Michael Perry Thank you. I am not sure unity is possible given human nature.

At one point during the seminar it was suggested by the one of two leaders that appraisers should increase the prices of houses for African Americans who have been marginalized as a way to make up for social ills. I had to pick my jaw off the floor. Despite this being fraud, and a violation of USPAP and FIERREA I have to say, the gentleman didn’t seem to even realize what he had said was fraud. I think social equity programs are necessary; if a law is passed that mandates appraisers need to correct for certain factors, that would not result in appraisers committing mal-practice.

I would also add this was a hearty nudge by a large international bank for appraisers on its panel to participate.

Again, these are not my feelings (because those don’t matter); for those following the new AEI report on bias in appraisal (spoiler, there’s no evidence for it) – https://www.aei.org/how-common-is-appraiser-racial-bias/

For a review of the data by the study designers (it’s about an hour presentation): https://www.aei.org/economics/special-briefing-on-appraiser-bias/

We have strong standards that are only weakened by the never-ending efforts to circumvent them. That is not from one party more than the other. It is a constant of our profession.

No matter which party is in power we can only work within the framework available to us. When one party has control of the House, the Senate, and the Executive it is our best opportunity to achieve meaningful results. IF we identify them narrowly and pursue them in the context of that party’s more broadly stated objectives, rather than squandering opportunity by getting bogged down debating comparatively meaningless minutiae.

Context has become more important than any other concern in recent years. We can present the same issue in two different ways and have opposite results. It’s no different than how an appraiser can report a fact contextually that may seem favorable or unfavorable to an underwriter.

“The property is non-conforming and is obsolete.” vs the property “is legal non conforming, meeting lower-cost entry-level market needs and demands in the area where a shortage of entry level housing exists.” Context is everything.

For example (& ONLY as an example-any topic could apply) We have sought reasonable & customary fees for years. We proposed it first to be a simple matter of fairness. Then we later addressed it as a necessity for assuring adequate time is spent and recognizing that time equates to money (fees) & affects quality.

NOW identifying practices associated with low fees that MAY produce biased results would be prudent. Countering them in the same context is necessary. Buzzwords / focused topics become critical.

Presenting solutions “To promote racial equity & social justice in housing values (or prevent its opposite) we urge all home valuations to be performed on the basis of full appraisals at reasonable & customary fees by qualified professionals as was originally required under Dodd-Frank (a Democrat bill).”

“Using alternatives such as algorithm-driven automated models that are based on census tract demographics are inaccurate overall, and more specifically automatically incorporate lower market values based on census tract data rather than specific housing similarity.” “Some software designers have admitted to weighting demographics in their algorithms. Perhaps without malevolence, but certainly with great potential for discriminatory abuse.”

The above is not THE argument. Its merely an example of a possible presentation from a perspective that gives a legislator a reason to want to support a given bill; or to oppose one.

Lobbyists learned long ago that ‘right & wrong’ rarely enter into considerations. It’s the perception that doing a thing (or not doing a thing) promotes the politicians already stated objectives in some fashion.

The current Presidential (& Congressional control) contest is over. That’s a fact. No matter what our personal political beliefs (pro or con) we have to operate in the world that exists.

hey guys…I don’t mean to be cynical but all I’ve heard for 20 years is “fear” ! Every word is scrutinized. Your integrity and knowledge constantly questioned. AMC’s bulling and threatening. Unreasonable turn times, threats to withhold pay,etc. It gets old!! I’ll I’ve heard is let’s stand together for 20 years…which I think we should. Then the appraisal organizations throw us under the bus too.

Things were better the past several years than they had been in a long time then came Hybrids. Two of my biggest clients were pushing hybrid appraisals HARD right before COVID…then they completely stopped and we (appraisers) were considered “essential”. The loan officers tell the borrower, agents, etc it’s the appraiser. The list goes on forever.

I’m not so sure this administration can fix it. Last time they changed one word in the FHA guidelines that cost hundreds of good appraisers their livelihood.

I believe the only way things will get better for us all is when we get a huge lobbies group like the realtors have. Until then we will remain the little insignificant people unless needed. We can all be replaced tomorrow!!

Money is the only thing that talks it seems.

I’m not giving up yet. I am however doing everything to limit my liability.

I wish us all a good year. I surely hope the housing market stays strong.

Virgil Gleason I didn’t take it as mean at all. Kim either. I just think we all need to have a basis for our opinions and I’m glad you took the time to read the article. We need to be more unified as an industry!

Michael Perry I hope I did not appear to be mean. I am a bit on edge because I see more complexity coming our way, and I very much dislike being branded or labeled. Just the facts man, just the facts. Good luck everybody, I hope you have a great year!

Virgil Gleason thank you!! I think the author erred by using that photo because too many people only see the photo and read the headline. That’s all I was asking if Kim too.

We’re appraisers – we’re supposed to consider all relevant info before coming to a conclusion!!

Michael Perry I agree to keep politics out if possible. Why is a political sign in the photo above? Edit – I understand the sign now. I read the article before my initial post, just took a while to figure it out.

Kim Wright Bryan Not! I have done both sides of these hybreds’ and they are trash! You cannot get a true feeling for a home if you do not do the complete inspection, and write the report yourself, too much is lost in the process.

Michael Perry We can only hope.

Kim Wright Bryan ugh. I get it but again it seems obvious that you didn’t actually read the article. It’s specifically addressed to the Biden administration and specifically cites their intentions to address the issue. It’s a plead for this administration and this president to stop insinuating that appraisers are causing the problem and especially that appraisers can somehow “fix” the problem. Please read the article.

Michael Perry but the photo is political ?

It’s insinuating that this president is going to fix it. (Oh I forgot it’s only political if it’s not the current administration)

When has anyone tried to focus on the issues and actually solve them?

Kim Wright Bryan this article is not about politics. If we want to protect our industry we need to focus on issues rather than take swipes at candidates we don’t like.

Michael Perry hybrid appraisals are the answer…

Michael Perry this current administration has tried to convince the people that everyone is racist.