avms

Who Owns Data?

Who Owns the Data? By David Brauner, Editor Here’s a riddle: what do the following have in common: copyrighting appraisals, the Intended User/Intended Use provision in USPAP, Item 21 on the Fannie Mae form, data mining and the FNC lawsuit, automated appraisals (AMVs), and perhaps, the future of appraising? Apparently, they have everything in common....… Read More

Are AVMs Appraisals?

Editor’s Note: In our cover story last issue, “AVM Tango! Man or Machine?” we reported that as a result of our AVM questions, Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) Chair Greg Accetta indicated further clarification would be forthcoming. Here is a statement issued by the Appraisal Foundation in June 2007 (www.appraisalfoundation.org). Are AVMs Appraisals? Appraisal Standards Board...… Read More

Appraisers Fighting Back!

Appraisers Fighting Back! by David Brauner, Editor The good news this issue is that there is plenty of good news to report on issues important to appraisers: curtailing mortgage fraud, limiting broker price opinions, putting the breaks on data mining of appraisal reports, understanding and combating blacklisting, supporting appraiser independence. The common theme is that… Read More

AVM Tango! Man or Machine?

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...… Read More

Advisory Opinion 18 (AO-18)

ADVISORY OPINION 18 (AO-18) This communication by the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) does not establish new standards or interpret existing standards. Advisory Opinions are issued to illustrate the applicability of appraisal standards in specific situations and to offer advice from the ASB for the resolution of appraisal issues and problems. SUBJECT: Use of an Automated… Read More

Summary: Pennsylvania Case Against AVMs

Pennsylvania Case against AVMs (an Appraiser’s Summary of the Decision) by Tim Vining FIDELITY NATIONAL INFORMATION SOLUTIONS, INC., MARKET INTELLIGENCE INC., AND PENNSYLVANIA BANKERS ASSOCIATION, PLAINTIFFS v. GEORGE D. SINCLAIR, et.al., Defendants CIVIL ACTION NO. 02-6928 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA DECIDED MARCH 31, 2004 The purpose of this summary… Read More

Copyright Appraiser Takes on AVMs

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

Out-Competing AVMs

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… Read More