Editor’s Note: In this opinion piece, appraiser Andy Anderson expresses what many of his colleagues are thinking about the upcoming UMDP requirements. UMDP/UAD: Road to Ruin? By Andy Anderson The Uniform Mortgage Data Program (UMDP) is mandated by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (GSEs) under the direction of their federal regulator, the Federal Housing Finance…
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Mobile Appraising: Saving Both Time and Money By Dustin Harris, “The Appraiser Coach” Appraisers who are truly ‘mobile’ are using laser measurers, tablet PCs or smartphones, and software to upload reports remotely to the office to be more competitive- to save time and money. As I travel the country mentoring various appraisal business owners, I…
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Turning Tide? Appraiser Independence Legislation * Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act * CRS report on H.R. 3915 * Explanation of HOEPA loans * H.R. 1852: Expanding American Homeownership Act Still Pending in Congress * The Homeownership Preservation and Protection Act of 2007 * H.R. 1723: Fair FHA Appraisal Act, or visit http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h1723/show * H.R.…
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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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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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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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