Appraisers Surveyed On State Of Housing Market

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Appraisers remain mildly encouraged by the current state of the housing market according to a recently completed survey conducted by United States Appraisals. When asked, "What is your current level of confidence in the housing market?" 49.6% of respondents answered mildly or moderately strong, while only 14.5% answered mildly or moderately weak. The survey was completed by United States Appraisals' nationwide panel of residential appraisers. United States Appraisals conducted the same poll after the first quarter of 2013 and plans to conduct the survey quarterly to monitor trends and opinions in their appraiser network.

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This level of confidence is slightly lower than polling conducted at the end of the first quarter when 54.5% indicated a mildly or moderately strong outlook. Neutral replies increased from 24.8% to 29.7%.

"Appraisers tend to focus on the local markets in which they work and are not typically concerned with national numbers or reporting," explained Aaron Fowler, President of United States Appraisals. "By polling our nationwide panel of local appraisers, we believe that in the aggregate we receive a solid interpretation of the national marketplace. Overall, it is good to see continued optimism in our appraiser community."

Opinions were slightly higher regarding home values with 70.7% of respondents reporting an increase in values in their area vs. 65.4% at the end of the first quarter. Only 6.6% of respondents reported value depreciation in their areas.

The polling also revealed a large shift in order volume, which mirrors the recent decline in mortgage applications. 33% reported decreased volume in the quarter vs. only 15% reporting decreased volume in the prior period.

Several comments regarding the housing market showed concerns, particularly for low inventory and low rates:

"Looks due for a hit if interest rates rise."

"Low inventory. Homes priced correctly are moving."

"Maybe increasing a little too fast due to low inventories."

"Overall, indicators are positive. I worry about the remaining stock of foreclosures and short sales."

"The market is trending upward with outside influence from the US government and foreign influence."

"Worried about artificial interest rates. They will have to go up."

"We value the input of our appraisers," added Fowler. "We want to make sure we stay engaged, address their concerns and understand their vision of the marketplace."

About United States Appraisals
Headquartered in the Kansas City area, United States Appraisals is a nationwide appraisal management company providing a comprehensive suite of residential valuation products to lenders and other mortgage origination firms. Led by a management team with over 120 combined years of mortgage and residential real estate experience, United States Appraisals provides its clients with a fully compliant appraisal solution that delivers superior customer service, unprecedented quality and cutting edge technology. United States Appraisals is a proud member of the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association and the Collateral Risk Network. For more information, visit the company's website at http://unitedstatesappraisals.com or call 1-888-562-0123.

Contact: Brad Summers, SVP - Marketing 913.951.2669 | [email protected]

SOURCE United States Appraisals