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…
Read More
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 &…
Read More
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...…
Read More
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...…
Read More
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...…
Read More
“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…
Read More
Appraisers & Gramm-Leach-Bliley By Pat Butler Most appraisers have heard of Gramm-Leach-Bliley (Privacy Act) but few understand their obligations under the Act. Appraisers have disclosure obligations under Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GBL) when they are hired directly by a consumer to conduct an appraisal. Compliance means disclosing to the client whether any of their nonpublic personal information will...…
Read More
Editor’s Note: This is an actual claims rebuttal letter sent to opposing counsel, written by a claims adjuster on behalf of an insured. The names have been changed. Disclaimer: This article is written from an insurance perspective and is meant to be used for informational purposes only. It is not the intent of this article…
Read More
The Appraisal Foundation Appoints New National Board The Appraisal Practices Board will be officially constituted July 1, 2010 The purpose of the ABP is to issue voluntary timely guidance to appraisers on emerging valuation issues that are occurring in the marketplace. This guidance will assist appraisers, appraiser regulators and educators. The new Board will enlist…
Read More
Editor’s Note: Appraiser Sean Heath and others test out the new AVM Zillow and caution that while the name may be on everyone’s lips, let the zill-er (consumer) beware. That said, the results are far from black and white. Appraisers Put AVM Zillow to the Test by Sean Heath It seems that the quickest way...…
Read More
