Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Animal Advocates, Los Angeles, California

Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Animal Advocates, Los Angeles, California
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Friday, August 10, 2012

Sample AMC appraisal guidelines to help real estate agents understand requirements of reports - Mary Cummins

Mary Cummins, Cummins Real Estate Services

 

This article is a response to an article in "Valuation Review." The article is titled  "Survey: Realtors report contracts still impacted by low appraisals. 'Realtors reported that a percentage of contracts are being canceled, delayed or renegotiated due to low valuations, blaming the process, inappropriate comparables, lender demands and AMC requirements for the issues that still plague the marketplace.'" 

 

 
Below is a sample of an Appraisal Management Company's (AMC) instructions to real estate appraisers. I took out all identifying information of the AMC and replaced it with “---.” People need to realize that we must follow all of these instructions. In the current market it is sometimes difficult if not impossible to find comparables that are similar to the subject and conform to these guidelines. In the past if we could not find comparables that met the guidelines, we could deviate and use other comparables as long as we explained things in detail. These guidelines are especially difficult with custom or luxury homes which don’t conform to the average home or with comparables that are short sales or foreclosures.
 
As you can see from these guidelines, appraisers now must do three times as much work than in previous years. Appraisers are now being paid less than half of the appraisal fee. The rest of the fee goes to the AMC. If we don’t follow these guidelines, we don’t get paid anything. If the client cancels the purchase or refinance contract, we also don’t get paid. If we are late, we don’t get paid. On top of this AMCs are making all orders rush orders. We have to complete all of this in two days from when the order was placed online, not from when we see the order or when we inspect the property. It sometimes takes a couple of calls to get an appointment to view, measure, inspect and photograph the subject property. Nowadays every appraisal is like a race. With condos it’s even more difficult as we must get information from the HOA or management company. 
 
I’m writing this just so people understand everything that’s involved in an appraisal for a conventional loan for purchase or refinance with a regular bank. 
 
----------------------------------------------------------------
 
“By accepting this assignment, the appraiser is acknowledging geographic familiarity and competence to complete and provide a supported opinion of value in compliance with USPAP and adherence to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and all other agency guidelines. The appraiser must act and dress professionally while inspecting the subject property. The appraisal will be relied on to make a lending decision, the reader of the report must be able to understand how the appraiser arrived at their conclusion.
 
================================================= 
DO NOT PROCEED if the following conditions apply...
================================================= 
 
  • IF THE SUBJECT’S PRODUCT TYPE DIFFERS FROM THE ENGAGEMENT LETTER – STOP AND CALL --- 
  • * If the subject is a refinance but is currently listed or has been listed for sale in the prior 180 days.
  • You are not the appraiser specifically named on this order for this property as you may NOT BE PAID for the report. 
  • * Subject property is a manufactured and or mobile home. Manufactured home is defined as “any dwelling unit built on a permanent chassis, including those attached to a permanent foundation system.” 
  • * Subject property is under construction or in the process of remodel 
  • * If the Subject property is rated less than average (C5 or C6) please stop and call ---. At inspection, please take a photo of any/all factors effecting condition. You will be asked to either write a brief addendum about the condition or will be advised to complete the report "subject to repair". 
  • * If the subject has significant mold issues that need to be remediated. 
  • * If the subject is an SFR but also is income producing (i.e. working farms, beauty shop, dog kennels, dental or accounting office’s).
If you encounter ANY of the above situations, please contact your --- Order Specialist immediately for further instructions. If appraisal is completed without notifying ---, appraiser may not be paid.
 
==================== SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS ====================
 
 *** Our client requires that you attempt to contact the borrower/access provider within 24 hours of receiving this order. Please contact us immediately if you have any problems gaining access to the property. ***
 
  • COST APPROACH section must be filled out. The source of the cost figures must be included in the report. In addition, the appraiser must document the depreciation method. The appraiser should not back into the estimated land value. Where possible, vacant land sales should be referenced. 
  • If the land to value ratio for the subject exceeds 30%, a detailed explanation is required; if the land to value ratio for the subject exceeds 80%, call --- for further direction.
  • If your subject is located in a market where marketing times exceed 6 months, then your report must include support and detailed explanation for marketing times exceeding 6 months and its impact on value. Also, the majority of your comps should show "days on market" greater than 180 days. 
  • If the subject property has security bars, you must mention if the bars have safety release latches, and if they are in compliance with local fire/safety codes.
  • If the subject is a purchase transaction, the SALES CONTRACT AND ALL ADDENDA MUST BE REVIEWED AND the impact of financing and sales concessions, if any and their effect on value should be properly analyzed. Note: The sales contract is considered a relevant piece of market data. In cases where the estimate of value falls below the contract, please provide a complete reconciliation providing the reasoning that supports the value conclusion.
  • If the subject is a refinance and vacant, please check to see that utilities are working. Please add this information to the report.
 
