Editor's Note: With over 1,000 appraisers participating, the results of this new survey shed some light on the state of appraiser independence in the last quarter of 2013.

Appraiser Independence Survey Results 
by David Brauner, Editor

We hear a lot of appraisers complain that illegal influence continues today despite new federal and state regulations designed to remove it from the process. This survey hopes to shine light on what some of you are experiencing. The results are mixed.

Over 1,000 appraisers participated in the survey; over 300 left additional comments to illustrate their points. The survey remains open if you’d like to participate. (To participate, visit the new WorkingRE.com and click Blogs/Surveys, Surveys.)

You will find the questions below, along with the responses by percentage (rounded). You can find the comments at the WorkingRE.com, click Blogs/Surveys, Surveys à Appraiser Independence Comments. Many are thought-provoking and troubling.  The following are representative of many.

“I have never been removed from a panel but I certainly see a decrease in business as soon as I am under the sales price. This happens with both appraiser management companies (AMCs) and lenders. There is never an explanation, just a sharp reduction in orders.”  

“Pressure and undue influence are alive and well. Nothing has changed with all the additional regulation except the pressure is more subtle. Now it's called ‘Reconsideration of Value.’ No one respects or appreciates the appraiser's professional independent opinion. Everyone has an opinion and thinks they know the value, including the Realtors, loan officers, mortgage brokers and homeowners.”

“Our firm of 11 appraisers lost two very large clients due to pressure from loan officers and Realtors. It was more important to make the loan than to have a credible appraisal. On one we complained through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the FDIC and heard from no one.”