Appraisal Institute News | Appraisal Institute

Feb 14, 2019 08:00 AM

Qualified Appraisers Key to Property Tax Appeals, Appraisal Institute Says

Working with an Appraisal Institute Designated Member can benefit homeowners who choose to appeal their property tax assessments, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers said today.

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.

Jan 23, 2019 12:30 PM

Multifamily Market is Expected to Have Another Favorable Year, Freddie Mac Reports

The multifamily market is expected to remain healthy this year, with rent growth and vacancies outperforming historical averages, Freddie Mac reported Jan. 14 in its Multifamily 2019 Outlook. Multifamily origination volume is projected to be a record $317 billion, which exceeds last year’s $305 billion in originations.

Jan 16, 2019 12:30 PM

Economic Growth Expected to Moderate Through 2020: ABA

The pace of economic growth is expected to moderate through 2020, the American Bankers Association reported Jan. 9, citing data from its Economic Advisory Committee. The forecast shows economic growth at 2.1 percent this year and 1.7 percent in 2020, which would make the current expansion the longest in U.S. history.

Jan 16, 2019 12:30 PM

New York City's Iconic Chrysler Building On the Market

Investors interested in New York City commercial real estate can purchase the 1.26-million-square-foot Chrysler Building, Reuters reported Jan. 9. The current owners purchased the Art Deco icon in 2008 for $800 million, and hope to recoup their costs. The building’s occupancy rate is around 80 percent, below the city average.

Jan 16, 2019 12:30 PM

Reis Office Market Report Shows Steady Sector, Higher Rents and Strong Absorption

Vacancy rates in the office sector held steady during the fourth quarter while asking rents increased and absorption was strong, according to analytics firm Reis, MBA NewsLink reported Jan. 10. Construction also was strong, with inventory growing by 10.4 million square feet, up from 8.9 million square feet during the third quarter.

Jan 10, 2019 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute to Enhance Focus on Residential Appraisers in 2019: Valuation Magazine

As residential appraisers face new concerns, the Appraisal Institute continues spending significant time and resources on the issues and challenges impacting valuation professionals, according to an article in Valuation magazine’s fourth quarter 2018 issue.

Jan 09, 2019 12:30 PM

AI Seeks Public Hearing on Appraisal Threshold Increase

The Appraisal Institute and 15 other organizations submitted a letter Dec. 21 to the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency requesting that they hold a public meeting as part of the process to determine whether to increase the residential appraisal threshold from $250,000 to $400,000.

Jan 09, 2019 12:30 PM

Senate Passes SBA Bills Increasing Appraisal Threshold

The Senate passed two pieces of legislation Dec. 19 that link the Small Business Administration's appraisal threshold to the threshold for commercial real estate as established by the federal bank regulatory agencies. Identical legislation passed the House in September.

Jan 09, 2019 12:30 PM

FEMA Brings Back Flood Insurance Policies During Lingering Government Shutdown

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Jan. 4 that it will resume selling and renewing flood insurance policies, reversing its previous ruling that the National Flood Insurance Program couldn’t be renewed due to the government shutdown, HousingWire reported. Congress sought a three-month extension of the program, which FEMA initially rejected.

Dec 27, 2018 08:13 AM

Stephen Wagner to Become President of Appraisal Institute on Jan. 1

Stephen S. Wagner, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, of West Lafayette, Indiana, will begin his one-year term as president of the Appraisal Institute on Jan. 1. The Appraisal Institute is the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers with more than 18,000 professionals in nearly 50 countries.

Dec 19, 2018 12:30 PM

Fannie Mae Issues Special Newsletter Focused on Rural Appraiser Concerns

Fannie Mae on Dec. 10 released a special Appraiser Update e-newsletter focused on rural appraising. The issue provides guidance on numerous issues affecting rural appraisers, including highest and best use, standards for comparable selection, data sources, adjustments and reconciliation.

Dec 19, 2018 12:30 PM

FHA Increases Loan Limits for 2019

The Federal Housing Administration on Dec. 14 announced new loan limits for 2019, with most of the country seeing increases. Effective Jan. 1, the new loan limit will increase to $314,827, up from $294,515 this year. In high-cost areas, the new loan limit will increase to $726,525, up from $679,650.

Dec 13, 2018 08:00 AM

Current Use is Key Factor for Retail Valuation in the Age of Amazon: The Appraisal Journal

Financial statements should be used when appraising retail properties to determine the “durability of the current use” as Amazon and e-commerce threaten brick and mortar retail sales, according to a study published this week in The Appraisal Journal.

Dec 12, 2018 12:30 PM

Agencies Seek Comment on Residential Appraisal Threshold Proposal

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced Dec. 4 that they are seeking comment on a proposal to raise the threshold for residential real estate transactions requiring an appraisal from $250,000 to $400,000.

