Report and Analysis: Readers Respond (Read Article) What Appraisers Say >> “Mr. Kantorovich (quoted in the first story) is accurate in his assessment of the Cuomo deal. Pressure on appraisers will not be eliminated but shifted from the brokers to the AMCs. Quality will suffer further as AMCs require an eight-hour turnaround time and they preset…
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Report and Analysis: Fannie/Freddie, Cuomo Agree to Appraiser Independence By David Brauner, Editor For appraisers, March came in like a lion. As winter turns to spring, appraisers have much to look forward to, as reported in the current issue of Working RE- Turning Tide? Appraiser Independence. Even with the shift to quality in the market…
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New Sites * Mold, Indoor Air Quality Forum (www.iaqforum.net): Jeff Deuitch, microbiologist and real estate appraiser moderates. * Fraud Watchdog Site (www.mortgagefraudwatchlist.org): Moderated by appraiser Pam Crowley. Report sales or refinance transactions that have suspicious activity. Information is turned over to the proper authorities for investigation. Read more here. * Cell Tower Blog (http://wirelessdatacloud.blogspot.com) written…
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Fraud Watchdog Site In an attempt to put a stop to fraudulent sales and refinance transactions, Pam Crowley, CRA created MortgageFraudWatchList.org where real estate professionals can send reports and addresses of a transaction that they believe has suspicious activity. MFWL keeps the submitter’s information confidential but gives the report or address to the proper authorities…
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Editor’s Note: The following Q&A is from Lee Hess, PhD, author of Navigating USPAP. “The USPAP Q&A that have appeared in Working RE previously have generated many additional questions from readers,” said Hess. “Here are more questions and answers that affect the every day practice of appraising.” USPAP Q&A: Clarifying Competency, Reviews, Past Sales &…
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Links to Multiple Articles published by TAVMA (Title/Appraisal Vendor Management Association) in the appraisal press and other online real estate-related publications strongly defending HVCC’s role as a “firewall” protecting appraisal independence. TAVMA Opposes New Consumer Protection Bill – http://www.dsnews.com/articles/tavma-opposes-new-consumer-protection-bill-2010-01-25 AMCs Warn Legislation Could Kill HVCC – http://broadcastarchives.net/mortgage-blog/?p=8014 Home Valuation Code of Conduct is Better for…
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Editor’s Note: It’s summertime; time for getting away for a little R&R, if you can. (If you’re on vacation and reading this from the beach or lake, maybe you’re not quite unplugged enough!) Long-time appraiser Doug Smith offers advice for enhancing your business and family life by taking a break. Taking a Break by Doug...…
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Editor’s Note: Here is a quick snapshot of the industry as per our visit to a la mode’s recent annual convention in Las Vegas. State of the Industry: Marketing, Technology, Fraud by David Brauner, Editor WRE Just returning from a la mode’s annual convention in Las Vegas, it was great catching up with old friends...…
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Sincerity vs. Competency By Diana Jacobs Question: “Can you believe in your heart that you did the right thing and still be wrong?” The answer is yes. Why? Because USPAP instructs us that “ethics” are about intent while “competency” is about judgment and execution. When developing a “scope of work” decision, professional appraisers are not...…
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“Comp Check” Q & A from The Appraisal Foundation Can Appraisers Perform “Comp Check” Assignments? Question: I’m a residential appraiser and have been asked to perform a “comp check” (or “pre-comp”) assignment, where a client wants to get an idea of the value of a home prior to proceeding with a mortgage financing transaction. Does…
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