Someone found this blog last night by typing in the question, “Can I Use an Appraisal for a Loan Modification?” In case the answer was not found, I’d like to shed some light on the matter. The answer is maybe. When you are doing a loan modification you’ll need to consult with your agent, attorney or bank and do what they say. If you already have an appraisal in your hands that demonstrates fair market value for your property and it was recent (and reliable), you may be good to go. However, if you have an outdated appraisal, it might not be acceptable for your loan modification needs since the market has changed so rapidly over the past several years (and months). An older real estate appraisal is often no longer reliable because the market has very likely shifted down or up since the time the appraisal was completed (down most of the time lately).
I hope this helps to answer the question. Please let me know if you need any clarification and if there is anything I can do for you. I am very familiar with doing loan modification appraisals for attorneys and home owners, so I am glad to provide my services to households in the Greater Sacramento Region. Feel free to contact me at 916-595-3735 or www.lundquistcompany.com or LundquistCompany@gmail.com
I find myself doing quite a few FHA appraisals these days in light of the enormous popularity of FHA loans in the Greater Sacramento Region. Sometimes properties are able to easily meet FHA minimum standards, but other times houses might need just a little work (or quite a bit) to bring them up to the level required by HUD.
Market value is the most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller, each acting prudently, knowledgeably and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby: (1) buyer and seller are typically motivated; (2) both parties are well informed or well advised, and each acting in what he considers his own best interest; (3) a reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market; (4) payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and (5) the price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.