Appraisals that used to cost $250-$350 are now costing $375-$550 per assignment, meanwhile the appraiser is taking a pay cut to work for an AMC that the government has so kindly instructed the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lender to use.  Currently, it's not a good scenario. 

            Appraisers are supposed to stay in familiar known areas.  The AMC apparently sends assignments to the appraisers that will take the least amount of pay.  The chosen appraisers are sent any where and everywhere.  These appraisers aren't always familiar with the areas, causing bad comps and once again, bad values.  Only this time the bad values are swinging the other way, too low.  Not all appraisals are low, just enough to make everything difficult and weary.  Purchasers are paying in advance for the appraisals then the low value causes the transaction not to close.  The purchasers do not get a refund.  This practice also violates the appraisers USPAP Code of Ethics. 

            The goal at the beginning was to create a wall between the lender and the appraiser.  The government thought the lender / appraiser contact was one of the roots of the housing value problem.  While separating the 2 maybe a good idea, there has to be a full plan for success.  There currently is no plan.

            We understand that for the Chase Banks, Wells Fargo's and Bank of America's the use of an AMC is needed because of loan volume, let's take a step back to make a productive plan for all.  If the current issues excel, the volume won't be a worry.

 In the recent issue of REALTOR, September 2009, the National Association of Realtors® explained the issue completely.  They have asked that we help.  To see a list of sponsors please visit www.govtrack.com.

Angie Ridley
www.CompleteRealtyLLC.com
www.AngieRidley.com

The following information was sent to me by:
Joe Lederman
Mesothelioma Cancer Center
National Awareness Coordinator
joe@asbestos.com

Remove Asbestos with Green Alternatives & Healthy Tips for the Michigan Homes

The great state of Michigan is regarded for hosting four out of the five great lakes, beautiful sceneries and for being the eighth most populous state in the country. Located in the mid-western part of the United States, it is very easy to see why the state is one of the ideal places to call home.

The path to home ownership or seeking rental properties is an exciting time, but one that will bring other responsibilities into your life. Having the assistance of a professional and reliable Michigan real estate agent will make all the difference during this process.

Asbestos Tips

Used in many construction applications for the greater part of the 20^th century, asbestos is a fibrous mineral that possesses many intrinsic traits. In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires.

 It’s flame resistant and durable qualities made it an ideal choice for many industries. In many instances, homes built prior to 1980 may contain this substance. This should not make you jump out of your seat because exposure to asbestos is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions.

According to the experts, the general rule of thumb is if the asbestos is in good shape, it's posing no apparent risk. If it's in bad shape, it could be a problem. In many situations, the best action in dealing with asbestos is no action at all. However, if an inspector deems removal necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling asbestos materials.  They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any potential exposure.

Inhalation of its fibers can cause rare but severe ailments known as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma causes are as a result of inhaling asbestos fibers that become ingested in the inner linings of your lung. Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms are difficult to decipher due to a latency period lasting 20 to 50 years after exposure. It must be noted that exposure does not always lead to an illness and is considered rare.

Michigan Goes Green

The implementation of eco-construction, green energy solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world. Recycled building materials that are viable options to asbestos include: cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene foam. These environmentally sustainable products can also reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. 

Recently, congress passed an economic stimulus package that promotes energy efficiency for home and business owners. The American Recover and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 include incentives for upgrading to more eco-friendly/sustainable methods of energy and insulation.

With growing education and technology in green sustainable energy and building resources, Michigan has taken actions to ensure safety and health is a top priority in this great state.  Non-profit organizations such as Michigan GREEN, consists of energy consultants and companies who have joined forces with schools, government agencies and conscious individuals to promote the cause of renewable and green efficiency throughout the U.S.

Its goals include increasing public awareness on energy efficiency, renewable energy and application of new green technologies to increase the youth’s awareness of energy conservation.

 Summer Enjoyment,

Harlan Coben’s, “THE INNOCENT”.

            This book is full of twist and turns.  Matt Hunter, as a boy, accidently kills another boy while attempting to break up a fight.  Matt is not a fighter.  It seems the law wanted to make an example out of Matt.  He is put in prison.

            Before Matt does time, he meet’s Olivia.  After Matt dies time, he meets Olivia again.  They marry.  After compromising pictures of Olivia are sent to Matt’s cell phone, the investigation begins.  The past is full of deadly secret’s.  No one is exempt from lying.  Olivia’s secret past only helps her to understand Matt.

After reading this book, we have to wonder, how well we know our spouses back ground.  Do we know everything?  Better yet, how much faith do we have in our spouses? 

            This book is an active suspense.  Easy and comfortable reading.

I received yet another home inspection report that is the bad, the ugly and the negative.

            Why can't the inspections include positive features?  I asked yet another inspector that question again today, "Liability".  Please...

            In this world of doubt and negativity would it really be so bad to list some good traits and features of a home on the inspection report.  Liability?  In my state, Michigan, Home Inspectors are not licensed by the state.  At the end of the inspection they buyer signs a waiver and hold harmless.  Liability?

             I was also told the inspection is supposed to only point out defects.  UGH...  

I was told I am the only agent ever unhappy with this person's inspection.  I'm not unhappy, I would just like to see positive remarks too. 

 Well, many agents won't make suggestions or comments to an inspector for fear the inspector will trash the next home this agent has inspected.  Most agents will just take the inspector off the list.
                             I said, "isn't it nice we are talking...  agents talk to each other", we just want the postive with the negitive...

           Someone correct me if I'm wrong.  I would love to hear the reason why positive remarks should not be on a home inspection.

SAIL by James Patterson and Howard Roughan…

            LOVED IT!    Action, mystery…How far would you go to save your family?  If in trouble, would your distant family unite?  This story is about a family that needs to find their way back to each other.  The mom (a Dr.) thinks a family vacation is the way.

            A planned sailing trip ends up in havoc and sadness.  Do you know your children’s step parents?  What does the step parents gain if the parents die?

This is a must read…fast, easy and intriguing.