-Generally close in 2 weeks-Able to use my appraiser-The banker knows me and I can deal directly with him and often they can approve you upt o $250,000 in loans before going to committee.

There is a committee of people that write the forms (there are more than just the contract to buy and sell).

Great idea Melissa.In my area we had a city legal aid committee that put together a pamplet about tennant responsibilities and landlord responsibilities and not only handed it out but incorporated it into the rules which was incorporated into the lease agreement.

As I understand what is happening on the lenders side - they do this:Use either what is owed or some 'fair-market value' number to put the house up for sale.Get an offer for a potential buyer.Take that offer to their "committee" / underwriters / whatever they call it for approval.The approval committee has no arbitrary power and no knowledge of property values - so they have to cover-their-*** with paperwork justifications for all their 'decisions'.

I'm sorry it took so long, but we're still trying to get organized internally with committees and such.  

If you're not as interested in being a Board Member or attending the meetings, etc. but still want to help out, see if there's a committee you could join or start.

That being said, you never know which crazies will come out to speak against your case at a zoning committee or board of adjustment hearing. 

The Washington State Housing Finance Committee is a governmental agency that assists in implementing federal programs in our state.

The argument they use about their longevity and committees they get to keep.4.

Thanks @Jay Hinrichs  You are right - I and most of us don't know all that's involved with banking at the back end - the committees and regs.