Appraisal Institute Scandal – Widespread Fraud Uncovered
The Appraisal Institute is embroiled in yet another scandal, and this time it involves widespread fraud and cover-ups at the highest levels of the organization. Alissa Akins, a former director at AI, blew the whistle on a long-running scheme where the nonprofit knowingly misreported test scores to state regulators, potentially allowing unqualified appraisers to get licensed. When Akins tried to sound the alarm and fix the problems, she was met with a “don’t ask, don’t tell” attitude from leadership and ultimately got fired in retaliation. It’s absolutely mind-boggling that an organization tasked with upholding standards and ethics in the appraisal industry would engage in such blatant fraud. And the fact that senior executives were allegedly aware of it and did nothing just shows how deep the rot goes. But let’s be real, the Appraisal Institute has been a dumpster fire for years now. Forcing out reformist CEO Cindy Chance, running massive budget deficits, and now this testing scandal – it’s clear AI is more concerned with protecting its own interests than actually serving appraisers or the public. And you can bet the Appraisal Foundation, which sets the very standards AI is accused of violating, is in on it too. The whole continuing education and testing racket has always felt like a money-grabbing sham, and now we have proof.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the Appraisal Institute’s leadership is more concerned with covering their own hides and maintaining a steady flow of cash than upholding the integrity of the appraisal profession. The implications of this scandal are far-reaching, potentially impacting countless real estate transactions and eroding public trust in the industry as a whole.
It’s high time for a thorough investigation and a complete overhaul of the Appraisal Institute’s practices, starting with the removal of any executives who were complicit in this disgraceful affair. We deserve better than a crooked system rigged to enrich a few insiders at the expense of everyone else.
- Appraisal Institute Scandal – Widespread Fraud Uncovered - April 1, 2025
- NFHA Funding Dries Up - March 19, 2025
- HUD Investigation Leads to Illegal Break-In & Evidence Tampering - February 26, 2025
All of their funding Needs to be turned off. I can’t imagine why any entity would support an organization that has had, and continues to have so many deep rooted issues. If AI is actually guilty of this, how can anyone trust that they are properly handling Parea? Imagine the damage that can go to the students, the profession and public trust.
What happened to innocent until proven guilty
As clearly stated in my comment, IF AI is guilty of this….or did you miss that part? AI has had numerous other issues for years, some of which are finally coming to light. Stay tuned, there will be more.
Sounds familiar with the NRA.
Just remember when you are taking shots anonymously at an organization that you don’t like what you’re really doing is taking shots at thousands of your fellow appraisers that have designations. Whether you choose to believe it or not, those designations are valuable business tools, and what you’re doing is harming the businesses of fellow working class appraisers. It’s not like they can just turn around tomorrow and spend several years and thousands of dollars and get a designation from another organization that nobody really knows and end users do not recognize. I’m sure you have a caricature in your head that the entire organization is just a bunch of rich MAIs in suits in big office buildings. That’s not true for thousands of members. Some of us are residential members that do not work for large companies. What’s the long game here? Damage the reputation of one of the only prominent organizations that we have? Is the ASA suddenly going to step up and be a thought leader in our industry? Start doing more lobbying? If so, why haven’t they done so already? And if you try to mention organizations like the AGA, then I know you aren’t serious. So what are we going to be left with, an industry with one less unified voice? I’m no fan of the AI organization and they certainly have their major issues but taking pot shots at our own like this is exactly why appraisers always lose. So I hope you feel good at night. You went on the Internet and made it harder for thousands of hard-working appraisers to get work and do their jobs. You may not personally like designations, but it really doesn’t matter what you think. What matters is that clients and courts do recognize it whether you like it or not and whether you think it’s fair or not.
Read the comment by Frustrated Appraiser…
Nobody commenting here caused the problem or hurt anyone’s business. I think what you’ve revealed here is the poison that’s been in the appraisal field for at least the 41 years I’ve been doing it and that is, go along to get along or vice versa. Keep your mouths shut, don’t say anything that might cause a ripple in the fabric. In my opinion, keeping our mouths shut is what got us dog paddling in this septic tank we are in today. (Nothing personal, just rhetorical)
This Blog has become so tiresome … the same posters EVERY SINGLE TIME … talking about conspiracy theories that are laughable … do you posters actually do appraisals anymore?? Or do you just sit in front of your screens waiting for something to “Pray Hard” about … or Bilbo “Baggins” about? I have nothing else to say at this point. What a total joke. Go get some new clients and “shut the front door”. GEEEZZ!
Your Reply: No…many of us quit doing this dog ship work when it started paying BEANS in 2009. From what I hear it now pays 1/50th of a bean. I see a great many touchy appraisers on here today with regard to the AI. My thoughts: If the AI pretended to represent residential appraisers and gave a hint of an attempt to fight HVCC 16 years ago you would probably have some degree of respect from working residential appraisers. As it currently stands, AI members get and deserve NO RESPECT from them. Continue to sit on your high perch AI members, looking down your snouts at everyone else and be sure to reap everything that you have sown with your own hands.