Dec 12, 2018 12:30 PM

Some Economists See Looming Recession, but Goldman Sachs Says No

Goldman Sachs sees only a 30 percent chance of a recession by 2020, the opposite of what other economists have been predicting, HousingWire reported Dec. 4. Goldman Sachs noted the biggest concerns focus on tariffs, labor inflation and pressure on margins and higher rates.

Dec 12, 2018 12:30 PM

CRE in Urban Areas Benefits from Incentive Programs, State Agencies Say

Multifamily housing and commercial real estate in large urban areas are the primary beneficiaries of capital raised through Opportunity Zone incentive programs aimed at boosting investment in needy areas, according to the National Council of State Housing Agencies, MarketWatch reported Dec. 3.

Dec 05, 2018 12:30 PM

AI Joins 17 Groups Opposing Proposed Credit Union Administration Action

The Appraisal Institute on Dec. 4 joined 17 other organizations in strongly opposing the National Credit Union Administration’s proposal to quadruple – from $250,000 to $1 million – the appraisal threshold for non-residential loans. AI said the threshold increase would drastically increase the number of non-residential real estate loans that would not require an appraisal.

Dec 05, 2018 12:30 PM

AI and Land Trust Alliance Support Conservation Easement Legislation

The Appraisal Institute and the Land Trust Alliance co-signed a letter Nov. 29 urging congressional leaders to advance the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act, which would help maintain the integrity of conservation easement donations by closing an apparent loophole related to abusive syndicated tax shelters.

Dec 05, 2018 12:30 PM

Massachusetts Supreme Court Rules on Applicability of Appraiser Bias

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on Nov. 26 ruled that the prohibition on appraiser bias contained in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and the Appraisal Institute’s Code of Ethics and Certification Standard, or the appearance of bias, applies only to individuals and not to an appraiser’s employer.

Dec 04, 2018 10:09 AM

Appraisal Institute Joins 17 Groups Opposing Credit Union Administration’s Proposed Action

The nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers joined 17 other organizations Monday in saying it “strongly opposed” the National Credit Union Administration’s plan to reduce the number of non-residential real estate loans requiring appraisals.

Nov 28, 2018 12:30 PM

US Economy to Show Significant Drop Next Year, Goldman Sachs Predicts

Goldman Sachs expects the U.S. economy to slow in 2019, CNBC reported Nov. 19. The investment firm anticipates first quarter growth at 2.5 percent, but slowing to just 1.6 percent by the fourth quarter. However, the firm noted that the signs of a pending recession — overheating market and financial imbalances — haven’t materialized.

Nov 28, 2018 12:30 PM

FDIC Proposes 9 Percent Leverage Ratio for Basel III Exemption Limit

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation voted Nov. 20 to propose that community banks with a minimum leverage capital ratio of 9 percent automatically be deemed in compliance with mandated Basel III capital requirements of between 8 and 10 percent, ABA Banking Journal reported. FDIC also proposed exempting those institutions from complicated Basel III calculations.

Nov 28, 2018 12:30 PM

Multifamily Originations Down: MBA

Commercial and multifamily originations during the third quarter decreased 3 percent from the second quarter, with the greatest declines in the health care and retail sectors, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, Mortgage Professional America reported Nov 20. Originations increased for multifamily and industrial properties.

Nov 21, 2018 12:30 PM

Appraisal Institute Encourages FHA to Strengthen HECM Appraisal Program

The Appraisal Institute on Nov. 20 submitted a letter to Federal Housing Administration Commissioner Brian Montgomery in response to the FHA’s requirement in certain situations of a second appraisal for its Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program, asking that the FHA reevaluate eligibility requirements for placement on the FHA Appraiser Roster.

Nov 21, 2018 12:30 PM

AI Strongly Rejects Proposed Residential Appraisal Threshold Increase

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve on Nov. 20 released a proposal to increase the threshold at which residential home sales require an appraisal to $400,000 from $250,000.

Nov 21, 2018 12:30 PM

Banks Continue to Ease Lending Standards, But Fed Says Its Not Enough

Banks continued to ease lending standards on both residential and commercial real estate loans in the third quarter but overall demand for those products was weak, according to the Federal Reserve’s Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices released Nov. 15, HousingWire reported.

Nov 14, 2018 12:30 PM

Divided US Government Not Expected to Generate Major CRE Legislation

With a Republican-controlled Senate and a Democrat-controlled House of Representatives, no significant commercial real estate-related legislation is expected to pass, according to a GlobeSt.com analysis reported Nov. 7. Among the issues expected to stall: additional deregulation, further loosening of Dodd-Frank and more tax changes.

