Tag Archives: FHFA

We the People…

Appraisers have been the target for blame for everything gone wrong in the mortgage lending world.  We were blamed for the Savings and Loan collapse, the financial crisis of 2008, and appraisal bias and racial discrimination. Appraisers have even been the target on loans gone bad after several years on payments. Yep, we have been… Read More »

Are They Finally Listening?

The CFPB is reviewing bias in Automatic Valuation Models (AVMs). The proposed rules are a joint effort by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of the Controller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Housing Finance Agency. These agencies are concerned AVMS may reflect bias… Read More »

Lets Call Them Desktops with Third Party Inspectors

Hybrid Appraisals were tested and failed. So what does Fannie Mae do? Let’s call them Desktops with third party inspectors. Fannie Mae has announced they will soon start accepting Desktop Appraisals. The appraiser does not inspect the property; however an interior floor plan including walls is required. This in itself is over and above what… Read More »

Let’s Play a Game

How about 20 Questions..,  The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has 20 questions for you.  Well, Actually it is only 19 questions. The FHFA is the organization  of the Federal Government that oversees Fannie and Freddie. They want feedback on how the GSE’s should move forward with appraisal policy, risk and appraisal processes.  Now why FHFA… Read More »

FHFA Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2021-2024

“The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today released the FHFA Strategic Plan:  Fiscal Years 2021-2024, which reflects the Agency’s priorities as regulator of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) and as regulator and conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises). FHFA requested input on the draft Agency strategic plan from Members of Congress, the… Read More »

Not With My Money

Appraisers have some very strong opinions on computer driven appraisals. Others are noticing the dangers as well.  It is more than just automated valuation models though.  In an article written by Danielle DiMartino Booth, for  Bloomberg , Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are specifically called out on their appraisal waivers. The author compares the dangers… Read More »

Could the CFPB Eliminate AMCs?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is seeking public comments on the proposed rules for a Qualified Mortgage. The proposed rules require the lender to season the mortgage for 36 months before they can sell it to Fannie or Freddie. What that means is the lender will own that loan for 3 years.  Fast forward if… Read More »

Pause- Take Action Now!

This is a call to action!  Comments on the proposed changes to the 2022-23 USPAP are needed The proposed changes to the reporting requirement of Standard 2 may impact the profession negatively and confuse the public on who we are and what we do. We ask that each and every one of you pause for… Read More »

Are ANSI Standards Changing?

VaCAP has just learned of a meeting on July 22 to discuss and vote on proposed changes to the square footage calculation under ANSI guidelines. The proposed changes were published for public comment which closed in March. The meeting, which is described as a virtual Consensus Committee Meeting  is open to the public, however you… Read More »

Here We Go Again

Appraisers, prepare yourself for what we are about to share. The short sighted proposal is simply nonsensical from every angle.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to eliminate the Debt to Income requirement on Qualified Mortgages. You may recall this was proposed a while back and most of the profession objected strongly. Letters, emails and… Read More »