Editor’s Note: A recent online debate about AVMs highlights the many facets of this very important issue and underscores the wide divergence of opinion among appraisers about the place of AVMs in the lending process, and in the marketplace. The conversation was sparked by the story Copyright Appraiser Takes on AVMs. AVM Tango! Man or...…
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Editor’s Note: The following Q&A about how to report a crooked floor in the face of pressure (from a crooked lender), demonstrates what a powerful tool a good Scope of Work can be in deflecting pressure, limiting liability and producing more professional reports. Scope of Work Q&A: Deflecting Pressure, Reducing Liability by David Braun, MAI,…
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Editor’s Note: We found the following quote among many similar comments online over the summer: “I took the seven-hour USPAP class to update myself on the new changes to USPAP. Most of the class left confused and unclear with regard to some of the changes.” (Appraiser wishes to remain anonymous.) The following is excerpted from...…
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Compliant Appraisers: Creating a Level Playing Field A growing number of appraisers are compelled to turn in colleagues for what, in their judgment, is incompetence and/or fraud. Here is a template of an actual complaint which was heard and acted upon by a state board. Phil Rice, appraising eight years, said he filed this complaint...…
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“Virtual” Debate: What does “Inspection” Mean? Technology may have evolved enough to make “virtual” inspections a reality but do they meet state and other regulatory guidelines? Is it ok for supervising appraisers to use trainees as surrogates to inspect properties? As technology advances, and the use of trainees becomes more widespread, these questions are on...…
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Editor’s Note: July 1, 2006 the new USPAP takes effect. By all accounts the changes are some of the most significant ever as well as some of the most welcome. USPAP instructor and author Lee Hess takes you through a series of common questions and answers to help you shorten the learning curve and keep…
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Interview with David Braun MAI, SRA author of Appraising in the New Millennium: Due Diligence and Scope of Work- Second Edition Editor’s Note: If you’re like Leory Eide or Red Blumenstock or one of the over 13,000 other appraisers who enjoyed a free download of Appraising in the New Millennium: Due Diligence and Scope of...…
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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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Best of Show – Taking Appraisal Industry Pulse by David Brauner, Editor WRE Here is the best of show from the Valuation conference in Las Vegas and the latest on the issues that affect your business most– new forms from Fannie Mae, AVMs, 2006 USPAP, Scope of Work, identity theft, fraud, the future, negativity and…
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Editor’s Note: Marc Gottesdiener, an appraiser involved in real estate 40 years, has worked as a litigation consultant and expert witness since the early 1990s. Read his advice for expanding your practice into non-lender work as a consultant and expert witness.
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