Nov 14, 2018 12:30 PM

FHFA Sets 2019 Multifamily Lending Caps for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced Nov. 6 that the 2019 multifamily lending caps for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will remain virtually unchanged at $35 billion each. The caps are based on the FHFA’s estimates of next year’s multifamily originations market, which the agency anticipates will be relatively flat.

Nov 14, 2018 12:30 PM

Experts Say Co-working Space Wont Upend Office Sector or Threaten REITs

Shared workspace provider WeWork has 12.5 million square feet in its portfolio, but experts don’t see it and similar co-working firms as threats to real estate investment trusts because the firms don’t occupy enough space to replace traditional office landlords or long-term tenants, National Real Estate Investor reported Nov. 6.

Nov 13, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute Seeks Speakers for 2019 Annual Conference

The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, is accepting proposals for presentations at its 2019 Annual Conference, July 22-24, at the Hyatt Regency Denver. The deadline is 5 p.m. CST Dec. 3.

Nov 08, 2018 08:00 AM

Now Is the Time to Winterize Homes, Appraisal Institute Says

How should you prepare your home for winter? When should you begin? To increase the chances of improving your home’s value, ask a real estate appraiser before starting.

Nov 07, 2018 12:30 PM

Weakening Housing Market Resembles 2006, Says Economist Robert Shiller

The S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city index released Oct. 31 showed that home price gains have moderated, with Robert Shiller saying the weakening market reminds him of 2006 before the bubble burst, MarketWatch reported. However, Shiller noted that he doesn’t expect a crisis as severe this time.

Nov 07, 2018 12:30 PM

Fed Proposes Varied Risk-based Supervisory Standards for Large Banks

The Federal Reserve on Oct. 31 unveiled its proposed plan for applying standards to banks with at least $100 billion in assets, ABA Banking Journal reported. The plan involves assessing institutional risk and then grouping banks into one of four newly created categories based on that risk.

Nov 07, 2018 12:30 PM

Institutional-quality CRE Returns, Cap Rates Drop, NCREIF Index Shows

Institutional-quality commercial real estate returned 1.67 percent in the third quarter, down from 1.81 percent the previous quarter, and cap rates fell to their lowest level in the index’s history, according to the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries Property Index released Nov. 1, MBA NewsLink reported.

Oct 31, 2018 12:30 PM

Millennials Most Likely to Purchase a Haunted Home, Realtor.com Reveals

Millennials are most likely to purchase a haunted home — provided there are incentives, such as a good price, a desirable neighborhood or a large kitchen, Realtor.com reported Oct. 23. Eighteen percent of people said they would purchase a haunted home without any incentives, while 49 percent said no way, no how.

Oct 31, 2018 12:30 PM

Banks Say New FHA Appraisal Rule on HECMs Has Had Minor Impact

Lenders say the new Federal Housing Administration rule requiring a second appraisal for HECM loans have had minimal impact, with only about 15 percent of loans being flagged as possibly having an inflated property valuation, HousingWire reported Oct. 23. Lenders noted that they typically receive an answer within 24 hours.

Oct 31, 2018 12:30 PM

MBA Data Shows Multifamily Lending Reached New Record High Last Year

Multifamily lending last year reached a record $285 billion for buildings with five or more units — a 6 percent increase from the previous year, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported Oct. 25 in its annual multifamily lending market report. The top multifamily lenders were Wells Fargo, CBRE Capital Markets and JPMorgan Chase.

Oct 30, 2018 08:00 AM

New Appraisal Institute Book Examines Condemned Properties

Appraisers who value properties subject to eminent domain are likely to find themselves in court, explaining and defending their analysis and opinions, according to a new book published by the Appraisal Institute.

Oct 24, 2018 12:30 PM

Federal Agencies Release FAQs Clarifying Appraisal, Evaluation Rules

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on Oct. 16 published answers to frequently asked questions about appraisals and evaluations for real estate transactions that are covered by the interagency appraisal rules.

Oct 24, 2018 12:30 PM

FHA Cites Appraisal Concerns Because of 'Technological Shortcomings'

“Technological shortcomings” are preventing the Federal Housing Administration from checking for mortgage defects on a number of loans, potentially leading to a rise in appraisal-related issues, the FHA commissioner told Mortgage Bankers Association conference attendees Oct. 15, HousingWire reported. The FHA previously identified “appraisal bias” issues with reverse mortgages.

Oct 24, 2018 12:30 PM

Report Shows Net Lease Cap Rates Increase, Expected to Remain Strong

Single-tenant net lease cap rates continued their upward trajectory, increasing 8 basis points during the third quarter, according real estate firm Calkain Companies, MBA NewsLink reported Oct. 18. The upward trajectory shows no sign of abating, with equilibrium between buyer and seller maintaining a robust net-lease market.

