Tag Archives: Fraud

When Things Go Unchecked…..

Last month marked the 7-year anniversary of Appraiser Fest. The conference was truly like nothing that had been done before. It was organized by appraisers for appraisers. The agenda was more about bringing the profession together and protecting the public trust. Appraiser Fest was not about promoting the profit of others at the expense of… Read More »

Don’t Leave Him to the Sharks

A fellow appraiser is in need of your assistance. Many of you may have heard a Maryland Appraiser, Shane Lanham is the defendant in a law suite for a “low opinion of value based on the race of the homeowner.”  Shane is counter suing the accuser for defamation as this has been a very publicized… Read More »

It’s Just Responsible Journalism

The local television station WWBT, NBC 12 in the Richmond market is airing a story on Thursday February 22 during the 6:00 News Broadcast about racial bias in real estate appraisals.  We know this is not a new topic and previous stories that have aired have been extremely one sided and not from the appraiser’s… Read More »

Could it be True?

  At the recent Virginia Appraisal Board Meeting on Wednesday June 28th,  a discussion occurred about Appraisal Management Companies prohibiting appraisers from including their invoices with the appraisal report.  The overall consensus of the Board Members was this practice could be a violation of Virginia Appraisal Management Company Statute § 54.1-2022 B.  “B. The appraisal… 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 »

PSST… Want to buy a Bridge in Brooklyn?

This is what Class Valuation appears to be doing to justify their actions. According to the article written by Richard Torne in Mortgage Professional America, Class Valuation has announced the acquisition of DataMaster.  From the article:   “Were not replacing the appraiser, we’re empowering them” Appraisers have had their fair share of discussions on Class… Read More »

Action Required Now

Reminder to Comment – Only Four Days Remain! The FTC is asking for public comments on the consent decree by the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisal Board. The time line to comment is short and ends on July 22, 2021. VaCAP asks each of you to take a few minutes and read the consent decree as… 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 »