NAR Goes to Capitol Hill on Appraisals for VA Home Loan Program

It’s no secret that a professional appraisal is key to getting a clear understanding of the home purchase. It’s an important part of ensuring that buyers pay a fair price for their new home, and buyers who utilize the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Home Loan Guaranty Program are no exception.

Realtors® took to Capitol Hill today to champion the good work happening at the VA, but also to warn Members of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs of the challenges facing appraisers who serve the Home Loan Guaranty Program.

Michelle Bradley, Immediate Past Chair of the National Association of Realtors® Real Property Valuation Committee, testified before the HVAC’s Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity to offer her expertise as a state-certified general real property appraiser. She told Members of the Committee that despite the good work happening within the program, regulatory burdens remain that need attention.

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“America’s veterans have been well-served for years by VA’s appraisal system, and professionals in the business should be proud of their good work,” Bradley said. “Unfortunately, that system is under tremendous pressure today.”

For over 70 years, the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program has served veterans and active duty service members with zero-down payment options and by encouraging private lenders to offer favorable terms on home loans.

Veterans made up 18 percent of homebuyers in a recent NAR survey, with over half of those buyers turning to a VA loan to finance their home purchase. That means getting the program right is important, but Bradley pointed out a number of impediments to continuing the current level of service.

“What we’ve found is that, among appraisers, there’s a real reluctance to work with the VA,” Bradley said. “Generally, appraisers are dissatisfied with the level of compensation they’re receiving for their work. It’s also harder than ever for trainees to enter the field, not just within the VA system but across the industry, which only adds to the perception of an appraiser shortage. This overall regulatory burden is a significant issue, and we have to turn things around.”

Despite these  challenges, Bradley sounded optimistic as she faced the Committee.

“What we have today isn’t perfect, but it’s an important part of ensuring veterans and active-service members are protected when using a VA home loan,” Bradley said. “NAR looks forward to working with the VA and Members of Congress to improve this system in the years to come.”

For more on the subject, NAR recently released fresh survey data from over 2,000 appraisers within the industry. That’s available online here: http://narnewsline.blogs.realtor.org/2017/03/16/appraiser-survey-shows-challenges-remain-for-practitioners/

If you’re a veteran considering purchasing a home give me a call for more information about the VA loan program – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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17412 E Bobwhite Way Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$2,999,999
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,227 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766185
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled within the well-sought-after guarded gate community of Trilogy at Verde River, this luxury residence epitomizes refined living with its prime location overlooking the 4th Green and breathtaking mountain vistas. Situated on an expansive 24,500+ sqft lot, no detail was spared in the design of this exquisite home. The grand entry foyer is a showstopper, featuring dramatic high ceilings and elegantly surrounded by sleek tile walls, creating a stunning first impression. As you enter the great room, you'll be captivated by the refined upgrades, including dropped beamed ceilings, floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and clean, neutral tones that enhance the spacious interior. Natural light floods the room through skylights and a center-open multi-panel sliding glass door, seamlessly connecting to the resort-style backyard. The gourmet kitchen features an island with designer pendant lighting, complemented by high-end stainless-steel appliances and stacked cabinetry. The strategically placed butler pantry bridges the kitchen and dining room and is complete with 2 wine refrigerators. The entertainment room is spacious and fitted with a sink, beverage refrigerator, built-in cabinetry, and a sliding door that opens up to the covered patio! The primary suite exudes luxury with built-in cabinets, custom shutters, and an ensuite bathroom featuring a soaking tub, dual-entry tiled shower, bidet toilet, and his-and-her custom walk-in closets by Classy Closets. The private casita has an entrance from the front courtyard and offers a living room, bedroom, and ensuite. This luxurious backyard is an entertainer's dream, featuring an oversized pool with mesmerizing fountains that change colors, creating a private water show against the backdrop of stunning mountain views. The elevated spa adds a touch of relaxation, while the custom pergola offers a high-top counter, a TV, and an EVO grill, BBQ, and cooktop. Whether hosting or unwinding, this space blends beauty and functionality for unforgettable outdoor living. This home offers a blend of elegance and comfort, perfect for those seeking the pinnacle of desert living in Trilogy at Verde River. The amenities at Trilogy at Verde River are World Class with Tom Lehman-inspired eighteen-hole golf course, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and bocce ball, heated lap pool and resort-style swimming pool, hot tub, Afterburn fitness center, Helen's demonstration Kitchen for cooking classes and a 7.5 acre dog park. The community center has casual poolside dining at Eddy's Diner and gourmet dining at award-winning Needle Rock Kitchen and Tap, Alvea Spa with full-service Salon and Spa amenities, Art Loft and events center. Trilogy at Verde River is adjacent to the Tonto National Forest and is situated in the middle of miles and miles of hiking and biking trails.

