the wasserblawg

Ronald Reagan famously remarked that "[T[he nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'" I am reminded of the quote as a wave of emails and voice messages cascades through the office today. Last Thursday's declaration that Cook, DuPage and five other local counties are federal disaster areas should be a great help for the hundreds of homeowners and small business that were adversely effected by last months severe storms and flooding. The disaster declaration however is fast becoming a disaster of its own for many Chicago area buyers and sellers hoping to close their contracts this week.   As a direct result of the declaration of a flood-related disaster area, most mortgage lenders are requiring re-inspections on all appraisals dated August 7th, (the last date of the storm/flooding "incident" or earlier.  How many closings will be delayed as lenders and appraisers scramble to documen