Appraisal & Marketing Associates Incorporated

August 18, 2016Dear [redacted]:While I understand the nature of this property owner's issue, our firm was not engaged to prepare an appraisal of her property. We were engaged by the lender to form an opinion as to whether or not the property had a highest and best use of single family residential...

use. We were engaged by the lender to view the property and inform them of certain facts. We were not hired by the lender to prepare an appraisal.Our firm reviewed the deed, the zoning, the public tax assessment records, the Northumberland County GIS mapping, and the property record card. Although the conversation with the property owner was brief, it would have identified the need to confirm that the subject property was indeed used as a single family home and that no agricultural business was carried on at the site. The owner confirmed that the small barns were for residential use and we agree. The owner confirmed that the excess/surplus land was leased to a local farmer and that the income received from this lease was minor, we agree. The stated primary purpose of the lease to the farmer was to ensure the continued maintenance of the land, we agree.We did not respond to the email of the property owner because we were engaged by a lender. Our communications are restricted to remain confidential with the lender client. We developed and reported our opinion to the lender who apparently transmitted the results to this property owner. Due to these confidentiality restrictions with our client, we are not permitted to engage in discussions with property owners subsequent to the completion of our reports.Often times, lenders will classify properties for their purposes. (Residential, agricultural, commercial, investment, second home vacation and so forth) These classifications are based upon their criteria. In this case we were asked to form an opinion as to whether or not the property had a highest and best use of single family residential use. We did form an opinion and advised our client of those results.Although we would have preferred to respond to the property owner, our procedure under the terms of our engagement is to allow our client, the lender, to deal with their customer, the property owner, under the policies they have established. The resolution of the matter is between the lender and the property owner.I hope this letter serves to assist you in understanding that our efforts prepared for our client were carried out in a reasonable and professional manner. If I can be of any further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me personally.Respectfully submitted,Richard D. MAL, CPEPresident