---------------------- LICENSING REQUIREMENTS ---------------------- 
 
  • Only a State Certified or State Licensed appraiser may complete the assignment. 
  • If the subject property is valued over $1 million, a Certified Residential Appraiser or higher is required to complete the report.
------------------- REPORT REQUIREMENTS -------------------
 
 For Single Family Residence and Site Condo in condo projects that consist solely of detached dwellings use form 1004. 
  • Itemized Cost to Cure is required ONLY when repairs are needed. (List cost for each individual repair item and a total cost to cure). All repair items require a photograph. If Health and safety issues are noted, please complete the report "Subject to" Health and safety items only. All other repair items should be considered in a cost to cure. Photographs are required. 
  • ACREAGE – Client requires the total site area to be included in the appraisal value (i.e. if the public record indicated a site of 64 acres, then all 64 acres are to be valued in the report.) 
  • WELL/SEPTIC - If the subject is on well and/or Septic, you must comment if this is typical for the area and if there is any impact on value. 
  • Sales and/or Listings should bracket the subject's gross living area (GLA). If this is not possible, please provide a detailed explanation.
  • If the subject's final value conclusion is above the predominate value for the area, a detailed explanation is required to explain why it is.
  • You must have two data sources for all sales in your report. One can be public records or a public records data provider but the other data source should be MLS, or builder, or broker, or agent or seller or buyer etc. It is not acceptable for the second data source to be "exterior inspection".
  • Comment on any external factors stating what type of structures or land uses are present, if they affect marketability (positive or negative) or are considered an external obsolescence (in which the box on page 1 of the URAR should be marked YES for site conditions/external factors). Address whether or not the comparables shares similar influences.
  • For RURAL: If dated or distant comps are used in your report it is mandatory that a complete and detailed discussion be made in the report about what lengths you went to find more recent and closer comps and a detailed reconciliation on which comp(s) get most weight in your appraisal.
----------------------- COMPARABLE REQUIREMENTS -----------------------
 
  • 3 Closed Comparable Sales. All comparables must be within 1 mile from subject and sold within the last 6 months. NOTE: If comparable sales exceed proximity/sale criteria, detailed explanation is required. 
  • Provide 1 Comparable listing, if available. (TWO listings are required in a "declining" market.) Listings must support the value estimate. 
  • Please provide days on market (DOM) for each listing or pending comparable property used in the report. This would include total days on market not just the days on market since the last price reduction. 
  • If the subject property is valued over $1 million, a total of five comparables are required, the required 3 sales above, and any two additional comparables, either active pending or sold. Any other sales considered relevant, however not comparable, should be narrated within the supplemental addendum. 
  • You must make list price to sales price ratio adjustments to any listing or pending comps used in your report, or provide commentary to explain that no list price to sales price adjustment is warranted when not made. 
  • The appraiser must provide a reconciliation of the sales comparison approach. Specifically, why each of the comps used in the report were chosen and which comp(s) are given most weight in the appraisal and why. This is in addition to the reconciliation of the 3 approaches to value. 
  • Market and Time Adjustments – Time adjustments must be explained and supported with market data.
  • Across the grid adjustments – All positive or negative adjustments made to all comparables require explanation and market support. These are specific adjustments for condition, construction quality, view and location. (Example: If first 3 comparable sales are in inferior condition, it is necessary to provide a 4th comparable sale in similar condition even if it is dated or a distant sale.) 
  • A wide unadjusted range with only less conforming comparables available (causing line, net, and gross adjustments to exceed typical guidelines) requires detailed support for individual adjustments and adequate commentary is critical for underwriting purposes. Lastly, with the challenging comp data resulting in a report with higher adjustments or a wider adjusted range, the reconciliation commentary on the report needs to be very specific as to the weighting of the comparables and why as to arriving at the final estimate of value. 
  • An explanation is required on the adjustments to the comparable sales whenever the gross adjustment exceed 25% and net adjustments exceed 15%. Please be certain that the gross living area adjustments per square foot for the comparables are consistent. *An explanation is required when using comparables with a GLA variance greater than 20% * When use of dated or distant comps is necessary, justification for their use must be included. A thorough explanation of the available market data and the expanded search parameters utilized is expected.
------------------ PHOTO REQUIREMENTS ------------------ 
  • Front, rear and street scene of the subject property. 
  • Interior photographs, which must, at a minimum, include: – the kitchen; – all bathrooms; – main living area; – examples of physical deterioration, if present; and – examples of recent updates, such as restoration, remodeling, and renovation, if present. 
  • Photos of pools, outbuildings, views (if applicable). 
  • Photos of any deferred maintenance that would affect property value.
  • Original front photos of each comparables used. If MLS photos are used, a current photo taken by the appraiser is still required. Clients will only accept MLS photo if comp is in an inaccessible community. Appraiser then must provide photo of obstacle as well and a detailed explanation.
NOTE: Please DO NOT include pictures of people on any of the images in the report.
 