Oct 24, 2018 08:00 AM

Coastal Appraisers Soon to Face Rising Sea Levels: Valuation Magazine

The effects of rising sea levels are becoming increasingly real to coastal communities and property owners, with homes and commercial properties valued at more than $1 trillion potentially at risk from rising waters by 2100, according to an article in Valuation magazine’s third quarter 2018 issue.

Oct 17, 2018 12:30 PM

US Commercial Real Estate Likely to Benefit from Revised NAFTA: CBRE

The likely replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement is expected to increase the demand for U.S. commercial property, according to a special report from commercial real estate firm CBRE, MBA NewsLink reported Oct. 11. Industrial real estate should most benefit from the new trade agreement.

Oct 17, 2018 12:30 PM

Freddie Mac Offers Hurricane Michael Victims a Year of Mortgage Relief

Freddie Mac announced Oct. 10 that it will allow up to 12 months of mortgage forbearance for homeowners impacted by Hurricane Michael. The Category 4 storm was the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States. Some analysts estimate property damage could cost the insurance industry up to $5 billion.

Oct 17, 2018 12:30 PM

A Recession is Possible, but Experts Say Housing Will Not Be the Cause

While the stock market remains volatile and another recession is possible, experts say that real estate likely won’t be the cause this time around, MarketWatch reported Oct. 10. Home prices have seen large gains in the last year, more renters are becoming buyers and builder confidence continues to increase.

Oct 16, 2018 08:00 AM

Highest and Best Use Analysis Key to Retail Valuation: The Appraisal Journal

The highest and best use analysis should dictate the methods and approaches applied in valuation analysis, according to a study published this week in The Appraisal Journal.

Oct 10, 2018 12:30 PM

FHA Reports Appraisal Issues on 37 Percent of Reverse Mortgage Loans

The Federal Housing Administration announced Oct. 1 that its investigation into potential appraisal inflations on reverse mortgage loans found that 37 percent were off by at least 3 percent, HousingWire reported. From Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019, FHA will require a second appraisal on loans the agency deems to possibly have elevated valuations.

Oct 10, 2018 12:30 PM

Multifamily Investors Expect Demand to Drop due to Construction Supply

Multifamily investor demand is currently high, but investors could see a change because rent growth went flat in August for the first time in six years due to large amounts of supply under construction, HousingWire reported Oct. 3.

Oct 10, 2018 12:30 PM

Mall, Lifestyle Center Sectors Unfavorable, CoStar Report Finds

Second quarter space absorption for mall and lifestyle centers is negative with an annual supply growth of 0.6 percent and demand at 0.2 percent, according to analytics firm CoStar, National Real Estate Investor reported Oct. 3.

Oct 04, 2018 08:00 AM

‘Green’ Home Improvements Can Pay Off: Appraisal Institute

The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, today encouraged home sellers to consider making energy-efficient improvements to their properties and urged potential buyers to seek homes with those features.

Oct 03, 2018 12:30 PM

FHA to Require Second Appraisal for Some Reverse Mortgage Applications

The Federal Housing Administration on Sept. 28 said it will require lenders that originate new Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, known as reverse mortgages, to provide a second property appraisal under certain circumstances. The requirement takes effect Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30, 2019, unless extended.

Oct 03, 2018 12:30 PM

California Law Eases Intended User Restrictions for Some Appraisals

California Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 29 signed SB 70, legislation that allows the state’s appraisers to name intended users other than a client in a restricted appraisal report.

Oct 03, 2018 12:29 PM

Legislators Demand Fed Maintain Capital Requirements for Big Banks

Nineteen congressional members submitted a letter Sept. 20 to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell demanding that the Fed maintain strict capital requirements for large banks, HousingWire reported. The letter is in response to a Fed official who expressed interest in weakening rules due to “unwarranted capital burdens.”

Sep 25, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute Opposes Bills Raising Thresholds for SBA Loans

Citing significant risks to taxpayers, the Appraisal Institute on Monday urged the U.S. House of Representatives to turn back legislation that would virtually eliminate appraisal requirements for the Small Business Administration’s two largest loan programs. Votes on two related bills are expected today in the full House.

Sep 19, 2018 12:30 PM

Mortgage Fraud Rose Sharply During the Second Quarter: CoreLogic

The risk for mortgage fraud jumped 12.4 percent year-over-year in the second quarter, according to the Mortgage Application Fraud Index released Sept. 13 by analytics firm CoreLogic, HousingWire reported. The index includes data for such fraud indicators as identity, income, occupancy, property, transaction and undisclosed real estate debt.

Sep 19, 2018 12:30 PM

Beige Books Shows Housing Activity Slowing, Commercial Activity Growing

Home sales through the end of August slowed in some Fed districts due to lower demand and reduced inventories, but commercial sales and leasing showed modest increases, as did lending activity, the Federal Reserve reported Sept. 12 in its latest Beige Book.

