Appraisal Institute News | Appraisal Institute

Dec 19, 2018 12:30 PM

Department of Veterans Affairs Drops Fannie Mae Form 1004MC Requirement

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Dec. 11 that, effective immediately, it will no longer require appraisers to include Fannie Mae Form 1004MC in VA appraisal reports. However, appraisers still are responsible for analyzing and accurately reporting market conditions.

Sep 26, 2018 12:30 PM

House Passes Legislation Raising Threshold Levels for SBA Loan Programs

The U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 25 approved HR 6347 and HR 6348, legislation the Appraisal Institute says will put taxpayers at significant risk by virtually eliminating appraisal requirements for the Small Business Administration’s two largest loan programs. AI had submitted a letter urging the House to vote against the legislation.

Sep 26, 2018 12:30 PM

US Economic Growth to Halt in 2020, Wall Street Journal Survey Shows

Fifty-nine percent of economists responding to a Wall Street Journal survey said they believe the U.S. economy will stop expanding in 2020, HousingWire reported Sept. 18. Sixty-two percent of respondents said the most likely cause of the next downturn would be an overheated economy that leads to increased Fed tightening.

Sep 26, 2018 12:30 PM

Investors Expect Senior Housing Market to Remain Strong, CBRE Reports

Nearly two-thirds of real estate investors said they are planning to add more senior housing to their portfolios, and interest in independent living properties is especially high, according to commercial real estate company CBRE, MBA NewsLink reported Sept. 17. The senior housing vacancy rate is hovering around 9 percent.

May 16, 2018 12:30 PM

California Court Opinion Helps Appraisers with Intended User Lawsuits

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, certified for publication May 7 its decision in Tindell v. Murphy, which supports appraisers in lawsuits filed by parties who are not intended users of an appraisal. The Appraisal Institute’s Northern California Chapter lobbied for publication so the opinion can be cited in future cases.

May 16, 2018 12:30 PM

Freddie Mac Helps Non-bank Mortgage Companies

Freddie Mac has started extending credit to non-bank mortgage companies to ensure they have access to cash if their home loans default, Bloomberg reported May 7. The new lines of credit have not been publicly announced. Critics worry the move could lead to unfair market advantages for preferred lenders.

May 16, 2018 12:30 PM

Report Shows Tech-reliant Cities Thrive Despite National Rent Declines

The gap has widened between office rents in tech-dominated markets like Seattle and Boston and those in markets with more traditional tenants, according to the Effective Rent Index released May 8 by real estate services firm Savills Studley, MBA NewsLink reported. To compete, landlords are offering record concessions in some markets.

May 09, 2018 12:30 PM

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Reform Likely Not Happening this Year: Mnuchin

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac won't see reforms this year due to lack of congressional interest, said Steven Mnuchin, secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, during an April 30 television interview, HousingWire reported. Mnuchin said the Federal Housing Finance Agency needs to be chaired by someone who prioritizes reform.

New Tax Plan Expected to Boost Multifamily Investment: CBRE

Recently enacted tax reform is expected to boost investor interest in multifamily properties because many of the new policies significantly increase the benefits of renting over buying, according to a May 3 report from real estate services firm CBRE, World Property Journal reported.

May 09, 2018 12:30 PM

FAA Legislation May Impact Property Values, Development Near Airports

Property values and development near airports could be affected by language in legislation that extends authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, The Real Estate Roundtable reported April 27. The language, known as One Engine Inoperative, modifies take-off and landing paths in a way that restricts building heights and development around airports.

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