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A Status Report on Legal Claims against Residential Appraisers in 2009

Thursday, November 19, 2009

By Peter Christensen, General Counsel, Liability Insurance Administrators

Troubled loans and borrowers mean more lawsuits against appraisers.  Thus, in 2009, claims against appraisers remained at the same record levels as in 2007 and 2008.  Beyond this high level, as a provider of E&O insurance to more than 25,000 appraisers, Liability Insurance Administrators (LIA) observed several new claim trends affecting residential appraisers in 2009. 

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Returning From Valuation 2009

Monday, November 16, 2009

I am constantly surprised these days. With daily bombardment of bad news emanating from the markets, I’ll graciously accept a bit of good news from time to time.

I am just returning from Valuation 2009. Attendance was incredible just over 450. Albeit I had set low expectations given the pounding the appraisal community has experienced of late. Our sponsor and exhibitor participation was also strong this year. So from me let me express a huge thank you to all in attendance.

If you missed the Expo or if you just want to see if we caught you on camera go to:
VALUATION 2009 Photo Gallery

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Solidifi Announces Early Compliance with FHA’s Version of HVCC Appraisal Rules in Effect January 1, 2010
To ensure smooth adoption of new rules, Next Generation Appraisal Management Company already enables lender compliance

Monday, November 09, 2009

Chicago, Illinois, November 9, 2009 – Solidifi, a leading technology-focused appraisal management company, has announced its compliance with the new FHA Appraiser Independence and Appraiser Engagement regulations announced by HUD last month.  The new rules are very similar to the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) regulations intended to insulate the appraisal process from undue influence by loan originators, and apply to all FHA loans in process after the first of the year.  Solidifi has the ability today to ensure that lenders are working in compliance with the new regulations taking effect on January 1st when they use the company’s technology-enabled “Next Generation” appraisal management services.

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An Open Letter to the Appraisal Industry from Jeff Bradford of Bradford Technologies, Inc.

Friday, November 6, 2009

The valuation profession is at a tipping point. Lenders are seeking valuations that meet their requirements and are spending billions of dollars on alternative valuation solutions because the appraiser community is not meeting their needs. Almost everyone agrees that our industry must change if it is to meet those needs and challenges. This year alone, there were two conferences and numerous white papers on re-engineering the appraisal process. At Bradford Technologies, we also agree that changes are needed.

For 23 years, our goal has always been to empower appraisers with software to complete an appraisal report faster, better and cheaper than the next guy. It’s a simple goal and we are very good at it. But the problems facing the industry today will not be solved by developing faster form fillers. Appraisers don’t need a better form filler (or form) - they need better analysis tools and better solutions to industry problems if they are going to effectively compete.

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