---------------- REQUIRED EXHIBITS ---------------- 
  • Location map with subject and comparables used. 
  • Subject building sketch – Sketches must include all outside dimensions, calculations, labels for all rooms and out buildings. 
  • 1004MC form 
  • A copy of the appraiser's license is required in the report.
--- and --- requirements and advisements Advisement on Private Streets 
Private Street properties only
  1. Report to provide details on whether a written private street agreement exists. 
  2. Identification of the comparables being located on private or public streets is required.
  3. Commentary on market reaction to private versus public street location is to be included.
Advisement on Adverse or Functional issues 
  • Make sure the appraiser has fully described the functional issue. 
  • Make sure the appraiser has fully analyzed the functional issue. 
  • Provide photographs
  • Make sure the appraiser has fully assessed and proven the impact on value and marketability on any adverse condition.
  • Atypical Properties 
  • Common mistake: insufficient information; make sure there is detail about what makes the subject atypical and unique. 
  • Please make sure the appraiser discusses if the subject would compete with other homes in the market 
  • Describe the type of buyer that would be interested in this kind of home in this market and discuss if it is a limited buyer pool.
  • When possible, provide homes with similar impairment or similar functional issues
Requirement on Non Permitted Additions: This is a condition of assignment
Non-permitted or non-verifiable as permitted living areas should be analyzed for their potential impact on value and adjusted. This could result in either positive or negative adjustments. Simply ignoring non-permitted areas is not acceptable. You must provide your source used to determine the additions were not permitted.
 
Non-permitted additions may be common and typical in some areas, having both market acceptance and a positive market reaction related to their perceived value.
 
In situations of non-permitted additions, please answer the list of questions below and complete the report being sure to address each issue within the addendum. The report addendum should summarize the itemized points listed below and should contain at least 1 comparable with a similar unpermitted feature to demonstrate it as being common and typical for the area and to support market acceptance. 
  1. Completed in a workmanlike manner? 
  2. Common and typical for the area? 
  3. Provides contributory value? 
  4. Are comparables with similar non-permitted improvements available and can be utilized in the report? 
  5. Affect on marketability is positive?
  6. Conforms to zoning? 
  7. Property could transfer without obtaining the lacking permits? 
  8. Property could transfer without demolition of the addition? 
  9. If destroyed, could all of the existing improvements be rebuilt?
 
If the quality of the added improvement is consistent with the existing dwelling, market acceptance and positive reaction exists, and there can be a reasonable expectation of its permanency, the client will recognize the non-permitted area as acceptable collateral for loan purposes. In most cases the additional living area will be reflected in the GLA; however an acceptable alternative is to account for it as a separate line item adjustment. The later may be more appropriate if the justifiable rate of adjustment for the non-permitted area is different than the GLA rate, and necessary if the non-permitted area is detached from the main dwelling as would be the case in the examples of a pool house or an in-law cottage.
 
If the non-permitted addition or modification has resulted in creating any health & safety issues that must be remedied, then the report needs to be made SUBJECT TO only the necessary repairs or alterations to remedy the H&S concerns.
 
