Editor’s Note: Coast to coast appraisers are thinking: “I told you so.” Many predicted that unchecked lender pressure and other shenanigans during the refi-boom, sooner or later, would have its consequences. Some said it would be another Savings and Loan-type crisis, with taxpayers footing the bill- again. What we are in the midst of may…
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Teaching Your Clients Well At a recent industry show in Las Vegas (Valuation 2007), one speaker suggested that appraisers facing pressure may try “educating” their lender-clients about the rules, just in case they don’t know. You may be surprised by what is set in stone. One document that can be used for this purpose is…
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Fannie’s New Forms: Something To Talk About The latest version of the new Fannie Forms are set to go into use soon. These forms for appraising single-family residential and small income-producing properties have some very disturbing and questionable requirements within the certification pages. One of the biggest concerns for appraisers is items #21. If you…
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Industry News – Volume 17 States Fighting Back Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann has filed a lawsuit against 10 mortgage firms under the state’s new predatory lending law. The firms are being accused of influencing appraisers to “puff up” their property appraisals above market value. This has resulted in buyers owing more than the property’s…
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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. 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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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…
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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…
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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…
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Appraiser Wins Copyright Suit: Now What? And they said it couldn’t be done. Tim Vining, MAI becomes the first appraiser in the U.S. to successfully sue and win for copyright infringement of his intellectual property – his appraisal. The culprit is a real estate broker who lifted Vining’s work for use in a sales brochure.…
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