Straw Bale in AZ

[Terrel L. Shields]

Do you think Freddie and Fannie would have a problem with a Straw bale or other earth friendly home?

yep. big problem. if you get that past an UW, let me know. I've never seen it before for sure. I can just imagine that if you appraised a straw Geodesic Dome house...wow..not that could cause a UW to faint.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

I did one a number of years ago, only one I have ever seen. Underwriter kept coming back asking for one of similar design. There were none that I could find. Not sure if they ever made the loan...I did get paid!

 

[PropertyEconomics]

I have read several problems exist with straw bale homes and they have become not the materials of choice. The walls have a tendency to wick moisture and they are mold prone.
Rasta houses do not have any of these problems and in our area are much more popular as a "green" choice these days.
Good luck with your assignment.

 

[Karl]

Some in stanfield & Maricopa, Florence, a real NICE one listed in Standfield.

 

[nicki]

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.

I do know there are some straw bale homes in Vail, AZ (Pima County)

 

[Kevin Rising]

Thanks for all the information. Looks like to lender is not willing to move forward unless I can provide two recent Straw Bale comparables in Apache Junction. C'est la vie.