Tag Archives: OIG FHFA

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 »

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 »

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 »

Appraisal Fees Back in the Spot Light

FTC vs LREAB Update The Supreme Court has denied the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisal Board’s petition to intervene in the administrative case for price fixing by the FTC. The FTC  trial is scheduled to proceed on April 20, 2021. VaCAP is closely following this case and will update you as it proceeds.  To view all… Read More »

The Appraiser’s Conundrum

The Appraisal Foundation has issued an exposure draft for Advisory Opinion 16. Advisory Opinion 16 is Fair Housing Laws: Avoiding Bias in Real Property Appraisal and Appraisal Review Development and Reporting. Unlike other exposure drafts, the text of the advisory opinion has been rewritten. The traditional strike through of word or phrase changes is nonexistent.… 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 »