Appraisal Institute News

Jan 27, 2021 12:30 PM

Input Sought on Natural Disaster Risks to Housing Finance

The Federal Housing Finance Agency on Jan. 19 issued a Request for Input on current and future natural disaster risks that could affect the housing finance system, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Feedback is due to the agency by April 19.

Jan 27, 2021 12:30 PM

Colliers Survey Shows "Surge" in Commercial Property Investment Expected This Year

A 50% surge in global investment activity is expected in the second half of the year, indicating a renewed confidence in real estate as a result of vaccine developments and continued government stimulus, investment management firm Colliers reported Jan.18. Offices in top-tier cities, logistics properties and residential buildings are expected to be top targets among investors.

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 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 06, 2021 12:30 PM

Supreme Court Denies Further Stay in FTC Case Against LREAB

The U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 18 declined to intervene or issue a further stay of the administrative proceedings brought by the Federal Trade Commission against the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board, making it the first case concerning real estate appraisers to reach the Supreme Court in almost 60 years.

Jan 06, 2021 12:30 PM

Single-tenant Net Lease Cap Rates Hit Historic Lows in Q4: The Boulder Group

Cap rates in the single-tenant net lease sector hit historic lows in all three major subsectors (retail, office, industrial) during the fourth quarter of 2020, real estate firm The Boulder Group reported Jan. 4. Industrial cap rates dropped 13 basis points to 6.75%, retail was down 6 basis points to 6% and office remained at 6.9%.

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AI News

Input Sought on Natural Disaster Risks to Housing Finance

Colliers Survey Shows "Surge" in Commercial Property Investment Expected This Year

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

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

Supreme Court Denies Further Stay in FTC Case Against LREAB

Single-tenant Net Lease Cap Rates Hit Historic Lows in Q4: The Boulder Group