We have appraisal organizations now? Wow . Where do I sign up and who will supply me with my fresh tablet material to scribe upon?
Maybe all of the members should have been more involved, and demanded transparency, ethics, and accountability. No sympathy for anyone that has not stepped up and demanded that the organization you consider “prominent” do better. Blind eyes to all of the warnings and rumblings. Plenty of appraisers have gone beyond what is required as far as education, does not mean they are any less than a designated member. The superiority complex needs to be stopped.
So many assumptions and so little knowledge of what actually happened. How do you know what I or anybody else has done or try to take action on? You don’t. You’re just making a bunch of assumptions and whining because you couldn’t get a designation. The same, tired cliche “I took extra classes! I’m just as smart!” By the way, that’s not how you get a designation. It’s also not about being smart or “better”. But your inferiority complex prevents you from really understanding. You’re also incapable of any substantive response. So why don’t you tell me, smart guy, exactly how this is helpful to the overall appraisal industry? Specifically. You are hurting thousands of your fellow appraisers. You appear not to care. You think that because some of us weren’t successful in changing the organization that we deserve to be hurt. That doesn’t make you an appraiser that anybody should listen to. That makes you an enemy of my business who should be stopped. Go Pound Sand. Why don’t you tell me your name and what organizations you belong to so I can attack them and come after your business?
What about my feelings? Too funny. I sleep ok at night after a days work. When a person is self employed, it just means they work half a day or 12 hours a day to make things happen.
Maybe the appraisal business is not your thing. Have been in the real estate industry as a broker owner and real estate appraisal before appraisal licensing was required and have two designations that don’t get me any free coffee or donuts. Gratis Coffee and Donuts are for government workers.
Get a side gig like expert witness testimony since you are able to defend your position. Or, transition into mortgage loan origination. When the mortgage rates drop it will be very busy again for lenders, appraisers, realtors and property data collectors. As a position of protest, I am not going to the next Las Vegas Appraisal Convention that only wants to talk to and hire non licensed property data collectors rather than existing appraisers with or without designations.
Hello Midwest Appraiser. AI designations are a complete waste of time. The engineering program you were hoping to attend, did not let you in, so you settled for a life as a slave appraiser. How ordinary!
Just hilarious. My comments are not hurting anyone, other than maybe your feelings. Go off to your safe space and grow a thick skin which is what is needed in this profession. It was a personal and business decision to not get involved in any supposed professional organization and I am so glad I was urged to look deeply into AI before I proceeded. Grateful I am not associated with them.
Lawsuit quote: As a result of AI’s retaliation, Plaintiff has suffered damages including lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, damage to her career, as well as other damages that are continuing to accrue. / Quote two; As a result of Plaintiff’s reporting of the fraudulent conduct and her refusal to engage in the fraudulent conduct, AI began making Plaintiff’s life “hell” and was promptly terminated from her job.
Welcome to the club! GSE appraisers subjected to amc influence have dealt with a similar situation for decades. Play ball, be silent, be complicit, or get fired. Where is our legal redress for the over 12 billion dollars in lost income redirected to amc’s via their fraudulent practices? Where is our representation from the ‘accredited trade groups’ of the appraisal industry? The issue is perhaps reflective of the culture of covering problems over rather than dealing with them directly and honestly.
We warned everyone that corruption of the process if left unanswered would have no limit, the consequences reaching out to everyone, including those whom believed their were insulated with designations or whom operated outside of the GSE space.
I see, so this group id basically “if you got a designation 20 years ago, screw you, I want you out if business”. But also “oh please join our crusade to help the industry”. Want to know why appraisers won’t stand up and join together? THIS. Glad you all feel self-righteous as you destroy our industry. Good plan. Really sticking it to the man.
Wait a minute… Who are you accusing of destroying our industry? Are you kldding? By chance, do you work for the AI? Do you suffer a conflict of interest?
Nobody is destroying the industry by commenting on an article detailing real world legal activity. We’ve been fighting to save this industry, to have better accountability, fair and balanced process for decades.
For the testing issues, first I’ve heard. Some online research indicated the testing company AI used was having financial problems then bought out by a venture capital firm a few years back. Do you know more?
Why would this lawsuit be any more upsetting than all the amc malfeasance, billing fraud, destroyed small appraiser businesses, unfair practices, consumer harm, etc, etc? Is this a shoot the messenger type of moment?
If members of any given group want corrections, they need to use their positions to effect change from within. If I had invested that much into a group I’d be on the phone demanding answers and accountability. That’s sort of why I always post on this website. Because the appraisal industry has so many problems, it’s going to take a lot of dedicated effort to set things right.
Thank you.