**In California - --- does not require the appraiser to determine if Co2 detectors are present and the report should not be made "subject to" simply based on the lack of the co2 detectors.
 
All appraisal reports are subject to appraisal review. You may be contacted to provide responses to questions resulting from a review of the appraisal report. Additional research, analysis/and or supplemental appraisal information may be requested.
 
SUBMITTING THE REPORT 
 
For *** **
 
*** DO NOT submit invoice with completed report. Invoices are paid 30 days upon completion of the order. Please be reminded that the order will ONLY be considered complete once our client accepted the appraisal report. In the meantime, you must
be available to make ANY corrections/revisions, if necessary.
 
It is important that all instructions and requirements mentioned above have been fulfilled before submitting the report to prevent any delays. Failure to comply with all the requirements will result in non-payment of the order.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


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Mary Cummins has top 5% most viewed LinkedIn profile - Mary Cummins real estate appraiser Los Angeles

Mary Cummins Real Estate Appraiser Los Angeles, Califonria
 
Mary Cummins of Cummins Real Estate Appraisals LinkedIn

Mary Cummins of Cummins Real Estate Appraisals has one of the top 5% most viewed LinkedIn profiles in 2012! Over 500+ connections!

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

 

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


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Ricardo Montalban home in Los Angeles California by Mary Cummins real estate appraiser

Ricardo Montalban, actor, Montalban House, 1423 Oriole

I lived at 9170 Thrasher Avenue from 1965 to about 1982 or so. Above and behind us was a large lot that had a home which had been torn down years earlier. I used to skateboard in the empty pool. Supposedly a few hippy families lived there together for a while until the home burned down and they razed it.

The first time I met Ricardo Montalban was at the Beverly Hills YMCA when I was seven. He used to swim there after swim team practice when they had masters swim time. He always wore a bathing cap to swim obviously because he wore a hairpiece. He swam to help with his back issues caused from a deformed back and an injury which made one leg 6-8 inches shorter than the other. I also used to see him at our church St. Victor's in West Hollywood and sometimes Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills. This was before I ever heard of him as an actor. I didn't realize he was an actor until "Fantasy Island" which was one of my grandmother's favorite show besides "The Love Boat." Otherwise I'd only seen him in those Chrysler "corinthian leather" commercials.

Ricardo Montalban home 1423 Oriole

 

Ricardo Montalban home 1423 Oriole

 

Ricardo Montalban home 1423 Oriole

He bought the lot behind us and built a modern home. The home is called the "Montalban House" and was designed by Ricardo Legorreta in 1986. After he'd lived there a few years he tried to plant ivy and ice plant on the hill to keep it from eroding. He also laid out chain link to stop the erosion. I wanted to go up there and tell him that, that wouldn't hold the hill but I thought for sure he'd consulted with some expert. Needless to say his hill came down on our road and parking area cracking my windshield and messing up my front spoiler of my car.

This is the history of the home. It was built in 1986. September 1991 Ricardo Montalban owned it then signed it over to a trust with his wife Georgiana. Then they gave it to their daughter Laura in 2009 when he died. Looks like she married Patrick McKillen. Then Montalban's trust signed it over completely to Patrick McKillen 11/2010 for $9M.  11/2012 it sold for $39M from one LLC to another. Below is from a listing in 2009 which expired.

 

STATUS:  Expired ADDRESS:  1423 ORIOLE DR , LOS ANGELES 90069   LP:  $14,000,000

 

   

 

RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY AREA: (3) Sunset Strip - Hollywood Hills West MLS#: 09-355665 MAP:  592/H5 BR: 6
STYLE: Architectural SUB:  PUD:  YB: 1986 BA: 5.50 (0 0 0 0)
APN: 5560-006-015 ZONE:  HOD: $0.00 STO: 2 APX SF: 6,679/AS
ADP:  VU: Yes PL: Yes APX LDM:  APX LSZ: 53,140/AS
APX ACREAGE: N/A GH: N/A FP#:  PKGT: 
HORSE PROP:  LSE: No LOP:  FUR: No PKGC:2
ELEM:  JRHS:  SRHS: 

