What standards
do appraisers use to estimate value?
A:
Appraisers use
several factors when estimating value including
historical records, property performance, condition of
the home and indices that forecast future value. For
detailed information on appraisal standards, contact the
Appraisal Institute at 875 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2400,
Chicago, IL 60611-1980; (312) 335-4458.
Q:
Where do I get
information about housing discrimination?
A:
For
information about housing discrimination, call the U.S.
Department of Justice at (202) 514-2000, 950
Pennsylvania Ave., NW DC 20530 or your local U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development office.
For detailed information, the booklet, "Your Loan is
Denied, Defending Yourself Against Mortgage Lending
Discrimination," is available from the Center for
Investigative Reporting, 500 Howard Street, Suite 206,
San Francisco, CA 94105-3008 or call (415) 543-1200.
Q:
Where do I get
information about closing costs?
A:
For more on
closing costs, ask for the "Consumer?s Guide to Mortgage
Settlement Costs," Federal Reserve Bank of San
Francisco, Public Information Department, P.O. Box 7702,
San Francisco, CA 94120 or call (415) 974-2163.
Q:
Where do I get
information on housing market stats?
A:
A real estate
agent is a good source for finding out the status of the
local housing market. So is your statewide association
of REALTORS®, most of which are continuously compiling
such statistics from local real estate boards.
For overall housing statistics, U.S. Housing Markets
regularly publishes quarterly reports on home building
and home buying. Your local builders association
probably gets this report. If not, the housing research
firm is located in Canton, Mich.; call (800) 755-6269
for information; the firm also maintains an Internet
site. Finally, check with the U.S. Bureau of the Census
in Washington, D.C.; (301) 495-4700. The census bureau
also maintains a site on the Internet. The Chicago Title
company also has published a pamphlet, "Who's Buying
Homes in America." Write Chicago Title and Trust Family
of Title Insurers, 171 North Clark St., Chicago, IL
60601-3294.
Q:
How do I reach
the IRS?
A:
To reach the
Internal Revenue Service, call (800) TAX-1040.
Q:
Where do I get
information about finding a real estate attorney?
A:
To find a real
estate attorney, contact your local bar association,
which may offer local referral services. You may also
ask friends or your real estate agent for their
recommendations. When you have several names, call each
to find out about fees and their level of experience.
Q:
Where do I get
information on home market stats and trends?
A:
A real estate
agent is a good source for finding out the status of the
local housing market. So is your statewide association
of REALTORS®, most of which are continuously compiling
such statistics from local real estate boards.
For overall housing statistics, U.S. Housing Markets
regularly publishes quarterly reports on home building
and home buying. Your local builders association
probably gets this report. If not, the housing research
firm is located in 4200 Koppernick Rd #40,
Canton,Mich.48187; call (800) 755-6269 for information;
the firm also maintains an Internet site. Finally, check
with the U.S. Bureau of the Census in Washington, D.C.;
(301) 495-4700. The census bureau also maintains a site
on the Internet. The Chicago Title company also has
published a pamphlet, "Who's Buying Homes in America."
Write Chicago Title and Trust Family of Title Insurers,
171 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60601-3294.
Q:
How do I find
a home inspector?
A:
Your realty
agent is one source. Inspectors are listed in the yellow
pages. You can ask for referrals from friends. Ask for
their credentials, such as contractor's license or
engineering certificate. Also, check out their
references.
