Editor’s Note: In this story, appraiser John Lifflander explains the roles played by the Feds, brokers/lenders and yes, appraisers, in getting us into the lending “meltdown.” The story is reprinted with permission from Fair and Equitable magazine, published by IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers). Rise and Fall of Real Estate Values by John Lifflander,…
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Editor’s Note: An OREP member recently walked into our (San Diego, Calif.) office to renew his E&O insurance in person. We are always glad to meet our members. During our chat, he said he now does only REO work and is plenty busy. Ann O’Rourke explains that if foreclosures are up where you live, your...…
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Editor’s Note: In a recent Q&A, Fannie Mae’s Mark Simpson, Director Property Standards, Single-Family Credit, makes clear that the word “inspection” on the new forms is Fannie’s clear intent and will not be changed- despite concerns that it can mislead homeowners into thinking they are getting a home inspection rather than an appraisal, and rumblings…
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Three quarters of the way through the year, some appraisers are still unsure about how to deal with the change in reporting requirements that took effect January 1, 2003 (USPAP 2003). Some appraisers are going back three years on the subject and on the comparables; some on the subject only. What’s required? What’s prudent?
In…
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FHA Liability: A Case Study Editor’s Note: When the FHA increased responsibilities for appraisers a few years ago – making their duties more like a home inspector’s, many predicted increased liability exposure for appraisers and a flood of lawsuits. This is one appraiser’s story. As it takes a few years for problems to surface and...…
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Editor’s Note: The Housing Recovery Bill signed into law this summer promises to benefit appraisers, but the rules have changed. Here’s what you need to know. National Housing Act: What Appraisers Need to Know by David Brauner, WRE Editor The National Housing Act (H.R. 3221), signed into law on July 30, 2008, may generate a...…
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Seamless FHA Roster Renewal In a recent story (Industry Snapshot), WRE reports that FHA and the Appraisal Subcommittee are working together to create a seamless renewal process for appraisers on the FHA Roster. According to Donna Tomposki, Director of the Home Valuation Policy Division within FHA’s Office of Single Family Program Development, the system works…
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The Market: One veteran says that in 37 years of appraising 2008 was the toughest market he’s ever seen and that 2009 could be worse. Several others, also appraising over 30 plus years of real estate cycles, agree. Their take? If you can make it in these conditions, you can make it.
Professional…
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FHA, Fannie/Freddie Tell it Like it Is (to them) by David Brauner, Editor The appraiser Valuation 2009 conference in New Orleans in November offered unprecedented access to key regulators, AMCs and other decision makers regarding the future of the appraisal industry- that’s the good news. The bad news is that you may not like what…
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Appraisers are finally being heard.
As a result of grass roots complaints by appraisers about diminishing appraisal quality in industry blogs, publications, the general media, and in a formal appeal by a coalition of appraisal organizations, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced several important policy changes intended to increase accountability and due diligence in the appraisal…
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