Editor’s Note: In this opinion piece, appraiser Andy Anderson expresses what many of his colleagues are thinking about the upcoming UMDP requirements. UMDP/UAD: Road to Ruin? By Andy Anderson The Uniform Mortgage Data Program (UMDP) is mandated by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (GSEs) under the direction of their federal regulator, the Federal Housing Finance…
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Turning Tide? Appraiser Independence Legislation * Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act * CRS report on H.R. 3915 * Explanation of HOEPA loans * H.R. 1852: Expanding American Homeownership Act Still Pending in Congress * The Homeownership Preservation and Protection Act of 2007 * H.R. 1723: Fair FHA Appraisal Act, or visit http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h1723/show * H.R.…
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Report and Analysis: Fannie/Freddie, Cuomo Agree to Appraiser Independence By David Brauner, Editor For appraisers, March came in like a lion. As winter turns to spring, appraisers have much to look forward to, as reported in the current issue of Working RE- Turning Tide? Appraiser Independence. Even with the shift to quality in the market…
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Editor’s Note: It’s summertime; time for getting away for a little R&R, if you can. (If you’re on vacation and reading this from the beach or lake, maybe you’re not quite unplugged enough!) Long-time appraiser Doug Smith offers advice for enhancing your business and family life by taking a break. Taking a Break by Doug...…
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Editor’s Note: Here is a quick snapshot of the industry as per our visit to a la mode’s recent annual convention in Las Vegas. State of the Industry: Marketing, Technology, Fraud by David Brauner, Editor WRE Just returning from a la mode’s annual convention in Las Vegas, it was great catching up with old friends...…
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Sincerity vs. Competency By Diana Jacobs Question: “Can you believe in your heart that you did the right thing and still be wrong?” The answer is yes. Why? Because USPAP instructs us that “ethics” are about intent while “competency” is about judgment and execution. When developing a “scope of work” decision, professional appraisers are not...…
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Editor’s Note: Lore DeAstra is our resident FHA expert and author of the FHA Inspection Checklist, Checklist Instructions and eManual. The eManual is recently updated with 23 new pages of material, visit https://www.workingre.com/fha-checklist-ebook/.
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The new normal for too many appraisers these days is being banished to a “do not use” list by a lender, without any opportunity for rebuttal or even knowing why. Now here’s a new twist: at least one large lender is giving appraisers the chance to rebut a questionable review- the problem is that doing…
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Editor’s Note: You’d be amazed all you don’t know regarding your rights as an appraiser. The following was gleaned from the webinar series: How to Limit Liability, Maintain Independence, and Fight Influence by Richard Hagar, SRA. How Well Do You Know Your Rights? By David Brauner, Editor Here are some questions for you- the answers...…
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Editor’s Note: Here are details on a new “recovery” fund designed for appraisers who are owed money by bankrupt AMCs. AMC “Recovery Fund” for Appraisers First of Its Kind by David Brauner, Editor More than one appraisal management company (AMC) has shuttered its doors owing millions of dollars to appraisers in unpaid fees- now one…
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