In my experience, the city officials generally don't know what they are talking about. :) I can count on one hand the number of homes I've ever seen that were beyond repair.

My Parents are Investors (We're nothing super big just mom and pop investors) and I've been thinking, If I decide to be an "official" employee of theirs would there be any problems in applying for a loan?

Also when doing a land contract, if done properly it is recorded in the county and is official and recognized as a such.

Appraisers must be certified, so while anyone can "appraise" a property, it will not be able to be used by the bank or be official.

Looking for a knowledgeable real estate attorney in Chicago; our office really doesn't have an attorney officially so can anyone give me a few recommendations?

Karen Margrave welcome officially to a job you've already been performing exceptionally.

I would love to have you as my first official contact!

The association then filed with the county official records a "Certificate of Approval."

If the govt thinks you're a public problem in your business dealings you're not smart enough to out smart them, it's just a matter of time, if a regulator wants to nail you, you're most likely nailed.Gotta understand, the financing of a RE deal has been around a long time and "investors" have been screwing people for a long time, sometimes it's an intentional scam or unfair practice, often it's arising out of the lack of knowledge, maybe both, bottom line, officials are feed up with it.Add to that the fact that there are larger players that can profit while keeping in compliance that running off the unknowing and scammer types means more business and profits.

I've been using this term for the last few months and wanted to officially claim it on the interwebs. ;)We have gone from a real estate bubble to a real estate puddle.