DIRECTIONS: Sunset to Doheny to Oriole
REMARKS: The Montalban House, designed by Ricardo Legorreta, FAIA, 1986. A masterwork of cubistic forms and volumes are framed by head-on city, canyon, & ocean vus. The house reflects a spirited interplay of space, color, and light typical of Legorreta’s work. On an acre + knoll, this legendary house features 3 bdrms up + 2 bdrms dn + guest ste, den, huge LR, FDR, swimmer’s pool, large patio, and motor court for approx. 15 cars. Behind electric gates and offers total privacy. Also for Lease.  Click here to community information: schools etc.  Click here to see the Walk Score

ROOMS: Breakfast Area,Den
EQUIP: Dishwasher,Dryer,Refrigerator,Washer
AIR: Central HEAT: Central
FLOOR: Carpet,Stone LAUNDRY: Inside
FIREPL: Living Room ROOF: 
POOL: Private TENNIS: 
PARK: Garage,Gated SPA: Private
VIEW TYPE: Canyon,City Lights,Ocean WATERFRONT: 
SEC:  FIN: 
SEWER:  POSS: 
DISC: None SZONE: 
OCC/SHOW: Call LA 1 SALE TYPE: 
LAND TYPE: 

LP: $14,000,000 DOM: 150 LD: 03/16/2009 SP:  SSP:  BLOG Y/N: Yes LP/SF: $2096.12
OLP: $20,000,000 CDOM: 150 CD:  SD:  WD:  AVM Y/N: Yes SP/SF: 

 


LA1: Jan Horn DRE: 00620334
PH: 310-777-6220 CELL: 310-710-3636 FAX: 310-278-7192
LO1: Coldwell Banker-BH North PH: 310-777-6200
Email Jan Horn Jan@JanHorn.com
LA2: Helene Wayne DRE: 00627996
PH: 310-470-0928 CELL: 310-480-0055 FAX: 310-278-7192
LO2: Coldwell Banker-BH North PH: 310-777-6200 x 526
Email Helene Wayne hshermwayn@aol.com

CSO:  2.5% LT:  ER LBA:   BAC:  Yes LS:  No EO:  No PROBATE:    

Broker/Agent does not guarantee the accuracy of the square footage, lot size or other information concerning the conditions or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from Public Records or other sources. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. Copyright © 2014 by TheMLS.com. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Presented by: Mary Cummins CalBRE# AR010270

 

     

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, real estate, appraiser, appraisal, instructor, teacher, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Brentwood, Bel Air, California, licensed, permitted, single family, condo, pud, hud, fannie mae, freddie mac, uspap, certified, residential, certified resident, apartment building, multi-family, commercial, industrial, expert witness, civil, criminal, orea, dre, insurance, bonded, experienced, bilingual, spanish, english, form, 1004, 2055, land, raw, acreage, vacant, insurance, cost, income approach, market analysis, comparative, theory, appraisal theory, cost approach, sales, matched pairs, plot, plat, map, diagram, photo, photographs, photography, rear, front, street, subject, comparable, sold, listed, active, pending, expired, cancelled, listing, mls, multiple listing service, claw, themls,

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Mary Cummins, Cummins Real is a 100% green organization - Mary Cummins Real Estate Appraiser

Mary Cummins, Cummins Real Estate Appraisals, green, reuse, recycle, reduce

Cummins Real Estate Appraisals has been providing appraisals for AMCs, direct lenders, lawyers and private individuals for over 30 years. We are a 100% "green" organization which follows the three main principles to lessen our impact  on the environment and animals. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle!

REUSE. We use refurbished computers, digital cameras, phones and office equipment.

REDUCE. We reduce the amount of gas we use by driving a Prius. We also reduce the amount of driving by effectively planning property inspections. We reduce waste with paperless billing, communications and appraisals.

RECYCLE. We are a paperless organization. What products we do use are recyclable and recycled. These are but a few of our many programs to reuse, reduce and recycle.

Cummins Real Estate is also trained in LEED "green" building practices and valuation. We are trained to evaluate and appraise the six elements of green buildings. We are knowledgeable about the various types of solar power, insulation R-Values and window ratings.

The President of Cummins Real Estate Appraisals Mary Cummins is vegan which helps save animals and the environment. A portion of all appraisal fees is donated to non-profit Animal Advocates. Animal Advocates rescues ill, injured and orphaned native wildlife for release back to the wild. They are also a 100% "green" organization.