You are really clueless on how it works with membership of an organization. Do you think we all get together once a month like some kind of town hall and we can just demand answers? I’m just a regular working appraiser with a small business and lots to do. I don’t wear a suit and attend meetings at fancy country clubs. I’m just trying to feed my family And have something left for retirement. But jerks like you attack things that affect my bottom line. So I should what? thank you for letting me know something that we already know and can’t do anything about. It honestly takes somebody a little bit deranged to come after their colleagues like this. Because you like to justify it by thinking you’re coming after some big nameless organization or a few powerful people you don’t like. But in reality you’re coming after me. You’re coming after my family and my business. You need to learn some impulse control and when it’s appropriate to speak about things in public. Did you honestly think you could do this to a group of regular appraisers and then expect them to clap and say absolutely how can we help you? How can we help you while you are simultaneously hurting us? In what deranged world did you think that was a good idea? The truth is, you really don’t actually care. You’re happy for this. You’re sitting back and hoping it’s destructive. You don’t want to admit it, but you want to see people hurt. There’s a word for people like you and I can’t say it on this forum. It starts with A and ends with a whole lot of other letters. Because here’s the only response you’re going to get from any member of the organization no matter how we feel about the bad things they’ve done. You can go pound sand. And that is the absolute nicest way I can say that and not get my comment redacted here. Because there’s certainly other words I’d love to tell you to your face. Go to hockey sticks.
It’s not my fault the industry or this organization is in disarray. There is a logical challenge here; Why would anyone be upset that honest people want honest process? And actually yes, people can get together in such a manner, by redirecting the time and effort they spend arguing with non members, to demanding answers from persons in their own member organization.
Baggins, these self ritious, know it alls who feel compelled to stick their heads between the curtains every once in a while to spew their pathetic two cents are hysterical. I wouldn’t give them the sweat of my _____ if I came across them in the desert let alone engage the pathetic lot in an intelligent conversation. That would be one sided. They are useless unicks who’s glass is half empty. Rough I know but that’s all they know. We have to accept these morons, who know nothing about us and what we do behind the scenes, will raise their ugly heads every once and a while just to try and mess with us. Now, let’s see who identifies with my description and responds, lol. They can’t help themselves.
WOW! … just wow. I bet you’re a riot at parties BDL (who has to hind behind your initials … if they are in fact yours). Very “gutsy” commentary.
Why mince words? We all know these visitors come here with the full intention of disrupting legitimate discussion. What, calling it what it is, is “gutsy” then it’s “gutsy”. I’m just saying what everyone is thinking.
Thanks. I don’t know. It’s never easy. I’m more along the line of asking people politely to please stop dehumanizing appraisers or casting us all into these separate bowls. We’re all in this together and when one appraiser or group ignores the issues or alternatively takes advantage of the situations to claim unfair shares, the activity ultimately hurts everyone in the end. Correcting these issues should not be this difficult.
My buddy appraiser was talking to me the other day. He was like listen dude, how to say this nicely. You’re like a cowboy on the range and you’ve been out there on the plains so long you don’t even know how to come inside anymore. Thought that was funny, and rather fitting and accurate as well. Life is ours, we live it our way.
Would be nice though if the appraisal industry who’s supposed focus is ethical principals, would start leading by example a little bit more. To stop capitulating to special interests on every turn, stop promoting outsourcing and corner cutting. Create a better future for all of us instead of liquidating what little is left for that final payday or to feel all superior like somehow crushing all competition so there is no one left was a good thing, which it is not. What’s wrong with wanting all appraisers to be successful and supported? / Cheers.
***This comment was edited by AppraisersBlogs Team. Profanity is edited out because it’s inappropriate within the context of this blog.***
BTW, does your BDL *** post handle stand for *** or something similar? HaHaHa!! Way to go keyboard tough guy!
See, they can’t help themselves, lol.
A year or two ago there was an agent raising Hell about my measurement of a house. There was a discrepancy of about 300 sf from the appraisal district sf (imagine that, huh).The AMC called me and I told them that I’d be happy to remeasure it with the agent watching me. “Oh, no, we don’t want you to do that. They might think you didn’t know what you were doing.” That action by the AMC is just one of the many problems we deal with. Let’s just sweep it under the carpet and hope we don’t get nuked. Of course, the measurements all squared off and even matched the survey. But, what do I know?
This Blog has become so tiresome … the same posters EVERY SINGLE TIME … talking about conspiracy theories that are laughable … do you posters actually do appraisals anymore?? Or do you just sit in front of your screens waiting for something to “Pray Hard” about … or Bilbo “Baggins” about? I have nothing else to say at this point. What a total joke. Go get some new clients and “shut the front door”. GEEEZZ!
Nothing wrong with being a regular contributor. Welcome to the year 2025. I’m good with clients, thanks though. If you’d care to recommend any, I’m sure someone else could benefit from a new pickup. They’d probably appreciate such a gesture of good will.
What’s your take on the article detailing alleged testing fraud with the Appraisal Institute?
then leave? Stop following the blog? Is someone forcing you to read and participate? Some self accountability might do you some good. Some of us follow and comment because we actually care about our profession and other professionals/peers. Having input from others helps us come up with different way to deal with issues, and to keep up with important, relevant info.