7702 N Moonlight Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$2,999,999
5 Beds
6.5 Baths
6,214 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745821
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
THE MOST STUNNING VIEWS IN PARADISE VALLEY! Seize the extraordinary and rare chance to own a prime 1.2-acre hillside lot offering sweeping, awe-inspiring views of Camelback Mountain, Mummy Mountain, the McDowell Mountains, Pinnacle Peak, and the shimmering city lights below. This hilltop sanctuary is nestled in the prestigious Tatum Canyon enclave in the heart of Paradise Valley. Privately gated and situated at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac, the property currently features a livable soft contemporary-style home. Its prime location is just moments from the Paradise Valley Golf and Country Club, the new Ritz Carlton Resort, Camelback Inn & Spa, and a variety of upscale shopping and dining options. Remodel the existing 6,200 SqFt home or create the estate of your dreams— no HOA restrictions.

3500 E Lincoln Drive Unit 22 Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,999,999
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,241 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6729102
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your GUARD GATED serene retreat on over half an acre along the mountainside of Lincoln Hills with city views of the valley! Enter into the open concept floorplan with newer ACs, roof w/ 5 year warranty, water purification system, updated flooring, solid core doors, and updated ceiling fans and light fixtures throughout. Remodeled chef's kitchen with top of the line Sub-Zero fridge, 4 burner gas cooktop plus griddle, all new cabinets/ pull outs, RO system, prep sink, and wine fridge. Luxury primary suite with extended balcony overlooking the mountain and city views. Flex game room designed for indoor/outdoor style living with glass garage doors. Private backyard oasis with multiple private patios, pool, outdoor kitchen with gas BBQ, dishwasher, and fridge. Come take a look today

2402 E Esplanade Lane Unit 902 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$2,999,999
2 Beds
3 Baths
3,542 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6738813
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Biltmore area of Phoenix, this luxurious ninth-floor condominium residence offers over 3,500 square feet of contemporary elegance. The expansive floor plan features impressive entertaining spaces with breathtaking views to the downtown Phoenix skyline and beyond. Floor to ceiling windows plus two oversized balconies highlight these vistas and provide ideal natural light. As expected, top-of-the-line finishes and modern design elements abound, from beautiful light real oak wood floors to Wolf, Subzero and Miele appliances. Twp private and separated en suite bedrooms plus a dedicated office/study and powder room complete this perfect home. Esplanade Place offers true luxury lock and leave living along with the highest standards for residence security, including on-site guard, controlled garage and floor access, on-site valet, full exercise gym and steam rooms, large club room for entertaining with catering kitchen, roof-top pool, gas grills for residents plus a dedicated dog run area. Condominium residences of this size and level of finish are difficult to find in the greater Phoenix/Scottsdale market. This offering is truly a gem!

30505 N Sage Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$2,999,995
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,483 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777345
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning contemporary home situated in Blackstone Country Club boasts elegance and sophistication. All furnishings included! With exquisite modern finishes throughout, this brand new home offers breathtaking golf course and mountain views from the 12th Fairway. The 50-foot long heated PebbleTec pool is perfect for relaxation, exercise and entertaining. The kitchen is a chef's dream with glossy acrylic high-end cabinetry, gorgeous quartz countertops, and top-of-the-line Thermador and Sub-Zero appliances, 2 dishwashers and includes a hidden butler pantry with ample wine refrigerator. The attention to detail in this home is impeccable, featuring expansive windows that seamlessly integrate with the outdoor landscaping. Wait until you see this gem! Other notable features include a custom sculpture at the entryway, 14-foot ceilings, luxury automatic window treatments, a library with built-in bookcases, and a separate TV viewing room. Three large bedrooms all include baths and exits to the pool area. This home was built with no steps and includes air-conditioned garage space. Blackstone is a guard-gated community with a private Country Club which has an optional membership.

