Straw Bale in AZ

[Kevin Rising]

While I have not accepted the assignment yet, I’m looking for comparable sales for Straw Bale construction in Apache Junction AZ. MLS has been little help other than a straw bale in Tombstone. Would like to find something a little closer. Any help from AZ appraisers would be appreciated.

 

[Restrain]

Good luck. First, the lender has to be aware of the nature since these are not acceptable to F/F. I hit one in Texas, could not find comps, period. Had to rely on cost approach, which was screwy, then apply functional obsolescence.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

Use resales of any other energy efficient construction or unusual design. For example a home of Rastra or Eterna Block, a berm house, rammed earth, dome, A frame, etc, etc. There is two duplexes for sale here in Safford. The first one was built in 1999 of straw bale, but it took so much stucco for the exterior that the owner decided to build the newest one in 2001 out of Eterna Block. I have appraised one out in the country so I used Eterna Block constructed or other highly energy efficient homes as comparables. I also measured the exterior, the depth of the straw bale then in my Apex sketch I drew the exterior walls in free form then a foot in from the interior walls I drew the walls that were used to calculate the livable area. That way when I was comparing the livable area of the straw bale home to livable area of the Eterna Block home I was using comparable data. There is a Thermo Block home for sale by owner in this area. Thermo Block are blocks that consist of 1' wide blocks of Styrofoam by 4' x 8' that are hollow after the Styrofoam blocks are in place with rebar in the hollow areas, the hollow areas are filled with concrete; makes a very energy efficient home. There are several straw bale homes in the Tucson area. The city of Tucson even has specific building codes for straw bale structures.

 

[Liz Mura]

I have never run into one out here in 11 years. Sorry, I am totally useless. :icon_frown:

 

[Ultraviolet]

Kevin,

I'd be happy to check Tucson MLS for sales if you'd like. I've seen a few, but mostly in Santa Cruz County and it's been years. I've never appraised one in the Tucson area because I turn them down!

We used to joke around and call them "rat paradise"!

PM or email and I'll see if there's anything available.

 

[Kevin Rising]

So here is a lazy question. Do you think Freddie and Fannie would have a problem with a Straw bale or other earth friendly home? You know going green is pretty PC lately. You would think Freddie and Fannie would be jumping on the band wagon.

From what I understand the lender wants 2 straw bale comps. Big surprise. I agree with Jo Ann's method of approaching this problem. But I'm not sure the lender has the stomach for this type of loan, particularly in this market.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

A long heart to heart talk with the underwriter before you proceed is highly recommended. When I was researching straw bale construction I was surprised to learn that there are straw bale constructed structures over one hundred years old in Nebraska and still viable and in use. Nebraska is wet but those pioneers figured out a way to keep they dry and they are still standing. A 1,200 square straw built home here that has been a rental but hasn't sold has a hearting/cooling bill of less than a hundred dollars per year. They are labor intensive to construct and very careful construction has to be done but when complete they are very nice homes.

 

[The Sheriff]

Kevin... San Tan Flats in Queen Creek is a straw bale commercial structure. I bet if you call the owner, he can feed you the builder's number and he might lead you to the well of life on this one with respect to residential comparables. I did a berm home 18 months ago in Queen Creek on Chandler Heights Road... Everytime I pass the POS, I cringe.

Apache Junction is a hodge podge of craziness due to the manufactured homes and is just a tornado away from making it similar to Paradise Valley.

 

[Elliott]

Only houses I have comps for are from the little pigs that built
with sticks and bricks.

 

[tom mack]

Try the site - http://strawbale.com/
I have an interest in this type of construction and found this site helpful and maybe you can post on their blog for some help. Depending on the client, I would try and accept the assignment, even asking for help from an appraiser who may have experience with this type of construction. Making calls to area appraisers is a great way to network and possibly gain some experience. Good luck!