“Welcome to the club! GSE appraisers subjected to amc influence have dealt with a similar situation for decades. Play ball, be silent, be complicit, or get fired. Where is our legal redress for the over 12 billion dollars in lost income redirected to amc’s via their fraudulent practices?”
It is amazing you devote your life to blaming AMCs for your appraisal practice. In a competitive world, if someone takes business from you, they aren’t always stealing from you. Usually you just lost. AMCs aren’t responsible for 12 billion in losses to appraisers. You just make up random numbers. If they were “fraudulent practices” something would have been done about it. They are not. You are hurt over their business model. You continue to cite 15-20 year old opinions and statutes that are not relevant today, not germane to your attempted application of them and never have been enforced.
I know dozens of appraisers who make a tremendous living mixing in the good AMC work with their other clients. Funny I can’t find them starving and running to this board to blame the AMC for anything. Some AMCs are too greedy or difficult to work with. So don’t. Others are just as good as most other clients.
This stuff is simple. Some would rather make $400 on 50 widgets while others would rather make $600 on 4 widgets a month because they think they are worth more than the market has proven they are. Some will work their butts of for the $20k. Others will lazily do the 4 and make $2400 and incessantly wine, complain and blame others (AMCs). And boy are the latter in good company around here.
I held a designation with AI for 10 years and gave it up 10 years ago. I didn’t find that the residential appraiser was their focus and my clients didn’t care about it after a while, but I still support that they at least try to help our industry as a whole. I can and always could see the vitriol directed at designated appraisers by those who are not. Thats our industry in a nutshell.
The argument of efficient process for a lower price falls short with the simple fact that when amc’s receive lower cost appraisal service, that benefit is not passed on to the consumer. From a consumer perspective by your own analogy and financial comparisons, you the consumer when dealing with amc companies pays exorbitant pricing for a product which would otherwise cost far less in a direct to consumer free market setting. Amc’s have consumers paying the $600 for 4 widgets, even though the amc sources 50 widgets for $400 dollars. Does not sound like a fair deal from a consumer perspective. Why doesn’t the amc distribute the savings to the consumer, and instead bill for their amc handling service on a cost plus basis?
Then we return to the consumer argument if they had a choice with the biggest financial investment in their lives, if they’re really go with the slash rate service provider whom uses outsourced labor and automated process, or if they’d more responsibly go with seasoned well vetted professionals whom charged fair market rates for detailed accountable service which used no outsourcing or third party assistance which may compromise the integrity of the work product and labor effort.
That is not the function of the real estate appraiser being required in frt loans. Independent check and balance to safeguard the liquidity of the nations GSE congressionally chartered lending programs backed by the taxpayer, protecting American consumers from predatory activity, supposed to be implemented in a manner which requires licensed and only licensed persons providing the service. The appraisal industry has been largely commandeered by those willing to exploit the system for their own gain.
And no, the $12b dollar figure is not coming out of thin air. That is the unearned fee rake from amc’s which otherwise would have gone to appraisal industry growth or alternatively as you claim, would have been in part a cumulative savings of mortgage consumers via improved process efficiency rather than a profit rake towards amc’s. ARCC image attached.
A briefer response as well. Being unwilling to exploit a system, unwilling to look the other way due to concerns of fraudulent or unethical activity is not a reflection of a poor business strategy or failing to compete in the open market. Rather this is a reflection of a belief that ethics and honesty should be prioritized above personal profit considerations. In well managed merit based systems there is opportunity for far more people than in closed systems, where only the select few prosper.
So other than a claim filed by an apparent disgruntled employee, that will need to be litigated and decisioned in proper due course, we now have annonymous blog reporting and commenters trying the claim here on the #1 AI hating blogsite. Credibility and public trust begins with real names…
Brent has a point. The article was a little bit biased… I’ve never understood exactly what’s happening at the AI, except from a personal perspective as Mr Kennedy said; nobody in the GSE world ever once asked me for any accreditation. All I hear is what’s your fee and turn time. Daily GSE appraiser activities mean we’re often the only appraiser in the room. Panel approval on boarding, non appraisers. Order volume, non appraisers. Conflict management, non appraisers. Administrative review and stips, non appraisers. Appraisal department managers are rarely licensed appraisers. State board members often have no experience actually working for amc’s. That is whom amc board members influence.
If the costs and commitment were not so prohibitive in relation to the ever falling opportunity and reduced compensation imposed by the amc and mortgage lending industry, the AI group would probably have twice the volume of members today. Does anyone have interesting stats on the percentage of appraisers whom are AI members?
I don’t really understand this story. What’s the big deal about retaking an online CE test if one does not pass the first time? Is it different with AI tests or something, because with all other online CE providers, you never have to pay twice but rather are required to roll through all the class content again until you can pass the test, but it costs the student nothing more than time. Why would anyone get fired for seeking to correct such a simple process?