2150 E Belmont Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85020

$2,999,995
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,716 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6643007
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Biltmore Highlands, located on a hillside bordering the Phoenix Mountain Preserve Piestewa Peak. This residence combines nature's tranquility with urban convenience, offering breathtaking & unobstructed mountain, and city views! Minimalist-style kitchen with ample storage, and a complete butler pantry. The primary bedroom has a sizable walk-in closet w/built-ins and a lavish ensuite with dual sinks & soaking tub. The upstairs laundry room is complete with sink & cabinetry. Discover the entertainer's backyard, where an elevated negative edge pool awaits for refreshing swims, or chill and take in the mountain views. The rooftop party deck is an excellent spot to savor those amazing sunsets complete with an outdoor kitchen. You have a private gate to access the Phoenix Mountain Preserve! The scrim that covers the front and east side of the home creates a solar passage, increasing efficiency, privacy, and once it rust it will allow the home to blend with its desert surroundings. A huge covered patio in front of the home allows you to enjoy indoor-outdoor living when opening your matching 4-panel pocket doors and 8 pivot doors, doubling your space for entertaining. World-class hiking right out your back gate! Just Minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, Sky Harbor Airport, and downtown Phoenix. Located near the 51 freeway, without the noise, that gets you to the 10 or the 101 freeways in minutes.

7180 E Kierland Boulevard Unit 1218 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$2,999,990
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,838 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765853
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Discover the height of luxury living in this breathtaking contemporary penthouse 2-bedrooms, 2.5 baths with floor to ceiling windows throughout with open concept living room and dining room area for entertaining and be blown away by the stunning city views of Kierland, Paradise Valley, and Camelback Mtns. Entertain with a view in the contemporary gourmet kitchen. Designed to impress guests with a large island, custom cabinetry, gas stove, Bosh appliances, and wine fridge which leads into an elegant dining room with stunning views of the city and mountains. The spacious primary bedroom suite with breathtaking sunset views Unit includes 2 reserved underground parking spaces. Enjoy the buildings state of the art design and amenities, which include; a resort style rooftop pool, large sitting area with firepits, saunas, steam rooms, several BBQs, full size kitchen, party room, full size gym, yoga room, full racket court, game room, full size basketball court, pickleball court, golf simulator, business office, and dog park. Enjoy the convenience of being minutes away from the retail shopping at Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland

10460 E Quartz Rock Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,999,900
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,112 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755408
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful recently updated home is located in gated Troon Fairways which is adjacent to private country club or Troon featuring a Tom Weiskopf championship golf course. The home features spectacular view of Pinnacle Peak, Troon & McDowell Mountains as well as city lights. The 5,112,sf, 4 bedroom en-suite home is all on one level except for a lower level home theater and wine storage. Nearly every room has been updated with the finest finishes and features including updated baths, white oak wood and Travertine floors, new stainless-steel appliances, two dishwashers, center island kitchen, walk-in pantry, Lutron lighting, new pool equipment, home water filtration system, view deck, new roof, new low-e windows, new HVAC, epoxy coated oversized 3 car garage and much more.

7150 E Sierra Vista Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$2,999,500
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,490 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737874
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Almost 50 acres on one of the highest view parcels North of Cave Creek. Pristine high desert vegetation and incredible 360 degree views from the mountaintop. Rare opportunity and stellar home will be sure to woo you with the peacefulness, privacy, and setting. Vacant land parcel is 38.5 acres plus the home is on 9.9 acres. This home is priced right and ready to sell. Nothing in the area compares and homes rarely come on the market in this area. Remodeled in 2017 w/high-end modern finishes while preserving the integrity of the original homestead built in 1975. Massive great room/dining room overlooking view/pool with extensive patios. The 676 sqft casita has 1 bdrm & bath, kitchenette & great room w/deck. Don't miss an opportunity to own this one of a kind property!