Mary Cummins
Cummins Real Estate Appraisals
http://www.MaryCummins.com 

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, real estate, appraiser, appraisal, instructor, teacher, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Brentwood, Bel Air, California, licensed, permitted, single family, condo, pud, hud, fannie mae, freddie mac, uspap, certified, residential, certified resident, apartment building, multi-family, commercial, industrial, expert witness, civil, criminal, orea, dre, insurance, bonded, experienced, bilingual, spanish, english, form, 1004, 2055, land, raw, acreage, vacant, insurance, cost, income approach, market analysis, comparative, theory, appraisal theory, cost approach, sales, matched pairs, plot, plat, map, diagram, photo, photographs, photography, rear, front, street, subject, comparable, sold, listed, active, pending, expired, cancelled, listing, mls, multiple listing service, claw, themls,

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Friday, March 2, 2012

Mary Cummins volunteer activities, Beverly Hills Church, Charities, Sports

I found an old list of my volunteer activities up to 1982. I decided to update it to the present and post it.

Good Shepherd Church in Beverly Hills

  • 1977-1980 Volunteered with the Shepherdaires to serve food to the elderly 
  • 1977-1978 Christmas boutique sale. Collected articles to sell, sorted, displayed and sold.
  • 1977-1980 Bake sales. I helped serve the Sunday coffee hour in the Parish Hall
  • 1978 Bike-a-thon to raise money for the church
  • 1977-1980 Corporal Works of Mercy. Under Father Priebe I helped the sick, elderly by visiting them, cleaning, making food and changing linen.
Good Shepherd Catholic School in Beverly Hills

  • 1973-1978 School raffle sales to raise money for school
  • 1973-1978 Rummage sale. Picked up articles to sell, cleaned, sorted, displayed and sold. 
  • 1977-1978 International Dinner. Helped set it up in the Parish Hall, decorated, cleaned.
McKinley Home for Boys

  • 1972-1980 Volunteered to serve food for banquets
Handicapables of Greater West Los Angeles, California Handicapables

  • 1979-1981 Helped set up the annual luncheon in the Parish Hall, served, cleaned.
Culver City Swim Team, Roadrunners

  • 1977 Raffle ticket sales to raise money.
  • 1975-1978 Host team, ran scores, helped time events, sold refreshments.
  • 1975-1978 Swim-a-thon. Collected funds per lap to raise money. 
  • 1976 Host Olympians. Helped serve the Olympians when they used our pool for workouts.
Beverly Hills YMCA

  • 1974-1975 Cartwheel-a-thon to raise money.
  • 1974-1975 Sold toffee covered peanuts. Half went to Y, rest went to YMCA camp
  • 1971-1977 Swim-a-thon to raise money.
  • 1976 Volunteer of the year dinner hostess
  • 1976 Gymnastics Fantastics show to raise money, sold programs, refreshments
  • 1976 Half-time show for Lakers game to raise awareness and funds.
Beverly Hills El Rodeo School

  • 1977-1978 Helped during lunch time to make the sets for the drama department. Designed the Spring Fling main backdrop of an angel on a cloud.
Century City Hospital

  • 1981 Volunteered to serve food to patients, ran errands, filed medical records.
Brotman Medical Center

  • 1981 Worked in the ER as an EMT. Took vital signs, assisted doctors in trauma room, updated medical files.
University of Southern California

  • 1982-1984 Worked on the suicide hotline
  • 1982 Volunteer VP of my dorm the International Hall
  • 1983-1984 Volunteer at the Spastic Children's Foundation as assistant to the aquatic therapist
  • 1983 Tutored mentally challenged children as a volunteer
Westside Children Center

  • 1990-1991 Volunteered with abused children newborn to age five.
Animal Match Rescue Team

  • 2000-2002 Took photos of shelter animals and posted them on the Internet
Los Angeles Animal Services

  • 2006-2007 Designed and built a new website for the Department, added the "Pet of the Day" feature.
  • 2000-2006 Volunteered in the shelter
  • 2003 Spay/Neuter Committee
  • 2003 Volunteer Task Force
  • 2003 Wildlife Committee
  • 2003 Spanish language committee
  • 2003 Wildlife presentations 
  • 2003 Free nuisance wildlife control
  • 2004 Adopt-a-thon Committee. Ran adopt-a-thon for WLA shelter.
  • 2004 Was Mrs. Santa for Christmas photos with pets at PetSmart
City of Los Angeles