I have always and will continue to……”take shots” at the Appraisal Institute. I have always maintained they were out for one thing. MONEY. MONEY. and more MONEY. Nothing more. The SRA and MAI programs are a money grab. I do not believe they started out this way. They morphed into a derogatory shell of their original self sometime during the first decade of the 2000’s. Their courses are extremely overpriced. The return on investment for obtaining the SRA designation means little to nothing. Many will disagree with me, that’s fine. Waste your money on them if you want. Me………..I’ll invest mine in something with a better return.
I agree 100%.
Has anyone ever had a client ask you ‘are you SRA or MAI’? Not once in 25 years.
AI designations mean nothing from a do-nothing organization. The clients don’t care, it is really about the fee and turn time for them. Maybe it means something to that smarmy appraiser who does reviews all day.
Burn it all down.
I have actually, all private work, but still. In the MBS, no it does not matter. It does in court when you have opposing council hiring one with and one without. Similarly, there are clients that want green certified appraiser to complete work on green units – it does make a difference to those that are looking specifically for that. Admittedly, most are not.
Exactly!
I have……..once or twice in 42 years.
That sounds like someone is not very professional and couldn’t cut the hurdles in getting designated. In my opinion after 10 years of practicing appraisal in a 2 year apprenticeship for my MAI, and having it for 35 years since 1990, it was worth it when I did it. I demanded my designation was awarded by AIREA NOT AI. theysent me both. I had the AIREA designation framed professionally. The AI designation is a new logo and in Maroon, not the green one with gold embossing. It is still in the closet in a box and I have never displayed it. It ruined the club to merge with lender appraisers. I was against it in 1980 and it has proved to be a big mistake.
I’m still trying to get my designation regardless of this case. If AI did act in this manor, of which I have to follow the bread crumbs of the Cindy Chance debacle and what is stated in this complaint, along with long standing lack of transparency, I hope they will be brought to light and justice served. I also hope that other chapter presidents with in the organization that I know have high standards of ethics will step up and run for the said positions that would be vacated and right the ship. While one or more appraisers that choose to remain anonymous on the face of the blog, understand the moderators know who you are. I understand the desire to speak about such things and not be known, but we all need to be known here and in this profession. AI does have material benefit to many appraiser’s through mentorship and education, I being one. It is clear we have to recognize AI does not do all things the right way and have not been a leader in advocation of appraiser in this industry, nor its own members alike, seemingly damning the demands or questions member have, let alone those on the outside looking in. Work needs to be done, with transparency needed. So those that see a short coming are the ones that should step up and fill the need. I’m only at the beginning of this AI journey and as an appraiser of the past 13 years, I hope to be in this for as along as a I can and I need this community to act like professionals and this includes AI, it board members and all other members. Yes this would also require AI to step up and speak on the appraiser’s behalf without trying to white kid glove every single statement that is made. This is one of this items that must be clear, either you are for appraiser’s and the unbiased appraisal profession, or you aren’t.
Talk about clickbait, my gosh, how do people find this helpful to the discourse? In an era of misinformation, I hope people would avoid the clickbait articles created to get you all riled up. I am sorry that I got on the email list of this website. I will be removing my email now.
How is this click bait. This is an official complaint filed against AI for practices that have begun to light post Cindy Chance. This is clearing out the garbage that has been taking place within the wall of AI and is highly relevant to all the changes and exposures going on throughout the industry. If they are found to be not guilty of such, it is of public record. Right now, hopefully, the lack of transparency that members have been complaining about will be forced out. Lets see what’s under the hood and how it’s running. If it good, then it is good, if not, then it is time for a change.
Well said Mr Paul, there is something rotten in Denmark – and the AI smells like dead fish.
Yes. The documentation is out there for anyone to find. And to Midwest Appraiser, who claims I could not get a designation, that was BY MY CHOICE. I did research into AI after starting the process. So glad I did. Not an organization I would want to be associated with. What a lot of assumptions by him, while he claims we are making assumptions: there is an awful lot of proof out there regarding AI shenanigans and lack of transparency. It pays, as an appraiser, to be thorough at research and analysis. Chalk it up to more embarrassed AI sheep.
I’ve been Appraising since 1995 and have yet to be asked for any qualification other than my “fee and turn time”…. at least since Dudd-Fwank was enacted. I do have my NCPAC CDA just so I can have some letters next to my name. 😉
I’m looking at solely from my own self benefit. I want and need an organization that speaks on the behalf of the appraiser and a place where I can get better education and guidance. I also want the designation, for now, lawyers, CPA and other view them and said designations as means of separation from one appraiser to another. No, I don’t assume all SRA, MAI and on are better just because they have the initials, no, they are not, but they did spend more time on education, similar to another degree in another field of work. Does the degree really mean you know what you are talking about, not all, but its a means to separation from others. It “can” make you more marketability to those outside of the industry. So, in that sense am I still a sheep? If so, bah I guess, or not…
Stay tuned for HUD being exposed for covering for the lender/AMC/appraiser
https://appraisersblogs.com/uncovering-flaws-in-fha-appraisal-n-loan-review-process/#google_vignette
The fraud is everywhere.
