Real Estate Appraiser Insurance OREP Insurance Services is a leading provider of Appraisers Errors & Omissions Insurance for real estate appraisers. In addition to the lowest rates and broadest coverage, that is customized for real estate appraisers to fit their individual appraising needs, OREP provides timely information to help appraisers limit their liability and increase…
Read More
Editor’s Note: This story, one of several recent instances of lone appraisers fighting back in court, is further proof that the tide is turning for appraisers: consider the spate of legislative reform now under consideration to support appraiser independence- as reported in the current WRE, and the stunning Fannie/Cuomo agreement, which while flawed, is a...…
Read More
Defensive Appraising in a Declining Market By John Lifflander, ASA As market conditions continue to decline, appraising has become more difficult and potentially perilous. Consequently, it has never been more imperative for appraisers to prepare reports in a way that will hold up to meticulous scrutiny. Properties that are selling or being refinanced now may...…
Read More
Low E&O Rates & Great Service…and Yes, We Answer the Phone Appraisers/Agents E&O Min. Prem. $483 Inspectors E&O Min. Prem. $1,250 Golden Rule Our mission at OREP is to be the best insurance resource for real estate professionals; to follow the Golden Rule by treating all who contact us for help as we would expect…
Read More
Editor’s Note: Here is a question (and answer), concerning the proper intended user statement when the form and intended use conflict with one another. Scope of Work: Q&A by David Braun, MAI, SRA Risks of Changing Intended User Statements (Question from Howard Goheen, Phoenix Appraisal Service) “Dear David (Braun)…We’ve worked hard to get up to...…
Read More
Editor’s Note: The following Q&A with MARI results from its name coming up again and again as the source of complaints against appraisers. The responses are from Merle Sharick, Vice President – National Manager of Business Development, Mortgage Asset Research Institute (MARI), a ChoicePoint company. Mr. Sharick has been at MARI for four years, after...…
Read More
Editor’s Note: You can find the class action, filed by a group of appraisers against FNC, Inc., at the bottom of this page. Federal Suit Alleges Misuse of Appraisers’ Data by FNC by David Brauner, Editor In a federal class action, a group of appraisers from across the country has filed a complaint against FNC,...…
Read More
Reporting and Stopping Mortgage Fraud by David Brauner Like many appraisers, Pamela Crowley is fed up with pressure from lenders to make a deal work. Unlike most, she is doing something about the problem that is working. And not only working for her but for the entire industry- appraisers and lenders. Crowley’s solution is the...…
Read More
Appraiser Blacklisting: Fighting Back by Cary Barker, WRE Assistant Editor Blacklisting can do damage to your reputation, your bottom line and in some cases, your health- especially when you can’t get answers or help. Here’s how one appraiser, banned from the approved list of a large national lender, did get answers and ultimately, satisfaction- but not...…
Read More
Editor’s Note: Tim Vining, MAI is at it again. Vining is the appraiser who made national news by bringing the first appraisal copyright infringement lawsuit. The case settled in his favor. This time he is taking on AMVs. Read how and why below. “Right on to Tim Vining! Please let him know hard-working appraisers support him.” – Eve…
Read More