Author: AppraisersBlogs

Why do appraisers need a college degree? 10

College Degree for Appraisers?

Why Do Appraisers Need a College Degree? Let me begin by stating that I hold both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree. I do not state that to get the adulations of the reader, but to qualify myself as one who can speak with at least a small degree of authority on this subject. Let me also be fair in stating that I loathed school. Do not misunderstand, I love and cherish education, I just hate school. I am a lifelong learner. I enjoy reading, researching, and experiencing new things. I love furthering my education. However, I am not one that fits very...

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Guidance on Valuing Green Buildings

Appraisal Institute Issues Guidance on Valuing Green Buildings When valuing green buildings, real estate appraisers’ analysis must be supported by market data on the subject property that helps explain why it stands out from its conventional peers, according to guidance issued today by the Appraisal Institute and the Institute for Market Transformation. Seeking to assist owners who retrofit an existing building or build a new one with energy-efficient features, the two organizations issued “Green Building and Property Value A Primer For Building Owners and Developers.” “As owners and developers enhance buildings with energy-efficient features, appraisers can help make the case...

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2014-2015 USPAP Now Available On-Line

The 2014-2015 edition of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is now available on-line. This edition of USPAP is valid for two years, effective January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015. The new edition includes the standards of professional practice for all appraisal disciplines as well as guidance from the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) in the form of USPAP Advisory Opinions and USPAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), featuring a compilation of more than 300 questions and answers. To access the 2014-2015 USPAP on-line edition

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Fannie Mae’s Appraiser Quality Monitoring List FAQs

Appraiser Quality Monitoring Information Fannie Mae has published a new web page with information about the recently implemented Appraiser Quality Monitoring (AQM) process. The new AQM web page includes FAQs and a link to the AQM list identifying appraisers whose appraisals will be subject to 100% review by Fannie Mae or whose appraisals are no longer accepted by Fannie Mae. The AQM list is protected content, and approved Fannie Mae sellers/servicers may set up access through Technology Manager. Appraiser Quality Monitoring (AQM) FAQs Fannie Mae began collecting appraisal data in 2011 through the Uniform Collateral Data Portal® (UCDP®). Millions of...

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Mortgage Disclosure Rule Alters Appraisal Fee Reporting

The Appraisal Institute on Dec. 17 finalized its review of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 1,888-page final rule on Integrated Mortgage Disclosures under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Truth in Lending Act, and noted several provisions that impact real estate appraisers and how appraisal fees are reported. The rule, which takes effect Aug. 1, 2015, mandates the use of two new disclosure forms, the Loan Estimate (which replaces both the Good Faith Estimate and the initial Truth in Lending Disclosure) and the Closing Disclosure (which replaces both the HUD-1 and the final Truth in Lending Disclosure). It...

2014-15 USPAP Modifications 0

2014-15 USPAP Modifications Released

2014-15 modifications to USPAP become effective 1/1/2014 In preparation of the new 2014-15 modifications to USPAP effective January 1, ASA’s Ethic’s Committee has prepared a brief summary outlining the modifications. The Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) 2014-15 modifications to USPAP become effective January 1, 2014. These modifications include: Revisions to the DEFINITIONS of “Assignment Results” and “Scope of Work” — Based on comments received, there was a need to clarify the definition of ‘Assignment Results.’ In an appraisal assignment, assignment results currently include more than just the appraiser’s opinion of value, as the appraiser is responsible not only for the opinion...

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Appraisal Quality and UCDP Notification

On December 10, 2013, Fannie Mae issued a lender letter focusing on appraiser selection, data quality issues, and new processes for appraiser monitoring, and has added messages in UCDP related to appraisals from specific appraisers. Appraisal Quality Fannie Mae began collecting appraisal data in 2011 through the Uniform Collateral Data Portal® (UCDP®). Millions of appraisals have been submitted by lenders and their authorized agents through UCDP. UCDP enables Fannie Mae to monitor and evaluate appraisals for data accuracy and consistency. The purpose of this Lender Letter is to remind lenders of Fannie Mae’s appraiser selection requirements, highlight several data quality...

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Appraiser Confidentiality vs Common Courtesy

When reviewing complaints submitted to the Division, or when taking calls from people who are upset about an appraisal, I often observe that a good portion of the concern expressed is from a lack of response from the appraiser.   Specifically, this occurs when the appraiser will not address “issues” the person has with the appraisal and/or appraiser. Having a third party call to discuss an appraisal report creates a difficult dilemma for an appraiser. Under USPAP’s Ethics Rule – Confidentiality, the part relevant to this discussion states “[a]n appraiser must not disclose: (1) Confidential information; or (2) assignment results to...

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Mortgage Fraud – Trends and Schemes

In last month’s edition of the AppraisalPort newsletter, I covered some of the appraisal guidelines that were discussed at the National AI Connect Conference in Indianapolis, July 23-25, 2013. This month, I want to discuss another session that dealt with mortgage fraud. I learned a lot about how people are trying to get rich through fraud in this very interesting breakout session. The session, “Residential Mortgage Fraud Enforcement: Trends and Identifying Schemes,” included presentations from Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Special Agent Eric Mascari, Interthinx’s Ann Fulmer, and Gary Crabtree, SRA, owner of Affiliated Appraisers. The session focused on the...

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Borrower’s Commonly Asked Questions and How an Appraiser Should Answer Them

One of the aspects I love most about appraising is that every day is different.  I inspect an average of 3.25 houses per day.  Since every house is different, every day is unique.  Despite the variety we enjoy, I have also recognized that, though the setting varies each time, there is some repetition.  Specifically, the questions we get from borrowers seem to be similar over and over again. One of the best lessons I have learned as a businessman is that, if there are any processes which are often repeated, developing a system for handling them will allow you to...

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