Category Archives: Fraud

Hybrid Appraisal = $2,500 Fine to Appraiser

If you still believe a hybrid or bifurcated appraisal is USAP compliant, you may want to take a look at the article and disciplinary action posted on AppriasersBlogs today.  An appraiser who completed a hybrid appraisal was fined $2,500 by the Georgia Real Estate Appraisal Board for 23 violations. Yes you read that correctly, 23… Read More »

The Raging Fire is Out of Control!

Are the profits being reported by Fannie and Freddie being skewed because of price fixing?  In an article released on CNBC by Reuters, US District Judge Jed Rakoff ruled investors can pursue antitrust claims against banks for conspiring to fix prices of bonds from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  According to the article, there are… Read More »

Breaking: CoesterVMS Back in the Spotlight

Just when you put something into long term memory, it reappears. VaCAP was informed the Court case Skapinetz vs CoesterVMS.com has been decided. The Judge has ordered summary judgement in favor of Mark Skapinetz on all counts. See the court order summary below Thank You for Being Part of VaCAP!

Will This be the Next Housing Bubble?

What is it going to take for every appraiser to comment on Town Hall concerning the proposed Guidance Document on hybrid appraisals?  Even if you have no intentions of ever completing a hybrid appraisal, it is important for you to place a comment on Town Hall concerning the document and these questionable products. If appraisers… Read More »

Fannie and Freddie are Smug Bugs in a Rug….

“All because inwardly focused and entitled Fan and Fred are smug bugs in a rug.” That is a quote from the article by Jeff Lazerson in The Orange County Register on May 23, 2019.  The article is about Fannie and Freddie maintaining property valuation data and how it is harming consumers. The article touches on… Read More »

Explosive News: DOJ Goes after CoreLogic!

The Department of Justice has sent a Civil Information Demand  (CID) notice to CoreLogic. The CID  requires CoreLogic turn over documents and answer questions.   The article by Rob Hahn explains that the case revolves around not only the search features of the MLS systems, but the contracts and agreements on the use of MLS data… Read More »

No Payment to Appraisers

Last week VaCAP shared information on Clarocity Corporation and how the main investor StableView Assets was seizing the shares and foreclosing on the working assets, which includes Clarocity Valuation Services.  StableView in turn had an agreement to sell Clarocity Valuation Services to I Look About. We warned to proceed with caution or do not proceed… Read More »

AMC being sued for Bifurcation

AMC being sued for Bifurcation! VaCAP was forwarded an article this afternoon by one of our members.  The article from Foreclosurepedia is dated August 15, 2018 and concerns a class action law suit filed by property inspectors. ServiceLink Field Services, a division of ServiceLink is being sued for misclassifying employees. From the complaint filed in… Read More »

Judge Orders Quicken and DOJ/ HUD to Mediation

Going on  over three years now, the  law suit between the Department of Justice and HUD against Quicken Loans was ordered to mediation to settle prior to the upcoming trial start date. The allegation that is the center of the lawsuit,  concerns  loans Quicken submitted to FHA that  did not comply with HUD/ FHA requirements.… Read More »

What Should an Appraiser Do?

You have accepted an appraisal assignment for a purchase. Your client is the lender. Upon reviewing the sales contract, the following preprinted language is in the sales contract: “This contract is not contingent upon the Property being valued at an Appraised Value according to the Lender’s appraisal or other appraisal as agreed upon by the… Read More »