HUD covering for the appraiser? I must’ve missed that one.
Trump is a known racist and has many big criminal convictions himself. He doesn’t like that Biden had a big following from Black voters. HUD fraud he pushes is part truth and part fiction.
There was a sting operation by a reporter who erroneously reported in the NY Times that a Florida couple experienced discrimination by an appraiser. The mixed-race couple with 2 appraisers who valued their house at widely disparate values resulted in legal charges and publicizing in investigating the case which was eventually proved wrong. Billboards about this are all over the country. SOME people arrested prejudiced and some are NOT. We take courses and pledge honesty every job.
Since each appraisal is unique, as to subject, comps, analysis, and conclusions, trying to make everything be considered, and form reports are outdated and insufficient for things like H & b Use, site analysis and land value, the GSEs have never been very bright since Taylor Dark.
Nobody has any guts in this profession since some of my peers insult my MAI or pontificate about all designated appraisers.
I know solutions to the AI problems but I am not wasting much of my time on this site after being censored by management. Some have freedom of speech in this blog but it is not guaranteed. It is our politics again!
Trump blames everyone so he got the richest man in the world who had obvious conflicts of interest due to fire every agency purged of non-loyalts and burn down the place so they can get the spoils.
Stop fighting other appraisers and kick those guys off that are obviously amcs or won’t use their real name when dealing with difficult subjects!
Jeremy Baggot, Mai uses his real name and he is very helpful and the ones with initials or screen names are just a waste of my time!
Deborah, the decision to hold your comments in moderation was due to a pattern of behavior that violated our TOU. Despite multiple requests to maintain respectful discourse and refrain from personal attacks, we observed continued disrespectful and disruptive comments directed toward other appraisers including Mike Ford, Bill Johnson, James, Baggins, and others. At that time, you were commenting under an alias rather than your actual name. After numerous attempts to address these concerns with you showed no improvement in conduct, comment moderation became necessary to maintain a collegial atmosphere. This process allows us to review your comments before publication to ensure they meet our TOU requirements.
Deborah, if you really are an appraiser you should recognize that the lender get a third party appraiser to estimate the value of property to insure the collateral. So get off the politics!!! Trumps “fraud” conviction was a bunch of NY politicians, and a jury of ignorant citizens that did not understand the processes involved in real estate lending.
Fake news media does terrible things to the mind.
I’d love to post with my real name.
If only there were not this situation where malicious financial predators and unnecessary exploitative third party order facilitation companies whom have commandeered the majority of gse work load, and threaten reprisal blacklisting and use intimidation tactics to every visible appraiser whom does not play along…
You know, except for that one small detail. If we slap an orange toupee on them and push some partisan hack media hit pieces in between pharmaceutical commercials, will anyone pay attention then? Geesh.
Well, shoot. Not a good look. I wish all the designated members the best of luck in the future. If you are paying dues, you are entitled to some answers.
Perhaps this explains why AI refuses to release exam results to the test taker, but rather only a ‘pass/fail’. How many appraisers were fraudulently forced to pay for a re-exam?
What a joke AI has become
What? That’s more surprising than public schools refusing to provide A-F grading. They don’t even give people a percentage of answers they got right? I mean, how many questions are on these tests? Don’t they tell you when you got the answer wrong? Normal online CE for appraisers hits us with a giant red x instead of a green passing icon, and we immediately have to read again or take the mini quiz again. They re enforce learning based education by providing the correct answer or a reference to where the course content has that information.
I am, for one, am shocked! Completely shocked. Yes, I’m being a smart ass.
Honestly, did anyone think this wasn’t going on already the past several years?? I doubt it, unless you are truly drinking the kool-aid.
AI has now officially lost all the remaining minimal credibility they had. This does prove that they were “in it for the appraisers” though,,,,,, Pa DUm TSSSS! 😉
It’s disappointing to see Appraisal Institute members attacking this blog and their fellow appraisers, instead of holding AI accountable for their alleged corruption. This story has been widely reported across the industry, with major outlets like Bisnow, HousingWire, CRE Daily, and The Real Deal covering the lawsuit that accuses AI of providing fraudulent test results to states for years. I’m surprised to see AI appraisers trying to dismiss this as “clickbait” and misinformation when the evidence seems quite substantial. We should be focusing on getting to the bottom of these serious allegations, not shooting the messengers.