Sep 19, 2018 12:30 PM

New Google Tool Estimates Carbon Footprint of Buildings, Transportation

Google launched its Environmental Insights Explorer tool Sept. 10 to estimate the carbon footprint of a city’s buildings and all the modes of transportation used by the people living there, Fast Company reported. More than 9,000 cities have agreed to reduce emissions as part of the Paris Agreement, but many have no inventory of emissions.

Sep 12, 2018 10:40 AM

Farmland Prices Hold Steady Despite Trade War with China, Moodys Says

Farmland prices in the U.S. are holding steady despite the recent trade war with China, according to risk management firm Moody’s Analytics, Commercial Observer reported Sept. 4. Real estate values in the Federal Reserve’s seventh district (where most soybean production occurs) reached a record high of $3,140 per acre in August.

Sep 12, 2018 10:40 AM

Bill to Repeal GSEs Introduced; Appraisal Institute Reviewing Proposal

Reps. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, and John Delaney, D-Md., released on Sept. 6 a discussion draft bill to reform the government sponsored-enterprises and the housing finance system currently backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The bill would repeal the GSEs’ charters and adopt a system allowing qualified mortgages to be securitized through Ginnie Mae.

Sep 12, 2018 10:38 AM

Fed Extends Until Mid-October the Comment Period for Volcker Rule Update

U.S. regulators announced Sept. 4 that they extended by 30 days the public comment period regarding the proposed rewrite of the Volcker Rule, Reuters reported. Comments are due by Oct. 17. The Volcker Rule bans proprietary trading by banks, which have complained that the rule is too complex.

Sep 11, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute Unveils Property Use Classification System

The nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers today unveiled an information system that classifies and describes property uses and assists real estate analysts and others with their property use data storage and analysis.

Sep 05, 2018 12:30 PM

Fed Sees Greater Recession Risk as Some Seek to Halt Rate Increases

The gap between short-term and long-term borrowing costs is narrowing, which could signal the growing risk of a recession, according to a Federal Reserve study published Aug. 27, Business Insider reported. Some Fed officials believe that the flattening yield curve is a reason to halt additional interest rate increases.

Sep 05, 2018 12:30 PM

Moodys Says It Will Acquire Reis

Ratings agency Moody’s announced Aug. 30 that it is acquiring the analytics firm Reis, MarketWatch reported. The $278 million deal expands Moody’s presence in the U.S. commercial real estate market.

Sep 05, 2018 12:30 PM

Medical Office Vacancies at 10-Year Low; Developers Stay Busy: Report

The medical office market remains a hot sector for institutional investors, with building vacancies rising slightly but still at a 10-year low, according to commercial real estate brokerage Marcus & Millichap, Globest.com reported Aug. 30. Developers are on track to deliver an additional 9.9 million square feet this year.

Aug 29, 2018 12:30 PM

National Mortgage Settlement Involving Feds, States and Banks Wraps Up

The National Mortgage Settlement between the federal government and 49 states and five of the nation’s largest banks and mortgage servicers has concluded after netting $25 billion in consumer relief and other payments, HousingWire reported Aug. 22. The settlement, announced in February 2012, involved allegations that mortgage documents were being “robo-signed.”

Aug 29, 2018 12:30 PM

Fannie, Freddie Drop Pilot Programs That Targeted Single-family Rentals

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced Aug. 21 that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will end their pilot programs for the single-family rental market, HousingWire reported. The government-sponsored enterprises conducted its “test and learn” for a year before determining that the market can function without GSE assistance.

Aug 29, 2018 12:30 PM

Oregon Allows Timber High-Rises

Oregon passed an addendum to its building code that allows timber structures to be built higher than six stories without having to apply for special permission — the first state to OK this type of construction, Curbed reported Aug. 21.

Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

Royal Bank of Scotland to Pay Nearly $5B Over Mortgage Securities Misconduct

The U.S. Justice Department announced Aug. 14 that Royal Bank of Scotland will pay $4.9 billion to settle claims that it misled investors when underwriting and issuing residential mortgage-backed securities leading up to the housing crisis, HousingWire reported. The penalty is the largest ever imposed by DOJ related to the financial crisis.

Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

High Demand for Warehouse Facilities in Coastal Markets, Report Shows

Coastal markets are reporting significant demand for warehouses between 25,000 and 40,000 square feet, with vacancy rates for such properties hovering around 1 percent for four consecutive quarters, according to real estate services firm Colliers International, National Real Estate Investor reported Aug 13.

Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

Commercial Real Estate Executives See Balanced, Stable Market: Survey

Commercial real estate is expected to remain “balanced and stable” despite concerns that the market is nearing the end of its current cycle, according to CRE executives who responded to a survey from nonprofit public policy organization the Real Estate Roundtable, MBA NewsLink reported Aug. 15.

