[StBernard] Craig or Wes

[Westley Annis]

Butch,

I've already done "countless" appraisals for property owners for this very
purpose - in every neighborhood from Arabi to Verret .  I've spent a few
hours on the phone with the IRS gurus in their regional offices to learn
what it is they are looking for should somone be using an appraisal for tax
write off purposes - and that involves having a "Pre" and "Post" Katrina
value.  As a result, I've appraised properties with values under $60,000 and
more than $500,000.  Even if the home was completely destroyed, I learned
specifically how the IRS wants the property to be appraised for Pre and Post
disaster values.  I know of some appraisers who are going about determining
Post Katrina values incorrectly for tax write off purposes.  Their error
ends up showing less of a loss for the property owner to write off.

Also, to address your second point.  Yes, the SBA is doing appraisals (or at
least they call it an appraisal) on your property if you are trying to get
assistance from them.  I can tell you this...I've been hired by 14
homeowners to appraise their properties for "Pre and Post" Katrina values to
refute the so called SBA appraisal because they are grossly under-valuing
properties.  But here's the joke in all this - the appraisers for SBA aren't
even licensed appraisers - and the method by which they come up with your
home's pre-hurricane value is contrary to the acceptable methods of
apprasing - by law.  I've reported this to the attorney for the Louisiana
Appraiser's Board and they are looking into it.  It's a violation of state
statute to perform any act of determining a value to real property unless
you are licensed.

First, you need to find out if you really even need an appraisal - because
you might not.  Many people won't qualify for the tax write offs.  That's
why I ask serveral questions of you first before you waste money on a
service you won't benefit from.  That's also why I strongly recommend first
speaking with a CPA.

I lived in Chalmette all my life and lost my home like everyone else.  I'd
be glad to answer any questions you might have - even if you want to use
another appraiser.

John Scurich
Louisiana Licensed / Certified Appraiser

985-882-9421 / 504-722-6662
email: scurich at bellsouth.net