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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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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Appraising Golf Course Properties Steven R. Smith, MSREA, MAI, SRA We have a high-end appraisal of a home on a golf course to do. There are some things I have learned over the years that I can share with those who are interested in the nuances of determining locational values of golf course properties. Much...…
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Dealing with Pressure by David Brauner, Editor Few appraisers remain untouched by lender pressure to make a deal work, whether the demand is to “adjust” a property’s value or its condition. Besides losing business, honest appraisers are losing faith in their ability to practice their profession reputably, mainly because there are so many who don’t....…
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Appraiser Blacklisting: Fighting Back by Cary Barker, WRE Assistant Editor Blacklisting can do damage to your reputation, your bottom line and in some cases, your health- especially when you can’t get answers or help. Here’s how one appraiser, banned from the approved list of a large national lender, did get answers and ultimately, satisfaction- but not...…
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Editor’s Note: A recent online debate about AVMs highlights the many facets of this very important issue and underscores the wide divergence of opinion among appraisers about the place of AVMs in the lending process, and in the marketplace. The conversation was sparked by the story Copyright Appraiser Takes on AVMs. AVM Tango! Man or...…
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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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