Aug 21, 2018 12:00 PM

Jim Amorin Named Appraisal Institute CEO

The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, today announced it has hired Jim Amorin, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, of Austin, Texas, as its chief executive officer after a nearly year-long search.

Aug 15, 2018 12:30 PM

North Dakota Seeks Appraisal Waivers for Some Residential Loans: Report

Officials in North Dakota are seeking a temporary appraisal waiver for residential loans up to $500,000, citing a shortage of qualified appraisers, Mortgage Daily reported Aug. 6. The joint request came from Gov. Doug Burgum, the Department of Financial Institutions and the North Dakota Bankers Association.

Aug 15, 2018 12:30 PM

Fannie Mae No Longer Requires Form 1004MC in Updated Selling Guide

Appraisers are no longer required to use form 1004MC, effective immediately, Fannie Mae announced Aug. 7 when releasing its updated Selling Guide. The change was anticipated and is expected to simplify reporting for appraisers and review for lenders. Appraisers still are responsible for analyzing and accurately reporting market conditions.

Aug 15, 2018 12:30 PM

Report Shows Possible Multifamily Downturn, Reveals Market Opportunities

While the multifamily market currently is strong, a downturn is expected over the next three years, making this a good time for both investors and sellers — depending on the city, according to online marketplace Ten-X, HousingWire reported Aug. 6. Houston is the top city for investors, while Miami is the top city for sellers.

Aug 08, 2018 12:30 PM

President Signs Bill Authorizing 4-month Flood Insurance Extension

President Trump on July 31 signed legislation that extends the National Flood Insurance Program by four months — until Nov. 30, the White House reported. The extension gives lawmakers a small window to craft a longer-term extension for the program, which is underfunded by about $20 billion.

Aug 08, 2018 12:30 PM

Fed Maintains Interest Rates Amid Strong Growth, Increased Spending

The Federal Reserve on Aug. 1 said that interest rates would remain unchanged due to strong growth — although a September hike is anticipated, Bloomberg reported. The Fed noted that unemployment is low, and household and business spending is on the rise.

Aug 08, 2018 12:30 PM

FHFA Extends Comment Period for Proposed GSE Capital Requirements Rule

The Federal Housing Finance Agency extended for an additional 60 days the public comment period for its proposed rule on capital requirements for the government-sponsored enterprises, MBA NewsLink reported Aug. 1. The FHFA cited numerous requests for more time from multiple stakeholders as reasons for the extension to Nov. 16.

Aug 03, 2018 09:22 AM

Rodman Schley Elected 2019 Appraisal Institute Vice President

Rodman Schley, MAI, SRA, of Denver, was elected 2019 vice president of the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers Thursday by its Board of Directors in Nashville, Tennessee.

Aug 01, 2018 12:30 PM

Construction Costs, Zoning May Slow Office Sector: Cushman & Wakefield

The office sector could slow next year as construction costs and zoning issues increase and concerns grow over the end of the current real estate cycle, according to real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, National Real Estate Investor reported July 24.

Aug 01, 2018 12:30 PM

Fannie Mae Drops Form 1004MC, the GSE Reveals at AI Annual Conference

Fannie Mae is discontinuing the use of Form 1004MC (Market Conditions), the government-sponsored enterprise announced July 30 at the Appraisal Institute Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The GSE is expected to officially announce the change when it releases its updated Selling Guide in the coming weeks.

Aug 01, 2018 12:30 PM

IRS Final Rules Define Qualified Appraisers, Standards Flexibility

The IRS on July 30 finalized rules for substantiating and reporting cash and noncash charitable deductions, stating that any tax deduction of more than $500,000 requires a qualified appraisal conducted in accordance with generally accepted appraisal standards. The rules take immediate effect.

Aug 01, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute Honors 13 National Award Winners

Craig M. Harrington, SRA, AI-RRS, of Prior Lake, Minnesota; and Leslie P. Sellers, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, of Clinton, Tennessee, were honored Tuesday with the Appraisal Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Timothy P. Runde, MAI, of San Francisco, was named the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award during the Appraisal Institute Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jul 30, 2018 11:16 AM

Appraisal Institute Opens Valuation Profession’s Premier Event

More than 550 real estate professionals from around the world today attended the opening session of the valuation profession’s most important annual event, hosted by the Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers.

Jul 25, 2018 12:30 PM

Appraisal Institute Opposes Risk Management Reductions for SBA Loans

The Appraisal Institute on July 20 announced its opposition to proposed federal legislation that would reduce the requirements for appraisals in major Small Business Administration loan programs. AI told Congress that it specifically objects to provisions that would increase the real estate appraisal thresholds for SBA loan programs.