Here are some of the headlines:
Bisnow: EXCLUSIVE: Lawsuit Alleges Appraisal Institute Has Given States Fraudulent Test Results For Years
https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/commercial-real-estate/lawsuit-accuses-appraisal-institute-of-giving-states-fraudulent-test-results-for-years-128719
HousingWire: Former executive sues Appraisal Institute, alleging wrongful termination
It’s the latest chapter in a simmering feud between the Appraisal Institute and its members
https://www.housingwire.com/articles/appraisal-institute-lawsuit-wrongful-termination-alissa-akins/
CRE Daily: Appraisal Institute Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Years-Long Test Fraud
https://www.credaily.com/briefs/appraisal-institute-hit-with-lawsuit-over-alleged-years-long-test-fraud/
The Real Deal: Appraisal Institute accused of widespread test-score fraud
National certifier allegedly falsified test scores for years
https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2025/03/31/appraisal-institute-accused-of-test-score-fraud/
Thank you for your research to quickly see these new articles. There seems to be a pattern of impropriety emerging here. What we have here, is a failure to communicate the true test score results. When an educational business puts their thumb on the scales to create a different out come its corruption pure and simple with no one to gain for the hard work to prepare for these tests.
I shall get to the bottom of this
To quote “Something About Raymond”, “Holy Crap”. This certainly explains their failure supporting appraisers during the racist, biased witch hunt. They had a lot to hide and fear of government investigations In retaliation threw all appraisers under the bus. My sincere condolences for their members who were obviously used as a cash cow. Despicable.
This Blog has become so tiresome … the same posters EVERY SINGLE TIME … talking about conspiracy theories that are laughable … do you posters actually do appraisals anymore?? Or do you just sit in front of your screens waiting for something to “Pray Hard” about … or Bilbo “Baggins” about? I have nothing else to say at this point. What a total joke. Go get some new clients and “shut the front door”. GEEEZZ!
Seek the truth.
I have more work to do everyday and I am turning down work that I don’t want in my portfolio . This ain’t No Joke. Clearly, we are being unburdened by what has been.
Somewhat Flash, somewhat. TAF snuck a gender question into their survey today. They also snuck in a how important is appraisal bias and something about anti discrimination laws into their question. Image attached. Appraisal bias is a fictitious premise.
Are you on the VA panel? VA panelists are reporting a substantial increase in volume.
VA volume is inceasing in my AO of Colorado. I’ve seen an upswing in the past two or three weeks.
More concerning, though, I have done more VA Foreclosures/liquidations in the past eighteen months, then I have in the past fifteen years.
Eric, how many VA appraisals have you had in the past 90 days?
Seek the truth.
Bill,
I’ve completed 12 this year for 3/month.
For the record Baggins, San Diego County area VA appraisers are currently getting about 3 assignments a month and that has been true for a few years. Considering my VA maximum weekly assignment is set at 5, they are doing a very poor job in managing their panel. In short, by starving willing appraisers of work, they are contributing to the reduction of active licenses in the county (800 to 650 in just 2 years!).
Los Angeles County, CA: 308,834 veterans.
San Diego County, CA: 246,972 veterans.
Cook County (Chicago), IL: 190,873 veterans.
Harris County (Houston), TX: 185,085 veterans.
Seek the truth.
Same for me. I presently cover 4 counties for VA and get about 3-5 assignments a month with me allotment of 7 for a week. When I first on the panel I was getting 7 every Monday to catch the VA workloads up in that Cowlitz County. Since 2017 the flooded the panel with appraiser they wish they could kick off, but doing so take so much time, effort and money
With a county population of 3.3 million, and as indicated in my last post (a veteran population of nearly 250,000), it would seem with a well run panel that appraises in my area should get more than 1 order every 10 days or so.
Short term, veterans are being taken care of, but by starving the whole panel such a policy is only pushing many to retire early.
Seek the truth.
Or seek non-lender work. Combine the panel issues with the new UAD 3.6, ever more will drop or retire.
Spenser & Bill-
Something is very wrong at the VA, at least here in Colorado. I’ve told my VA story here before, but in 2018 I had over 25 VA orders in my queue on the LGY. Seriously, no joke. I called the RLC and said there is no way I can get these done in 3 weeks, let alone 7 days. I was told ‘do the best you can’.
Their answer was to bring appraisers from other areas (not geographically competent) to cover the workload, and to increase the VA roster size. I went down to a manageable 3-4 week. When things got slow in 2022, VA was still sending appraisers into my AO which starved the local VA appraisers, much like Bill.
The Denver RLC then had the balls to ask local appraisers to expand their coverage areas to rural Colorado counties that nobody would cover. Yes, they paid more, but they were very difficult to appraise and was very time consuming. I lost money doing these rural appraisals.
I chose not to do rural county VA work, and like Baggins often talks about I believe I was ‘grey-listed’ from 3-5 per week allotment down to 1 per week. Sure things were slower but other local appraisers were still doing 1-3 VA appraisals per week.
I stay on with VA because they pay the best, and I’d like to believe the order rotation process still works. But instead of 5 local appraisers we have more than 15 or so coming from other markets. Not enough pie to go around. And the VA wont remove appraisers from the panel either.
No system is perfect.
