Appraisal Institute News | Appraisal Institute

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 02, 2018 12:30 PM

Treasury Department Touts Deregulation Achievements in New Report

The U.S. Department of the Treasury on April 24 reported that its plan to decrease regulatory burdens resulted in the modification or elimination of 100 financial regulations since the last report was released in 2016, HousingWire reported. Treasury noted that only two regulations were categorized as significant.

May 02, 2018 12:30 AM

CoStar Cracks down on Freeloaders

Data firm CoStar announced plans April 23 to target so-called “freeloaders,” users accessing its database without paying, The Real Deal reported. The firm said it suspects as many as 30,000 individuals are illegally using its commercial real estate database.

Apr 25, 2018 12:30 PM

The Appraisal Subcommittee Denies Bank Request for Appraisal Waiver

The Appraisal Subcommittee unanimously rejected a temporary waiver request from TriStar Bank of Dickson, Tennessee, during a special meeting April 23 in Washington. The Appraisal Institute led industry efforts opposing the bank’s request for a waiver of certification requirements, which would have allowed appraisals to be completed by non-certified appraisers.

Apr 25, 2018 12:30 PM

Fed Cites Appraisal Threshold Success in Banking Efficiency Testimony

Randal Quarles, the Federal Reserve’s vice chairman of supervision, testified April 17 before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs about regulatory changes that increase banking efficiencies, citing the recent increase in the appraisal threshold for commercial real estate loans, which he said posed no threat to safety and soundness.

Apr 25, 2018 12:30 PM

Wells Fargo Pays $1B to Settle Mortgage Fee and Other Abuse Claims

Wells Fargo on April 17 agreed to pay a $1 billion fine to settle allegations from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that it routinely charged homebuyers excessive “rate-lock” fees, Reuters reported. The bank, which also was accused of force-placed auto insurance, agreed to settle without admitting or denying wrongdoing.

Apr 11, 2018 12:30 PM

Fannie Mae Permits Lenders to Contribute to Borrower Closing Costs

Fannie Mae announced April 3 that it will allow lenders to contribute to borrowers' closing costs if the funds are a gift and not part of the down payment. There is no limit on the amount a lender can give to a borrower, provided it does not exceed the total closing cost amount.

Mar 28, 2018 12:30 PM

FHFA Working Paper Compares AMC, Non-AMC Appraisals

A new working paper produced by the Federal Housing Finance Agency explores how appraisals contracted through appraisal management companies compare to those contracted directly by lenders, DSNews reported March 26. The paper suggests that the appraisals are statistically very similar to each other.

Mar 28, 2018 12:30 PM

CRE Prices, Deals Already Altered by Steel, Aluminum Tariffs: Reports

While President Trump’s tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum have yet to take effect, reports show they already are influencing deal negotiations, bottom lines and construction pricing for commercial real estate, National Real Estate Investor reported March 20.

Mar 28, 2018 12:30 AM

Federal Agencies Approve Rule Doubling Appraisal Threshold for CRE

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on March 20 approved a final rule that will double the appraisal threshold for commercial real estate transactions. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System are expected to adopt the rule soon.

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