IndyMac – What Goes Around Comes Around By David Brauner, WRE Editor Not to kick a fella when he’s down, but following the collapse of IndyMac Bank last week, we received an email from a “blacklisted” appraiser that got us thinking. This appraiser, who wishes to remain anonymous, is one of several who told us…
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Editor’s Note: Coast to coast appraisers are thinking: “I told you so.” Many predicted that unchecked lender pressure and other shenanigans during the refi-boom, sooner or later, would have its consequences. Some said it would be another Savings and Loan-type crisis, with taxpayers footing the bill- again. What we are in the midst of may…
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Editor’s Note: Appraisers can combine their expertise with technology to compete and beat AVMs, according to appraiser and Zaio Chief Executive Officer Thomas Inserra, SRA. Read his thoughts below. Out-Competing AVMs by Thomas Inserra, SRA Appraisers don’t have to accept the continued loss of business to AVMs. They can compete for the business and win…
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“Your magazine writes that ‘purveyors of AVMs have routinely lifted data from appraisal reports for years without asking permission or paying remuneration.’ I have been hearing this over and over again. However, I have never seen one piece of evidence that proves this assertion. Do you actually have proof?” – Michael R. Cartwright, CMA/RPG MythBusters:…
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In business, with every change comes opportunity: the radical changes expected to hit this industry may mean new opportunities for appraisers.
On the minds of many fee appraisers this fall is how the new Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) will affect their businesses. The agreement between the New York Attorney General’s office and Fannie Mae/Freddie…
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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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Editor’s Note: Appraisers and Home Inspectors are catching the energy-auditing wave- diversifying and adding to their bottom lines. Shining Light on Energy Auditing by David Brauner, Editor As environmental concerns among Americans reach a tipping point- saving our planet, becoming energy independent, saving money on the soaring cost of energy- appraisers, inspectors and others are...…
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Given the fierce efforts to keep HVCC alive, it makes you wonder if AMC interests know something the rest of us don’t.
As federal legislation that would end the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) moves closer to reality, appraisal management company (AMC) interests are blitzing the media with their message that overturning HVCC means a…
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Editor’s Note: Lawmakers got an ear full from appraisers at a June hearing in Washington. D.C. This time, it appears Congress is listening. Appraisers Talk, Congress Listens by David Brauner and Isaac Peck After the Congressional hearing in June, rest assured that Capitol Hill is well aware of appraisal industry issues, including customary and reasonable...…
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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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