Any comments on a builder called Smithbilt (Knoxville Area) ? (comparable sales, loan) - Tennessee (TN) - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

mjb62676 · 08-19-2007, 06:49 AM

The guys that actually build the houses are fine...it's the realtors and their "project managers" that could use some work.

Beretta · 08-19-2007, 07:22 AM

Someone should print this thread out and mail to the owner of Smithbilt. It might be very eye opening for them in many respects.

mjb62676 · 08-25-2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokyMtnGal

Someone should print this thread out and mail to the owner of Smithbilt. It might be very eye opening for them in many respects.

It would not matter...they don't care. All they are interested in is the sale...and they will good ole boy you to death to get that done.

Don't believe a word they say, particularly the boys from Southland GMAC and the project managers for Smithbilt.

jimlee · 08-29-2007, 01:29 PM

Rocky Smith (Smithbilt) and Jim Hill have been developing subdivisions around the Knoxville area for many years now.

I think they build a good product for the money.

mjb62676 · 08-30-2007, 08:21 PM

I just spoke with Jim last week. I'm eagerly anticipating my chance to speak with Rocky. If he knew what some of his employees are pulling, I think he would be appalled.

Jim and I definitely don't see eye to eye on some things. He thinks Sterchi Hills looks "trashy".

jimlee · 09-03-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjb62676

Jim and I definitely don't see eye to eye on some things. He thinks Sterchi Hills looks "trashy".

Really??? I guess I'm with you on the not seeing eye to eye thing then.

I've sold a bunch of houses in Sterchi Hills from day 1 and over the past 10 years or so. In my hardly ever humble opinion it's one of the best values for the money in north Knoxville.

And there's certainly nothing trashy in Sterchi Hills that I've ever seen. Nice, big, flat yards, community pool, nice walking trail, and convenient to shopping and I-75.

Knoxgrl · 09-06-2007, 11:05 AM

I have thought the same thing about calling them and letting them know about all the comments posted. If it were any reputable company they would care about what customers are saying. Especially when that means no sales. My husband and I are building the smaller house, we have made several upgrades now we are worried that the house will not appraise for what we need the loan to be. The house is 1448 sq. ft. (1400 sq. ft. "worse case senario" according to realtor) with upgrades it is now $183,000. We are wanting to roll closing costs into the loan. I'm not sure if theres any way the house will appraise for that much. Does anyone know how this works or have purchased the same house with any problems? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

mbmouse · 09-06-2007, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knoxgrl

......... My husband and I are building the smaller house, we have made several upgrades now we are worried that the house will not appraise for what we need the loan to be. The house is 1448 sq. ft. (1400 sq. ft. "worse case senario" according to realtor) with upgrades it is now $183,000. We are wanting to roll closing costs into the loan. I'm not sure if theres any way the house will appraise for that much. Does anyone know how this works or have purchased the same house with any problems? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Well, there are a few aspects to be addresses before I personally can give you an educated answer. You say you are having a house built, did you get a construction loan to get this done first or do you mean the builder is building it for you per your requests and then once it is done you will buy it? Maybe you gave a down payment?
What does your mortgage broker/banker say?

Knoxgrl · 09-06-2007, 01:35 PM

I am having a house built by Smithbilt. The Bridgeport floorplan 1448 sq. ft. It is in the Foxfield subdivision. We are going to need a 100% loan. We are closing in October. We are starting to worry about whether the house will appraise for $188,000 (total inc. closing). The subdivision is really nice, level lots, nice landscaping. Our house is the smallest floorplan but we made what I believe were good choices on upgrades. It is on a corner lot, we upgraded to berber carpet with 8lb carpet pad, insulated garage, stainless faucets, stainless appliances, utility sink in garage. I cant think of any more. I just hope that when the house is appraised that those things are taken into consideration.

goodbyehollywood · 09-06-2007, 02:28 PM

Knoxgrl - I don't know about your specific subdivision, but I do know that local appraisers are being very cautious. Not that we ever saw much of that "appraise for whatever it'll sell for" mentality that bubble markets experienced, but they've tightened up here. My dad just had a rental property appraised, and it had many desirable upgrades that didn't uptick the price like it would've six months or a year ago.

If you really think that you might have an issue, you should ask to meet the appraiser there and personally show him or her the upgrades inside. Otherwise, your property will probably appraise at the comps and that might or might not be what you need.

Are you really able to get a 100% loan with CCs rolled in? In this market?

Good luck!