Richard Glesser's (richardglesser) Blog

Traditionally, the local MLS data has been private information available to only members with strict penalties for providing access to non-members.  With the development of the internet, information has become less priviledged.  I have recently done some appraisal work for a national vendor which...

Much confusion appears throughout the real estate world as to the correct terminology for factory-built properties which are now considered to be real property.  It is my hope that in this short series of posts, the differences can be clarified. Essentially, there are two types of factory-built h...

Over the past 18 months, I have paid special attention to market trends and values throughout Northern Michigan.  I have isolated several markets and completed an in-depth sales analysis on each.  The conclusion reached is that, while values have not risen as had been the trend for the past 10-15...

Everyone's pointing the finger at someone for the mortgage and foreclosure mess of today's market.  He's one to pull at your heartstrings. Just called to schedule a VA foreclosure appraisal inspection.  The guy just got back from deployment to find his savings, wife, and family gone.  Add to that...

I don't like paying to fill up any more than the next guy.  But while everyone (me included) complains about the rising gas prices, I took a moment to reflect on the overall effect on my bottom line. The other day I drove about 2 hours round trip to complete an inspection.  That required about 6 ...

Actively appraising and also reviewing many appraisal reports in Northern Michigan, I am aware that it is common practice for appraisers to use the MLS photos in their reports for the comparable sales.  I personally do this because the Realtor had the opportunity to select the best view of the su...

Located in a relatively rural area which is extremely widespread, I have for several years utilized the MLS photos in my report.  This does not replace viewing them in person, but also does not require me to revisit properties for each report.  As of yet, no report has been rejected based upon th...

I just completed another review and, when pulling up the comps on the MLS, recognized all the photos in the report.  I've asked appraisers many times and read posts in various chat rooms regarding use of MLS photos and everyone hurries into the pulpit and peaches against the sins of those apprais...

So about 5 p.m. the Friday beginning Memorial Day Weekend, I get a call from a client (AMC) wanting a drive-by completed by Tuesday.  I reluctantly agree cautioning that it can only be done with lender cooperation since public offices are closed for the weekend.  Of course the lender is also unav...

The more I read on the internet in the financial areas regarding the rising oil prices, the more I must wonder if they are not, in part, a biproduct of the mortgage meltdown.  The common belief appears to be that reserves are ample and supply & demand are not fueling the rising oil prices but rat...