Don Magruder, CEO of Ro-Mac Lumber & Supply in Central Florida, relays three stories told to him by building professionals about the current dysfunction in the banking system and the fact that banks have little motivation to lend. Magruder describes how building material dealers are concerned that the housing market rebound is in danger because bankers appear to be doing all they can to discourage lending and how even in new-custom-homes where buyers upgrade amenities, such as installing granite countertops, appraisers don't recognize upgrades in amenities, so the homes with all the bells and whistles are being appraised at the same rate as starter homes. (ProSales Online)

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