Jul 25, 2018 12:30 PM

Housing Industry Loses Status as Economic Driver, Fed Chair Testifies

The housing industry isn’t the economic driver it once was and doesn’t have much pull in monetary policy decision making, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told the House Financial Service Committee July 17 as he delivered the semi-annual monetary policy report, HousingWire reported.

Jul 25, 2018 12:30 PM

Fed Beige Book Reveals Mixed Results in Residential, Commercial Sectors

Some Fed districts reported moderate improvements in the residential real estate sector, but their reports on commercial activity revealed largely stagnant conditions, the Federal Reserve reported July 18 in its newest Beige Book.

Jul 20, 2018 10:44 AM

Appraisal Institute Opposes Effort to Reduce Risk Management for SBA Loans

The nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers today announced its opposition to proposed federal legislation that would reduce the requirements for appraisals in major Small Business Administration loan programs.

Jul 18, 2018 12:30 PM

Appeals Court Finds FHFA Violates Constitution's Separation of Powers

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled July 16 that the Federal Housing Finance Agency's leadership structure is unconstitutional, HousingWire reported. The court found that the FHFA is too "isolated," and ruled that its director's possible removal only for cause violates the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers.

Jul 18, 2018 12:30 PM

FHA Easing Use of False Claims Act, Wants Banks to Re-enter Market

The Trump administration on July 10 said the Federal Housing Administration will scale back its use of the False Claims Act so that banks that previously shied away from offering FHA loans due to concerns about violations and settlements are more certain about offering those types of loans, HousingWire reported.

Jul 18, 2018 12:30 PM

Illinois Changes AMC Law, Allows Multistate Appraiser Licensing System

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on July 13 signed Public Act 100-0604 (enacted as SB 2617), legislation that amends Appraisal Management Company Registration Act requirements for AMC registration and oversight. It also authorizes the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to participate in a multistate appraiser licensing and renewal system.

Jul 13, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute Joins 29 Groups to Promote Real Estate Careers

The Appraisal Institute joined 29 real estate industry organizations, representing more than 10 million jobs, today in announcing a ground-breaking collaboration to highlight the diverse career paths within the real estate sector.

Jul 12, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisers Play Distinct Roles in Arbitration: The Appraisal Journal

Alternative dispute resolution – including negotiation, mediation and arbitration – is a growing area in need of skilled real estate valuation professionals, according to a study published this week in The Appraisal Journal.

Jul 11, 2018 12:30 PM

Freddie Mac Now Allows ACE Eligibility for Condo Unit Purchases, Refis

Freddie Mac announced June 28 that consumers who purchase a condo or refinance an existing condo mortgage might be eligible for its automated collateral evaluation appraisal waiver. The ACE program, which launched in 2017 for single-family homes, gives eligible borrowers the opportunity to forgo a traditional appraisal.

Jul 11, 2018 12:30 PM

Pennsylvania Passes New Law Allowing Limited Broker Price Opinions

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on June 29 signed HB 863, legislation that allows the state’s real estate brokers, associate brokers and salespeople to provide broker price opinions. The law takes effect Aug. 28 and places significant restrictions on those allowed to perform BPOs and limits the situations under which they may be performed.

Jul 11, 2018 12:30 PM

Mortgage Fraud Risk, Loan Application Defects Both Drop, Report Shows

Fraud and misrepresentation in mortgage loan applications dropped 2.4 percent between April and May, and was down 3.6 percent from the same point last year, according to the Loan Application Defect Index released July 2 by settlement services firm First American Financial Corp., MBA NewsLink reported.

Jul 05, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisers Face Unique Challenges in Hawaii: Valuation Magazine

Hawaii’s climate and landscape are keeping the state’s property values high and are contributing to its developmental and economic growth, according to an article in Valuation magazine’s second quarter 2018 issue.

Jun 27, 2018 12:30 PM

Court Finds Tax Appeal Attorneys Not Engaged in Appraisal Practice

The Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (Chancery Division) on June 20 ruled that attorneys who referenced comparable property valuations and market values based on an income approach as part of tax appeal proceedings were simply engaged in the traditional practice of law and not in appraisal practice.

Jun 27, 2018 12:30 PM

Banks Aggressively Seeking New Customers for CRE Loans, CBRE Reports

It's getting easier to secure construction loans for commercial real estate as banks are starting to compete for new customers, according to commercial real estate firm CBRE, National Real Estate Investor reported June 19. However, loan amounts are relatively small compared to total development project costs.

Jun 27, 2018 12:30 AM

Seattle Top Metro for Commercial Real Estate Investment, Report Shows

Seattle is the top metro for commercial real estate investment while New York is the worst, according to the Metro Investment Rankings Index from real estate advisory firm Situs, MBA NewsLink reported June 21. The index surveyed investors about the price/value of CRE assets for different markets and property types.

