Log Homes

[LaurieW]

My primary concern is using a non-log house as a comp. If I even can, what kind of adjustments?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

If I even can, what kind of adjustments?

Use non-traditional houses as a proxy for log. Berm, geodesic, A Frame, Gambrel roofline, barn-style, flattop roof, or other non-traditional design. No adjust against all traditional design. Pair non to trad for adjust but use min. of 2 nontrad sales

 

[GWISC]

From my perspective in appraising log homes and their discrepancy between cost and value comes down to the maverick type that log home buyers are. Most log home borrowers I have dealt with over the past 25, have looked into existing listings of a few log homes. Most decided they could design and build a better log house. I think most potential buyers in the log home market ultimately hire a builder. I think that it is also a given that most who build a log home will occupy the property far longer than occupants in more traditional designs minimizing turn-over. The few listings I see are usually older log homes in excess of 15 years of age.

I just think that most log home people don't want to buy someone else's dream house at the seller's expectation of their cost plus appreciation. Also, you have to love being a lumberjack like Grizzly Adams.