10 Ranch House Circle Sedona, AZ 86336

$2,999,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
5,580 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756415
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Doodlebug Ranch, the First of Three Historic Properties Homesteaded in Sedona & Featured on TV! No HOA and STR Friendly, this is truly a one of a kind spectacular setting on 1.25 acres & stroll to Oak Creek! Relive history in this Rustic Rambling Ranch Home and a Cowboy Bunkhouse built in 1936 with river rock harvested from Oak Creek and Wood Beams brought in on Horseback from Oregon! The Massive Covered Front Porch beckons you to cool off and rejuvenate in the oversized Adirondack Chairs listening to the melodies of the creek and wind blowing through the massive oak and sycamore trees. Step back in time and marvel at the craftsmanship of the rock walls, multiple fireplaces and varied rich textures of wood and stone. Sellers Modernized the Lodge 2022. Main house sleeps 10 & features two Primary Bedrooms. Main Level Primary is spacious and secluded at one end of the home. Upper level Primary features a HUGE walk-in closet, Clawfoot Tub, Balcony, Skylight over the Bed for Stargazing as you fall into a peaceful slumber. Play some darts during Happy Hour in The Bourbon Lounge. Magical memories gatherings happen in the Open Kitchen Dining Combo with two-story high ceilings which seats twelve comfortably on the natural flagstone floor. Chef's kitchen boasts butcher block Island to prep your favorite culinary delights and finish them off on the Forno 5-burner gas cooktop. Be blown away by the design of the Massive River Rock Fireplace and the intricate floor to ceiling tree trunk support beams. Just steps away is Cowboy Bunkhouse which sleeps four and features two separate cozy and comfy dwellings. Guests will experience the simplicity, privacy and tranquility that generations before have enjoyed. Other than a few modern additions, this cabin-like treasure is the real deal! When it's time to celebrate life, congregate with guests in the massive lush green backyard and let the fun begin. While the chef is preparing the BBQ feast, take a stroll over to the creek or around the grounds to admire the metal sculptures and gardens, play croquet, backgammon, hide 'n seek, or take a snooze in the shade under one of many towering trees. Be sure to look for the first boulder excavated from Chapel Of The Holy Cross site, which can be admired and awed forever in the backyard. At night, relax and rejuvenate in the hot tub while gazing into the dark celestial skies of Sedona. This amazing property also has a three-car garage with laundry/utility station. As if this lifestyle couldn't get any better, membership is available next door at Poco Diablo Resort where you and your guests can enjoy the resort amenities. Or visit their restaurant as an additional dining option. Be sure to order one of their famous Bee Sting Cocktails at the bar! This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a historical property in beautiful Sedona. Coconino Parcel 40144047 included in sale. Won't last long so make it yours today!

14225 N River Ridge Road Coolidge, AZ 85128

$2,999,000
5 Beds
6 Baths
7,312 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765271
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning one of a kind custom home featuring quiet living and space! This 7200 square foot home sits on 12 secluded acres of beautiful desert landscaping with views of the Superstition Mountains. Immediately fall in love as you enter the large arched door that opens to a gorgeous open floor plan highlighted with sprawling ceilings, copper fireplace, and the largest kitchen island you've ever seen! Features include large sparkling pool, travertine floors, beautiful balcony, basement, screened in back porch, guest quarters with kitchenette, butlers pantry, 2 laundry rooms, 2 soaking tubs, celestial windows, real wood floors, custom real wood doors, tons of storage, air conditioned garage with 3-16ft doors, two wells, and a guest home! And so much more!

15 E Country Club Drive Phoenix, AZ 85014

$2,999,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
5,154 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781198
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
If you're looking for the convenience of the Phoenix Country Club look no further. For the first time in 30 years the Lane Estate is on the market! This classic ranch has a red tile roof and welcoming courtyard. The lush landscaping draws you into the comfort of this 5 bedroom, 5 bath home. The additional features include a formal living room, 2 family rooms, office, fully tiled pool, 3 fireplaces and a 5 car garage! Just across the private street is the golf shop, pool, tennis courts and locker rooms. It doesn't get better than this! Come see for yourself and imagine living across the street from the Phoenix Country Club! Luxury and convenience are steps away!

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