Appraisal Institute News

Jan 20, 2021 12:30 PM

GSEs Extend Flexibilities for Appraisals, Employment Verification

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced Jan. 14 that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will extend their flexibilities pertaining to both property appraisals and employment verification through Feb 28. The flexibilities were initially put in place in March 2020 and extended throughout last year in an effort to facilitate liquidity in the mortgage marketplace during the coronavirus outbreak.

Jan 20, 2021 12:30 PM

Essential Worker Status May Help Appraisers Get Early Vaccination

The Appraisal Institute on Jan. 20 advised its professionals to check with state and local government agencies where they reside to see if the real estate appraiser profession falls into an essential workforce category that will give them early access to a COVID-19 vaccine.

Jan 20, 2021 12:30 PM

SBA Re-opens Paycheck Protection Program for New and Some Current Borrowers

The Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, on Jan. 11 re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program for new borrowers and select current ones. The latest round of funding authorizes up to $284 billion for small business owners to aid in job retention for their employees and to assist with other expenses.

Jan 20, 2021 08:00 AM

New Appraisal Institute Text Demonstrates Essential Valuation Techniques

Since problem-solving is the foundation of an appraiser's skill set, “The Student Handbook to The Appraisal of Real Estate, 15th Edition,” includes practice problems that allow users of the handbook to test the knowledge they have acquired every step of the way, according to a book published by the Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers.

Jan 14, 2021 08:00 AM

Appraiser Diversity Workshop Scheduled

The Appraisal Institute is collaborating with the National Urban League and Fannie Mae to host a free virtual Appraiser Diversity Initiative workshop, “How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser,” Saturday, Jan. 30, noon- 1:15 p.m. EST.

Jan 13, 2021 12:30 PM

Democrat-controlled Congress Could Mean More Rent Relief

With Democrats controlling both the House and Senate, there may be additional relief coming for renters facing eviction, CNBC reported Jan. 6. While the current stimulus package extended an eviction ban through January and allocated $25 billion for rental assistance, additional measures could provide renters with additional financial assistance and guarantee those facing eviction the right to seek counsel.

Jan 13, 2021 12:30 PM

COVID-19 Led to Most Corporate Bankruptcies Since 2009: Data

Retail, consumer and energy companies led the list of 244 companies that filed for bankruptcy in 2020, the most since 2009 when 293 companies sought protection, Bloomberg reported Jan. 5. More bankruptcies are expected as retail continues to struggle. Real estate was hit hard, with 22 large firms filing for bankruptcy — the most since 2011.

Jan 13, 2021 12:30 PM

Fed Officials Unanimously Support Bond-buying Strategy, Meeting Minutes Show

Federal Reserve officials during their December meeting unanimously agreed to maintain the current pace of asset purchases while remaining open to future adjustments, Bloomberg reported Jan. 6. The Federal Open Market Committee kept interest rates near zero and pledged to continue $120 billion in monthly purchases of mortgage-back securities.

Jan 12, 2021 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute Helps Tackle Unconscious Valuation Bias: Valuation Magazine

The Appraisal Institute is addressing unconscious valuation bias while also expanding opportunities for aspiring appraisers, according to an article in Valuation magazine’s third/fourth quarter 2020 issue.

Jan 07, 2021 08:30 AM

Steps in Highest and Best Use Analysis Determine Use With Highest Present Value: The Appraisal Journal

“The Appraisal of Real Estate,” is the premier presentation of the Appraisal Institute’s body of knowledge and the newly released 15th edition of this text is the subject of special coverage in the latest issue of The Appraisal Journal. “The Appraisal of Real Estate,” 15th edition, is respected internationally for its comprehensive and in-depth treatment of valuation theory and methodology in real property valuation.

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AI News

GSEs Extend Flexibilities for Appraisals, Employment Verification

Essential Worker Status May Help Appraisers Get Early Vaccination

SBA Re-opens Paycheck Protection Program for New and Some Current Borrowers

New Appraisal Institute Text Demonstrates Essential Valuation Techniques

Appraiser Diversity Workshop Scheduled

Democrat-controlled Congress Could Mean More Rent Relief

COVID-19 Led to Most Corporate Bankruptcies Since 2009: Data

Fed Officials Unanimously Support Bond-buying Strategy, Meeting Minutes Show

Appraisal Institute Helps Tackle Unconscious Valuation Bias: Valuation Magazine

Steps in Highest and Best Use Analysis Determine Use With Highest Present Value: The Appraisal Journal