  • 1981 Skate-a-thon to raise money for leukemia.
  • 2006 Coyote Task Force
  • 2006 Proposition F Animal Facilities Bond Committee
Cummins Real Estate Services

  • 1984-present. Pro bono real estate consulting, appraisals and brokerage.
Animal Advocates non-profit

  • 2002-present. All volunteer non-profit which rescues ill, injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild; wildlife education to children, elderly and community groups; humane nuisance wildlife control; pro-animal legislation.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and GameMary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, real estate, appraiser, appraisal, instructor, teacher, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Brentwood, Bel Air, California, licensed, permitted, single family, condo, pud, hud, fannie mae, freddie mac, uspap, certified, residential, certified resident, apartment building, multi-family, commercial, industrial, expert witness, civil, criminal, orea, dre, insurance, bonded, experienced, bilingual, spanish, english, form, 1004, 2055, land, raw, acreage, vacant, insurance, cost, income approach, market analysis, comparative, theory, appraisal theory, cost approach, sales, matched pairs, plot, plat, map, diagram, photo, photographs, photography, rear, front, street, subject, comparable, sold, listed, active, pending, expired, cancelled, listing, mls, multiple listing service, claw, themls,

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the
Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Increased railing height would have prevented Ranger's fan's death by Mary Cummins real estate appraiser

Firefighter and Rangers fan Shannon Stone died after falling over a railing trying to catch a baseball. The railing was 33" tall. Stone was 6'3" tall. Was the railing too low? Should minimum railing heights be increased in sports arenas?

In 1999 a UCLA student fell over a 36" balcony railing and died. l wrote an article about this railing death because the railing was not high enough. l also wrote a letter to editor in the Times about legal roof top deck railings when they ran a story about making a roof top deck with NO railings at all. Besides being an expert witness in real estate cases such as these l put a roof top deck on a property l owned so l knew the railing requirements.

The UCLA student death made everyone rethink safe railing heights. This also brought up the issue of immediate and mandatory retrofitting of older buildings. Generally retrofitting is done upon sale or transfer only.

As of January 2008 California balcony, landing, porch and deck railings for residential properties must be a minimum of 42". California has the strictest building codes in the nation. In other states it is generally 36" to 42".

If you take a look at the video footage of the fall, it appears to me that there was no way he was not going to fall over the railing. Stone was 6'3", probably had a 33" inseam. His center of mass was easily over 36" off the ground. He had momentum as he was moving toward the railing with his arm out stretched over the 33" railing bending down for the ball. As soon as his upper body was over the railing and his body hit the round railing he was almost flipped over the railing. Things were made worse by the fact that he was only standing on his forward foot with his rear leg up behind him with both arms over the railing. He is not much taller than an average man. He was not doing anything that you wouldn't normally do at a ball park.

Here are some stills which show my point. His waist is quite a bit higher than the railing.

 

 

Here is the video. Obviously it's graphic because you see him flip over the railing. You do not see him land.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aesp8ViZbro

City officials said that the railing was seven inches higher than required which they state is 26".  26" is the minimum between rows, not at the bottom of the aisles as in this situation. They are misquoting the 2003 International Building Code and the 1988 Uniform Building Code. The minimum height at the bottom of aisles is 42" according to the International Building Code.

I believe that if that railing were 42", he would not have fallen over it. I realize there are line of sight issues with tall railings but they can use clear material for the railings like they do at The Pond in Orange County. I bet there will be a lawsuit and the plaintiff's family will win. Hopefully these sports arenas will raise the railing heights. This tragic death could have been prevented.

UPDATE: Texas Rangers agree to raise the railing heights. Thank you!

Texas Rangers to raise rail heights in wake of deadly fan fall

By the CNN Wire Staff
July 19, 2011 4:37 p.m. EDT

 

(CNN) -- The Texas Rangers will raise the height of the rails at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, the team said Tuesday, after a 39-year-old fan fell to his death while trying to catch a ball.


"Even though all current rail heights in Rangers Ballpark in Arlington currently exceed code, the Rangers intend to raise the height of all rails in front of seating areas to the highest standard in the United States at this time," the team said in a statement.


As the rails are being refitted, the Rangers said they would take "interim" steps, such as posting new signs that will remind fans not to lean, sit on or stand against the rails. The team will also issue a warning prior to the start of each game via its public address system, the Rangers said.


