Freedoms

By | July 4, 2019

Most Americans associate July 4th with fireworks, barbecues and vacations.  Sure, we all know July 4th is about freedom and independence, but is that the first thing that comes to mind when someone says July 4th?  Since the Declaration of Independence was signed 243 years ago, the United States has grown, not only in population, but in our freedoms.

Today we have protections as citizens under our government laws and regulations. Are there still those who want to control and dictate, or bad apples as some refer?  Sure, but today, because of the freedom our forefathers declared, we have the right to reject those bad apples.

The appraisal profession is at the cross hairs of freedom. Today, appraisers have choices. We can follow the lead of those who want to control and dictate for their own profit and pursue unreliable valuation alternatives such as algorithms with built in bias and inaccuracies; bifurcated products in which the individual inspector may not be experienced, trained or qualified; or evaluations where no standards or regulatory oversight exists, or we can pursue our freedom to determine our own professional path for success.

VaCAP has worked hard to have a voice in our own profession. We are accomplishing this, not by paid lobbyist, but from boots on the ground appraisers volunteering their time, energy and resources for the appraisal profession.

  • Boots on the ground appraisers sat down face to face with our state and federal legislative representatives to discuss our issues and concerns.
  • Boots on the ground appraisers sat down face to face with Fannie Mae to discuss our issues and concerns and alternatives to hybrid appraisals were presented.
  • Boots on  the ground appraisers sat down face to face with FHFA to discuss our issues and concerns.
  • Boots on the ground appraisers attended the US Financial Services Subcommittee hearing on appraisal issues. One on one conversation with committee members occurred and communication with factual data continues via email and social media.
  • Boots on the ground appraisers pushed back to our state regulatory board for clarity and guidance over hybrid appraisals.
  • Boots on the ground appraisers attended and participated in AARO Conferences, talking one on one with regulatory officials.
  • Boots on the ground appraisers commenting on relevant topics in public and private forums educating regulators and the public.
  • Boots on the ground appraisers initiating a consumer education / protection campaign.
  • Boots on the ground appraisers providing clear and factual data opposing appraisal waiver requests to the Appraisal Subcommittee.
  • Boots on the ground appraisers refusing to accept non customary and reasonable fees from appraisal management companies.
  • Boots on the ground appraisers standing up for themselves and the profession.

VaCAP Membership is invaluable to each and every appraiser. The rewards and benefits far outweigh the $84 membership fee. More importantly, the dedicated members of VaCAP that are making a difference in the profession is where the true value lies.  Join or Renew your VaCAP membership now.

 

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