Appraisal Institute News | Appraisal Institute

Feb 13, 2019 12:30 PM

Tech Companies May Steal Business from Banks: Fannie Mae

More consumers are willing to trust their financial needs — including mortgage applications — to tech firms than to banks, Fannie Mae reported Feb. 5. Research showed that tech companies overall weren’t more trustworthy, just the ones consumers cited as their favorites, such as Amazon, Apple and Google.

Feb 13, 2019 12:30 PM

IRS Proposes "Safe Harbors" for Pass-through Deductions

The IRS on Feb. 4 released proposed safe harbor rules that clarify the types of rental real estate that qualify for an income deduction of up to 20 percent from pass-through entities, National Real Estate Investor reported. While the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allows the deduction, confusion exists around eligibility and limitations.

Feb 13, 2019 12:30 PM

HUD Cites Mortgage Backing and New Finance Options Among 2018 Achievements

Nearly 669,000 single-family homebuyers found mortgage backing through the Federal Housing Administration last year, a highlight noted in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Year in Review report released Feb. 1. HUD also cited the introduction of new financing options for victims of natural disasters to rebuild or buy another home.

Feb 06, 2019 12:30 PM

AI Among Groups Opposing Actions by Federal Banking Agencies

The Appraisal Institute on Feb. 4 was one of six organizations signing a comment letter that “strongly opposed” a proposal from the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to raise the residential appraisal threshold from $250,000 to $400,000.

Feb 06, 2019 12:30 PM

Fed Promises Patience on Future Interest Rate Increases Due to Economic Outlook

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Jan. 30 said the Fed would be patient before making any future interest rate increases because of uncertainty over the nation’s economy, Reuters reported. The Fed also dropped promises of further gradual rate hikes.

Jan 30, 2019 12:30 PM

FHFA Will Not Defend Its Structure, Constitutionality in Court

1/30/2019The Federal Housing Finance Agency determined its structure is unconstitutional and will no longer defend it in court, HousingWire reported Jan. 21. The FHFA asked the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to dismiss the case; the agency previously challenged the court’s ruling that the FHFA violates the Constitution’s separation of powers.

Jan 30, 2019 12:30 PM

Economic Growth Expected to Slow, Fannie Mae Reports

Economic growth this year is expected to slow to 2.2 percent, down from 3.1 percent last year, Fannie Mae reported Jan. 22 in its latest Economic and Housing Outlook. The housing market reportedly will stabilize as mortgage rates hold steady, allowing potential homebuyers to readjust after last year’s erratic interest rate environment.

Jan 30, 2019 12:30 PM

MBA Primer Addresses LIBOR Transition for Commercial and Multifamily Industries

The Mortgage Bankers Association on Jan. 24 published a primer on how the expiration of the London Interbank Offered Rate — known as LIBOR — at the end of 2021 will impact the commercial and multifamily finance industries. The primer identifies emerging issues and offers action items for those affected.

Jan 23, 2019 12:30 PM

AI Opposes Residential Appraisal Threshold Increase

The Appraisal Institute, the American Society of Appraisers, the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Appraisers participated in bipartisan meetings with members of Congress Jan. 15, urging them to review a proposed increase to the residential appraisal threshold.

Jan 23, 2019 12:30 PM

Fed Beige Book Shows Steady Activity in Most Districts

Economic activity increased in most of the U.S., with eight of 12 Fed districts reporting modest to moderate growth, the Federal Reserve reported Jan. 16 in its newest Beige Book. Home sales and construction remained relatively steady, with high prices and low inventory limiting sales. Commercial activity also was largely steady.