NAR released their May Existing-Home Sales Report on Tuesday. Fortunately chief economist Lawrence Yun has the answer to why the housing market remains weak – appraisers:
“…the increase in sales is less than expected because poor appraisals are stalling transactions. Pending home sales indicated much stronger activity, but some contracts are falling through from faulty valuations that keep buyers from getting a loan.”
“Lenders are using appraisers who may not be familiar with a neighborhood, or who compare traditional homes with distressed and discounted sales,” he said. “In the past month, stories of appraisal problems have been snowballing from across the country with many contracts falling through at the last moment. There is danger of a delayed housing market recovery and a further rise in foreclosures if the appraisal problems are not quickly corrected.”
Mr. Yun is now insisting that appraisers ignore market conditions so houses can sell – isn’t that convenient?
Since every market is local, nobody can rightfully make generalizations about how foreclosures should or shouldn’t be used as comparables in an appraisal. They may be inconvenient, but they are real and often can’t just be ignored. As a Realtor you just have to be aware how they effect your market when writing an offer.
