What is a BPO in Real Estate?

BPO stands for "Broker Price Opinion." That's on real estate professional's evaluation, statement of value, educated opinion. They are often used to "replace" a full appraisal. They can be faster and cheaper. The BPO of a residential property is conducted by a local, licensed real estate professional. The report combines information from a drive-by exterior examination, external data sources, previous sale data, property assessment data, recent comparable sales and current neighborhood listings, as well as a photograph of the subject property. The BPO includes estimate of repairs to obtain fair market value, neighborhood information, and value estimate (90, 120, 180 day marketing time for "as is" and "as repaired" values). Photographs include subject and street scene photographs. Front photographs of all comparable sales are also available for an additional fee. This product is not an appraisal and does not include an inspection of the interior of the property. There are Residential BPOs and Commercial BPOs. In today's market, banks or brokers may want a BPO to negotiate a Short Sale. More questions? Call your financial wiz: Pat Townsley, Mortgage Broker. 415-485-1776. http://www.ptre.net/

Soft Market Policies: More challenges for loans

New and tougher underwriting policies are on the rise in markets where the trend is for declining property values. The banks, in order to avoid future over-leveraged properties (via continually decreasing values) and maintain a reasonable equity position in the loan to value (to protect themselves)n have identified many geographical areas as "Soft Markets" and will require either MORE down payment on PURCHASE or on a REFI, you may be out of luck, outside of lender guidelines or even "upside down" on your mortgage. If it's Money Down, Upside Down, or Goose Down Pillows...Soft Markets are on the rise. One more reason to TAKE ACTION NOW on any refinancing and to sock away more money. I'm here to help and advise. Don't get left down and out. Pat Townsley, Mortgage Broker. 415-485-1776. http://www.ptre.net/