In retrospect I should have probably found a way to stay on the panel. But I was dealing with multiple family health issues. My daughter was seriously ill because we had a neighbor whom burned trash and other items for years all day and all year long regardless of weather. The one neighbor took them to court on behalf of many surrounding residents. Affected my wife too, she had a stroke not long after. Thankfully everyone is o.k. now but I don’t know how I would have made it work regardless of the higher relative fee schedule. Spent the next several years nursing everyone back to better health and working part time.
To clarify it did not appear I was getting a fair selection of orders. Was driving from Evergreen to far SE Aurora for highly complex top dollar homes, and that was before the fee schedule moved up from $450. I asked for a lower volume and they ‘processed my appointment’ instead. They offered me only one county but even then, I was unable to work as much as they wanted for several years after. I’m probably the only appraiser ever to voluntarily remove from the VA panel but really I did not have much choice. They would not let me turn the order volume down, limiting the counties was not a workable option for me at the time.
Funny story, I filled out the form for a few weeks off and that was approved and sent to me months after I already took the time off and came off panel. I’ve never dealt with so many calls and emails for single orders anywhere else. Every single order a contact from a VIP lender person; take care of our veteran, are you finished yet, what is your value? People were telling me I was the only appraiser they ever dealt with whom responded to all communications and answered all calls. I understand why other appraisers don’t engage, in retrospect.
This altered my understanding of the industry in general. Those same lenders whom knowingly pay C&R fees to the VA panel appraisers are the exact same ones whom shaft the rest of the appraisers with discount amc work. They know all about it, I was talking to presidents and vp’s of those lending outlets directly.
My final take; Why do only veterans deserve fair and balanced appraisal service? Isn’t this a point of military service, to protect the general public? Veterans would be well advised to avoid lenders whom use amc’s, even if the VA does not put them directly in front of amc’s, they certainly do put their neighbors in such compromising positions. And in the context of this thread; Why doesn’t any of the appraisal trade groups do anything about these obvious ‘valuation disparities’? Open secrets of the appraisal industry. The hits keep on coming.
Hello Baggins
No I am not on the VA panel. I use to be a FHA Field Review Appraiser. This was the last government work I participated in.
A.I. appears to be the appropriate acronym for their organization then.
AI = Artificial (faked) Intelligence
Per the Appraisal Institute
The Appraisal Institute is aware of a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by a former employee, which includes allegations regarding our appraisal examination process.
We take these matters seriously and remain committed to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Our examination and certification procedures are rigorous and designed to uphold the integrity of the appraisal profession. The allegations of fraud are entirely without merit and misrepresent our processes. Accusations of this nature are not only misleading but harm the reputation of dedicated professionals in the field.
We will present the facts through the appropriate legal channels.
#appraisalinstitute
” remain committed to the highest ethical and professional standards” Oh but it is ok for Craig Steinley to sit and testify that appraisers are bias and need further education???? Seems they don’t comprehend the definition of their own words.
It is the same thing that is going on throughout the education system in the United States. Wouldn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings by telling them that they FAILED!!! I am not surprised.
Looks like nit-picking to me. Every government, non profit or tax return could be liable under the level of minutiae found in that accusation.
Going nowhere.
Don’t get me wrong I can’t stand the State or Non profits but the courts are left leaning and won’t let this level of “Karen” nit-picking become a potent malignancy.
The Cleveland Regional Office is well managed. They take their fee panel appraiser concerns seriously. Rather than just discuss it here and if you haven’t, I would reach out to the loan guarantee officer (at your particular regional loan center) and express your concerns. It’s like anything else in government, to bring about change they need to provide evidence to their superiors a problem exists so they can find ways to bring about that change.
1. We need to completely rewrite FIRREA 1989.
2. Go back to 1991 USPAP
3. Eliminate TAF
4. Federalize FRT appraisal licensing
5. ONE UNIFORM set of rules for ALL appraisers in ALL states for FRTs.
6. Prohibit AARO from lobbying for federal rule or USPAP changes.
7. Ignore CRN,officials. Revolving door type FORMER federal appraisal officials now working for parasite non appraisal companies.
Great ideas. How to get there? I’ll be standing by to ask the inevitable question which follows the various amc class action lawsuits; Why didn’t any of the appraisers working and managing within these companies receive any licensing penalties? How to reform ASC from within.
Scam #1: AIReady and data mining that literally gave away the intellectual property of every appraiser with no compensation.
Scam #2: Advance and promote the AMC business model to use AVM’s, hybrids and data collectors then monopolize and drive down what fees were left for the full appraisals.
Succinct and to the point. Amen Joyce.
I want every dime I paid in dues back. The entire organization is toxic. Resigning my useless SRA was one of the best decisions ever.
Alas, there was a time when a residential designation meant something. Not only to lenders but for self affirmation and pride one was doing their very best. Today, with the next generations in the industry, the report could be signed by a Red Rose Tea chimp (look it up) as long as it appraised and there were no conditions.