Tag Archives: watchdogs

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 »

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 »