by Guest Author · Published August 27, 2013 · Last modified February 1, 2023
Late yesterday afternoon a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives that would alter the mortgage process and ultimately the way millions of Americans receive a mortgage. HR 1108 would eliminate the need for an appraiser to appraise a home prior to the funds being disbursed to the
by AppraisersBlogs · Published August 26, 2013 · Last modified December 4, 2015
In response to Frank Garay and Brian Steven’s commentary (see video below), on the lawsuit against TriMavin AMC over alleged appraisal independence violations, an anonymous commentator posted the following: There are a number of posters here who need to re-take their CE classes including the moderators. Here are the reasons the entire industry is severely broken. I mean from the Realtor to the Appraiser to the Mortgage Lender. First of all HVCC sunset folks – back in 2010. It was replaced with AIR (Appraiser Independence Regulations) and the Dodd Frank Act. Cannot tell you how irritating it is to me...
by AppraisersBlogs · Published August 24, 2013 · Last modified May 22, 2022
The Appraisal Institute Urges ASB to Make Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice More Flexible The Appraisal Institute announced Aug. 16 that it has asked the Appraisal Standards Board to institute a principles-based approach to appraisal standards that would, over time, require fewer changes to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and enhance understanding of the document. Representatives of AI attended a public ASB meeting in July, during which Paula Konikoff, JD, MAI, chair of AI’s Appraisal Standards and Guidance Committee, urged the ASB to: Modify USPAP to be “principles-based” and not “rules-based,” as it has become over time;...
by Brian L. Trotrier · Published August 21, 2013 · Last modified March 6, 2017
With appraisers being asked to do more work for the same amount of money and with lawsuits against appraisers being more prevalent today than ever before, it is increasingly important for real estate appraisers to check and double check the data they use when preparing a report. Since many appraisers are still feeling the economic impact of the real estate downturn on their bottom line, more and more are looking to reduce the cost of the data they use. While this may seem to be a simple and sound economic decision, it can lead to some serious negative consequences. USPAP...
by Peter Christensen · Published August 14, 2013 · Last modified March 6, 2017
In the last several years, we have seen more negligence claims relating to appraisals performed for tax purposes, especially appraisals for conservation easements, charitable deductions, and estate or gift tax. The IRS is particularly focused at this time on scrutinizing appraisals of conservation and preservation easements submitted for the purpose of substantiating a charitable deduction by the property owner/tax payer. Here, the property owner is generally proposing to record an easement over his property to protect a natural aspect or preserve historic features like a building facade. The easement typically will be donated to and held by a charitable organization,...
by AppraisersBlogs · Published August 8, 2013 · Last modified May 24, 2020
On August 28, 2013, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is offering a 90-minute webinar on FHA Appraisal Requirements. Webinar will cover: The lenders and appraisers responsibilities as it relates to FHA guidelines The marketability and value of the property and information about “For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection” Minimum Property Requirements Minimum Property Standards Appraisal Protocol This webinar is designed for appraisers, underwriters, loan officers, processors, brokers, agents, any interested parties, and any individuals new to FHA. Registration is required. Please hold on to the e-mail you receive after you register, you will need it to access the webinar....
by Brian L. Trotrier · Published August 1, 2013 · Last modified March 6, 2017
As a risk management firm which has been serving real estate appraisers for over 20 years, we are in a relatively unique position in terms of offering suggestions how to improve the current residential real estate appraisal process. To offer some perspective, during our history we have had close to 20,000 appraisers as members of our risk management family and we have been actively involved in the resolution of close to 2000 claims brought against appraisers, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Furthermore, our management team has been around long enough to witness not only the most recent collapse...
by VaCAP Board · Published July 22, 2013 · Last modified July 22, 2018
AMC Licensure in Virginia On July 1, 2014, every AMC wishing to continue operating in Virginia will be required to apply to the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board for a license to conform with recently passed AMC laws. Hopefully, the VREAB will prudently and completely vet these business PRIOR to the issuance of a license. It is my understanding the VREAB staff is leaning towards granting licensure upon application without any substantive vetting of the applying AMC’s. It is also my understanding that appraiser members of the VREAB are opposed to this administrative position and understand the importance of pre-licensing...
by AppraisersBlogs · Published July 19, 2013 · Last modified October 3, 2022
Business owners must determine whether to hire appraisers as employees of the company or as independent contractors. Because many appraisers are self-employed or run small businesses with few staff, recruiting and staffing employees can present a unique set of challenges. Business owners must determine whether to hire appraisers as employees of the company or as independent contractors. According to a recent article in Valuation magazine, businesses are increasingly taking the independent contractor option whenever possible due to the significant savings and flexibility for the employer. However, there are pros and cons to both angles. Benefits for appraisal firm owners and...
by AppraisersBlogs · Published July 17, 2013 · Last modified November 24, 2019
Louisiana Appraisal Fee Study The Business Research Center at Southeastern Louisiana University conducted an online survey of mortgage lenders with offices in Louisiana and licensed Louisiana real estate appraisers to collect information on typical residential real estate appraisal fees paid in Louisiana in 2012. Appraisal fee data were restricted to appraisal fees paid directly to licensed appraisers (i.e., not routed through appraisal management companies (AMCs)), per guidance of relevant federal regulations for determining “customary and reasonable” fees. Useable responses were received from 113 mortgage lenders located in 25 parishes (plus out-of-state) and 383 appraisers with primary offices in 38 parishes (plus...
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