Editor’s Note: The following Q&A with MARI results from its name coming up again and again as the source of complaints against appraisers. The responses are from Merle Sharick, Vice President – National Manager of Business Development, Mortgage Asset Research Institute (MARI), a ChoicePoint company. Mr. Sharick has been at MARI for four years, after...…
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Editor’s Note: You can find the class action, filed by a group of appraisers against FNC, Inc., at the bottom of this page. Federal Suit Alleges Misuse of Appraisers’ Data by FNC by David Brauner, Editor In a federal class action, a group of appraisers from across the country has filed a complaint against FNC,...…
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Reporting and Stopping Mortgage Fraud by David Brauner Like many appraisers, Pamela Crowley is fed up with pressure from lenders to make a deal work. Unlike most, she is doing something about the problem that is working. And not only working for her but for the entire industry- appraisers and lenders. Crowley’s solution is the...…
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Lending Crisis: A Bright Side? My message this issue is short and sweet this issue of Working RE; I’ll simply refer you to the cover story: Appraisers Fighting Back! It details the efforts of a handful of individuals who are making a difference to improve the industry. Many issues are coalescing and building upon one…
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Rose is a Rose Inspecting AND Writing You wouldn’t expect home inspectors to be discussing the fine points of misplaced modifiers or use of the passive voice when sharing report writing tips, but this is exactly the advice veterans gave to a newbie inspector asking for report writing do’s and don’ts, recently on a home…
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Editor’s Note: First of a multi-part series on report writing from Alan Carson. You can find the piece in its entirety by clicking Home Inspectors: Report Writing 101. Inspecting is Easy – Writing is Hard! by Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop An inspection report must serve both the inspector and the client. That’s why report writing...…
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Home Inspectors: Report Writing 101 By: Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop Introduction We all like inspecting houses. It’s fun and challenging and we are really good at seeing things that mere mortals can’t. The “show and tell” with clients is rewarding, and the appreciation they feel at the end of the process gives us real job…
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Editor’s Note: This review first appeared in the Appraisal Today Newsletter, published by Ann O’Rourke. To read this review in its entirety please click here. Scope of Work Software and Book Review By Doug Smith, IFAS Most appraisers have furthered their understanding of the newest changes to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP),…
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Editor’s Note: This review first appeared in the Appraisal Today Newsletter, published by Ann O’Rourke. Scope of Work Software and Book Review By Doug Smith, IFAS Most appraisers have furthered their understanding of the newest Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) changes, with the emphasis on Scope of Work (SOW), by taking additional continuing…
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Editor’s Note: Appraisers must watch for signs to try to understand market changes. Most are economically fueled, but other factors, such as the desire of families to move away, might be part of the changes as well. Many of the potential signs and factors are covered in this story by Beverly Bayer. Appraising a Deteriorating...…
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