The news comes in the wake of the death of Shannon Stone, a veteran firefighter and Rangers fan whose death prompted a national outpouring of condolences.

 


Mary Cummins of Cummins Real Estate is a certified residential licensed appraiser in Los Angeles, California. Mary Cummins is licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate appraisers and has over 35 years of experience.


Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary, Cummins, #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit real estate, appraiser, appraisal, instructor, teacher, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Brentwood, Bel Air, California, licensed, permitted, certified, single family, condo, condominium, pud, hud, fannie mae, freddie mac, fha, uspap, certified, residential, certified resident, apartment building, multi-family, commercial, industrial, expert witness, civil, criminal, orea, dre, brea insurance, bonded, experienced, bilingual, spanish, english, form, 1004, 2055, 1073, land, raw, acreage, vacant, insurance, cost, income approach, market analysis, comparative, theory, appraisal theory, cost approach, sales, matched pairs, plot, plat, map, diagram, photo, photographs, photography, rear, front, street, subject, comparable, sold, listed, active, pending, expired, cancelled, listing, mls, multiple listing service, claw, themls, historical appraisal, facebook, linkedin

McMansion is Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, California by Mary Cummins real estate appraiser

The word "McMansion" was coined in the early 1980s in Beverly Hills. Related terms include "Persian palace","garage Mahal", "starter castle", and "Hummer house." An example of a "McWord," "McMansion" associates the generic quality of these "luxury homes" with that of mass-produced fast food meals by restaurant chains.

In Beverly Hills the larger estates are located on larger lots North of Santa Monica Blvd. Lots south of the Blvd are much smaller and have smaller homes which are proportionate to their lot size. The lots in this area are 5000 to 7500 max. The homes were 2-3 bedroom homes approximately 1,800 sf.

During the Iranian revolution many Iranians fled their country. Many moved to Beverly Hills first moving into apartments then later buying homes. Because land is so expensive in Beverly Hills and they generally lived with extended families, they would enlarge their home and remodel to their tastes. They would prefer to buy the cheaper smaller homes on smaller lots in Beverly Hills then enlarge them to fit their needs instead of buying the more expensive, larger estates on larger sites. They were putting 4,000 to 6,000 sf homes on 6,000 sf lots.

They generally would remodel to build the largest home they could legally build on a lot using the entire foot plan. This would most times be a square home with Greek or Colonial embellishments on the front. It would cover the maximum lot lines and top out at the maximum height limitations. Many felt these homes were tacky and tasteless.

These two story plus homes which looked a bit like gaudy apartment buildings would dwarf the smaller one-story Spanish and Traditional homes around them. They would also generally get rid of the garage and have a circular driveway in the front. On top of this more people would live in each home. As they got rid of the garages street parking became an issue. This bothered the original neighbors and did look a bit sightly.

Over time this spread to other expensive cities. The public finally put their foot down and demanded that something be done. Building and planning departments made changes especially in Beverly Hills. New homes had to go through a more rigorous approval process. Height limitations and maximum square footage were changed as were lot lines, set backs and styles. They would no longer allow homes to use the maximum foot plan of the site or maximum height limitations. They also would not approve homes which were just solid squares.

Here are a few McMansions in Beverly Hills which I photographed last week. I did not appraiser these though I have appraised a lot of these types of homes. These are south of Santa Monica Blvd north of Olympic. Notice on the side near the rear the house juts out again. That's because the set back changes at that point and they wanted to use as much land as possible. They also added basements to be able to add even more living space.

 

 

 
Below are the two original main styles of homes in Beverly Hills south of Santa Monica Blvd. The McMansions look like 8 unit apartment buildings next to the original homes.
 

 

 

Another criticism of McMansions and mansionization is people think they are a waste of space and materials. There are sometimes more space than a regular family would need with tall ceilings and open atrium entrances. The quality of the materials and workmanship were sometimes also an issue. They didn't always use the best architect ending up with a home which was a bit tasteless to the point of being obnoxious. Besides this the design and style of the homes seemed to be a jumbled mix of gaudy additions such as columns, multiple front balconies and statuary.

Over time new owners of the original "palaces" have toned down the front facades and color schemes. They've also replaced the acres of pink marble flooring with wood and removed some of the flourishes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMansion

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

 

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit