FHA

Garage Conversions:

There are always questions regarding garage conversions, with FHA loans. Here is an updated stance from FHA. Hope this helps:

• If a garage was converted without a permit:
• The appraiser must show the value as a garage, not as a converted room
• The appraiser must estimate the cost to cure for re-conversion back to a garage
• The appraiser must indicate that it was completed in a workmanlike manner
• The lack of car storage is not prohibited by local ordinances.
• The garage is ineligible if it represents illegal use and illegal zoning.

From: Steve Guenza, Mortgage Adviser, MLO # 244611, 707-765-4453 Office

Sonoma County Tax Auctions

The tax auctions come up every two years in August. They just had one this past August. Notices of properties for sale are put on their website in June. So the next time to look is June 2014: http://www.sonoma-county.org/tax/ Look on the left side navigation; mouse over “Property Taxes” and a drop down menu will allow you to select “August 2012 Auction.” This is where to look for new sales.

Country Property Resources

Soils test:
Farmecology Labs
http://www.farmecologylabs.com
701 Hwy. 175
Hopland, CA 95449
Phone: (707) 744-1191

Septic installation:
Jim Rong 707-287-1322


Septic System Analysis
Mike Treinen
Onsite Wastewater Consultant
707-526-0872

Septic Pre-perc test, soil and site analysis and groundwater analysis:
Always Engineering
2360 Professional Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-3016
(707) 849-6406







Viticulture Consulting and Services:
Berg Vineyard Consulting
(408) 209-0575 

Clarbec dba Madrone Vineyard Management - vineyard analysis
707-996-4112


Wells
Ray's Well Testing - well analysis
707-823-3191


Water Testing
Analytical Sciences - well water analysis
707-760-3128