cartoon by Scott Heming

The Truth About Appraisals and HVCC
HVCC stands for Home Valuation Code of Conduct and its goal, in a nutshell, is to remove the appraiser from influence by the lender/investor, loan officer or client by mandating appraisals be ordered through an AMC (Appraisal Management Company). The AMC's purpose is to fulfill the administrative function in the appraisal process, including selecting an appraiser and delivering the appraisal report to the lender. No contact between parties connected to the lender and the appraiser is allowed. These rules exist to allow the appraiser to do their job free from the pressure of those looking to gain financially in the transaction. HVCC's objective is noble in its purpose, yet as is often the case with government regulations, has produced many unintended consequences. The obvious consequence is the increase in cost for appraisal, with the average cost having increased by 33 percent. Since the management company now controls the assignment and must be paid for their service, the appraiser is making less than pre-HVCC, yet due to new forms and guidelines are producing more work. The result of this environment leads to unintended consequence Number Two: Experienced appraisers are leaving the industry and not being replaced. The result: less-qualified appraisers covering a larger area that they are less likely to be familiar with market conditions. Appraisal orders are talking longer to fulfill and the quality of those appraisals can sometimes suffer. Talk to your local lender when looking to purchase or refinance. Local lenders usually shy away from National AMCs the big banks use and typically do business with AMCs comprised of local appraisers. This will insure your home purchase or refinance will be evaluated by an appraiser familiar to your area and local to your community.
Andy Boron of Augusta Financial 291-2242

Best Deal in Sand Canyon
You won't want to miss this captivating, grand single-story pool home with an excellent end-of-street location. Boasting a huge lot with RV parking, your new four-bed, four-bath, plus-office home is approximately 4,264 square feet. Gander at the gorgeous classic formal living and dining rooms and then saunter to the game room - complete with a bar! The efficient kitchen features stainless-steel appliances, granite counter tops, pull outs in the cabinets, a double oven, a sub-zero refrigerator, walk-in pantry with sub-zero freezer and so much more. The newer tile is so pretty! Every bedroom has a walk-in closet and secondary bedrooms have their own baths. The fantastic private yard includes a sparkling pool and spa as well as two fabulous fire pits. There are two air conditioning units for your comfort, plus two water heaters, a central vacuum and soft-water unit, too. Bonus: This home has tons of storage throughout the house and garage. You won't be disappointed! Listed at $999,999
Kathy Watterson of RE/MAX Santa Clarita knows that relationships matter. Put her 28 years of experience to work for you. 510-0321

Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Find out where you fall in the following categories to help solve your moving indecision.

Financial Reasons With the increased appreciation of your home, it may be the ideal time to sell and invest the value of your home in something else. Or... Buckle up and hang on for the ride, it could rise even higher!

Spatial Perception For whatever reason, the layout of your home may no longer work well. Consider moving to a better layout. Or... Stick around and re-stage.

Family Proximity The trek to grandkids, nieces, nephews, and/or aging parents could be getting tiresome, requiring a relocation. Or... You're situated with a good job, and you enjoy your space.
A New Era Consider a new home to meet the demands of various chapters of your life - too crowded, too empty, etc. Or... Stay and enjoy the equity in your home instead of starting again.
Health Issues Arthritis, joint replacements and other health challenges may require a change of space.

Or... A remodel could solve your mobility problems easier than a relocation.
Camelot Moving & Storage 255-3112

Entertainers' Tropical Delight with Pool and Spa
This beautiful home on a large private lot features four beds, three baths and a downstairs den that can be converted to a fifth bedroom. You and your family will benefit from the energy-efficient solar system, gorgeous yards with lush landscaping, gated pool and spa, built in barbecue with a bar, a second yard with covered patio and expansive play area for children and pets. You'll love the upgraded flooring and wood shutters, granite counters in the kitchen, long bar for extra dining space and stainless-steel appliances. Entertain in the large dining area and family room with built-in entertainment center and cozy fireplace. Gaze out of every window to see trees and nature. Upstairs, experience a large loft for a media area, a spacious master with large walk-in closet, sunken tub and separate shower. The nice-size secondary bedrooms have mirrored wardrobe doors and custom built ins in every closet. The convenient upstairs laundry room has built-in cabinets. There are no mello roos or HOA. Listed at $685,000.
Cynthia Conmay of RE/MAX of Santa Clarita and Valencia has served her lifetime clients and their family and friends for 31 years with a distinctive "dedication to results." 904-3590