My New Blog

As many of us know, pending sales in the Fort Myers area have picked up.  This is also noted in Cape Coral.  All we need now is the lenders.  I know that the lending institutions and banks are gun shy and have strict appraisal guidelines.  I have been adding statistics and extra comparables to my reports along with a complete narative on the market.

When Appraising in this market, it is important to be willing to take the time and mileage to do the job right.  I have placed as many a 7 comparable sales on reports along with 2 recent listings.  In most cases the lenders are satisfied.  There are a few lenders that would rather rely on an AVM than a complete appraisal.  AVM's are ok for a market analysis, but are inferior when it comes to appraising specific properties. 

I believe that soon, lenders will realize that if they do not originate any new loans, they are not making money,  so this will sort itself out.  They are missing out on well priced properties with qualified buyers.

Lets hope these pending sales turn into closed sales and life can move on in Ft. Myers.

Call me for quality reporting for appraisals in Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita, Cape Coral and Lehigh.

I have noticed a distinct pick up in pending sales in the MLS.  It will take awhile for inventory to straighten out, and even longer for building of new homes to pick up.  I am however optimistic that the great prices are bringing in the buyers.

One Realtor that I know has closed 30 houses this year.  He has a large bank of buyers waiting for the right house at the right price.  They are up against other bidders.  All good news for the Lee County area. 

When appraising Ft. Myers, I noticed a rather large correction in the last part of 2007 and 2008.  Many of these areas held up better than others, however with bargains in Cape Coral,  the Ft. Myers market had to adjust in order to compete.

I was doing a manufactured home in the Iona area for insurance valuation.  I noticed that the market appears quite stable for Fee Simple Manufactured in that area.  The opposite is true for PUDS.  Builder close outs are still affecting these more upscale communities in Iona.

Still all in all, activity is picking up and the end of this downturn appears to be coming to an end. 

I have helped several owners of manufactured homes with their issues regarding insurance.  Many insurers will accept a certified appraisal to determine replacement costs.  Contact me for more information.

I can appraiser manufactured or mobile homes both on leased sites or fee simple ownership.  Coverage areas for appraisals is Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties.  Summer special in Ft. Myers $250.00 for full manufactured home appraisal.

Having served as special magistrate for the Lee County Clerk of Court for 2 years,  I have seen many petitioners denied because they did not have the correct evidence to win the petition.  Many times it appears they have a good case, however no knowledge of what is evidence.  It costs the tax payers a lot of money to pay people like me to hear and review the evidence provided by the petitioners. 

Although it is a conflict for me to perform appraisals for this purpose in Lee County,  I can offer advise to help determine what is evidence for reducing your taxes.  Check out your trim notice and refer to www.leepa.org for instructions and forms.