Fighting Appraisal Board Complaints: Put an Expert in Your Corner

by David Brauner, Senior Broker, OREP

New lending guidelines are causing a spike in complaints to appraisal boards nationwide, and with it, more headaches for real estate appraisers. With borrowers now able to obtain a copy of their appraisal upon request, and agents/brokers attempting to intimidate appraisers by blaming low values on “bad appraising,” frivolous complaints to state boards are a new reality for more and more appraisers- even the careful ones.

A dashed off email complaint by a consumer, agent or other disgruntled party who didn’t get their value, can have serious ramifications to an appraiser’s business- innocent or not.

Dealing with a complaint, even one without merit, can be time-consuming and frustrating, and if not handled correctly, can be ruinous to your appraisal business. Most insurance companies, including the one’s OREP works with, provide free legal guidance to their insureds and this is often the best place to start, especially when dealing with legal suits. But untangling state board complaints, that accuse appraisers of specific violations of the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice (USPAP), require a different set of skills. To be on equal (or better) footing with the stable of attorneys your state board has at its disposal and to properly defend your interests, you often need an expert’s understanding of USPAP and an insider’s knowledge of how state boards operate to enjoy the best result.

According to Bob Keith, Former Executive Director and Appraiser Program Compliance Coordinator for the Oregon Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board, what many appraisers don’t realize is that not all state board investigators are trained appraisers and few are experts in USPAP. “Only slightly more than one-half of one percent of all credentialed appraisers are qualified as experts in the minimum Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. As a result, those making decisions about your professional license and career may be less of an expert in USPAP than you are,” says Keith. “It pays to have any expert on your side.”

Keith says to have a fair chance in a complicated and often unfair process, appraisers must understand a few basics about protecting their license and their livelihood and how to obtain expert advice when they need it.

Consulting Services
Keith is providing consulting services to appraisers facing state board complaints since leaving the Oregon Board. “Having a complaint filed against you is a frightening experience, but it does not automatically mean that you’re going to be disciplined by your state licensing board. Don’t panic but don’t delay either. You can ‘fight city hall,’ but you must be willing to utilize resources that are readily available,” Keith said.

You can learn more about Keith’s consulting practice at OREP.org (click benefits). OREP Members and Affiliates and subscribers to Working RE Magazine receive the first half hour consultation from Keith free and a 25% discount on consulting services if needed. Note: Due to his recent close association with the Oregon Appraiser Board, he is not providing paid consulting services to appraisers for properties located in Oregon at this time, but Keith will still provide the free half hour consultation and then make a referral to a local expert that can be of assistance.

OREP Members / Affiliates / WRE Subscribers please email here to get started: isaac@orep.org
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