Jun 20, 2018 12:30 PM

Fed Sees Strong Economy and Raises Rates, Drops Crisis-era Policies

The Federal Reserve on June 13 increased interest rates a quarter of a percentage point, indicating it would tolerate inflation above 2 percent and was dropping crisis-era guidance, Reuters reported. Low unemployment and inflation were key factors in the decision.

Jun 20, 2018 12:30 PM

Ohio Enacts Law Establishing AMC Oversight and Certification

Ohio Gov. John Kasich on June 14 signed Substitute House Bill 213, legislation that establishes the state's appraisal management company licensing and oversight program and makes minor changes to the state's existing appraiser licensing and certification law.

Jun 20, 2018 12:30 PM

Treasury, IRS Select Final 'Opportunity Zones' for Tax Incentive Program

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS announced June 13 that they have selected Opportunity Zones in all 50 states and the District of Columbia; the Opportunity Zones program provides federal tax incentives to spur investment in distressed communities. Nearly 35 million people live in the selected zones.

Jun 19, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute Releases Guide to Residential Green Addendum

The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, today released a guide to complete and use the organization’s “Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum.”

Jun 13, 2018 12:30 PM

Half of US Housing Markets are 'Overvalued,' CoreLogic Reports

More than half the nation's largest housing markets were overvalued in April, meaning home prices have topped long-term, sustainable levels, according to analytics firm CoreLogic, CNBC reported June 5.

Jun 13, 2018 12:30 PM

FHFA Report to Congress Reveals Significantly Lower GSE Income

The Federal Housing Finance Agency on May 23 released its 2017 Report to Congress, revealing net income drops for the government-sponsored enterprises, mainly due to one-time tax provision expenses. Freddie Mac annual net income was down 28.2 percent for the year while Fannie Mae was down 79.6 percent.

Jun 13, 2018 12:30 PM

CFPB Scraps 3 Advisory Boards

Mick Mulvaney, acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, on June 6 eliminated three CFPB advisory boards, HousingWire reported. Mulvaney disbanded the Consumer Advisory Board, the Community Bank Advisory Council and the Credit Union Advisory Council, as part of an overall agency restructuring.

Jun 11, 2018 12:00 PM

New Appraisal Institute Book Examines Changes in Real Estate Market

When market volatility creates problems, real estate appraisers must develop a deeper understanding of the valuation process and a greater ability to handle a wide variety of assignments, according to a new book published by the Appraisal Institute.

Jun 06, 2018 12:30 PM

Fed Regulators Propose Rewrite of 'Volcker Rule' Bank Trading Limits

Federal regulators on May 29 unveiled plans to rewrite the Volcker Rule in order to simplify parts of the Dodd-Frank Act that ban banks from trading on their own account, Reuters reported. The proposal would ease compliance burdens and clarify which trades qualify for safe harbors.

Jun 06, 2018 12:30 PM

Secondary Markets Becoming Tops for Office Deals, JLL Reports

Secondary markets accounted for 50 percent of all U.S. office transactions last year, due to slowing demand for and oversupply of products in core markets, according to the Investment Outlook report from real estate services firm JLL, National Real Estate Investor reported May 30.

Jun 06, 2018 12:30 PM

Albuquerque, New Mexico, Most Affordable Office Market: CBRE

Albuquerque, New Mexico, has the nation's most affordable office lease rates at $15.59 per square foot, according to real estate services firm CBRE, Bizjournal reported May 25. Louisville, Kentucky, and Cleveland rounded out the top three.

May 30, 2018 12:30 PM

Experts Cite Monetary Policy as 'Likeliest Cause' for Recession by 2020

The country's next recession is expected to occur between 2019 and 2021, according to a survey of more than 100 real estate experts, analytics firm Pulsenomics reported May 22. The experts cited monetary policy as the "likeliest cause" for the downturn.

May 30, 2018 12:30 PM

Senators Say GSE Reform Halted - for Now

Sens. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Mark Warner, D-Va., told the Senate Banking Committee May 23 that legislative efforts to end government control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are dead for now, Bloomberg reported. Corker's and Warner's attempt to write a bill to preserve the government-sponsored enterprises' operations failed to garner enough support.

May 30, 2018 12:30 PM

Dodd-Frank Rollback Signed into Law

President Trump on May 24 signed into law S. 2155, legislation that rolls back parts of the Dodd-Frank Act and that includes appraisal revisions, HousingWire reported. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act is intended to bring regulatory relief to the nation's small and mid-sized banks.

May 23, 2018 12:30 PM

House Passes Dodd-Frank Reform Bill Complete with Appraisal Revisions

The U.S. House of Representatives on May 22 passed bi-partisan legislation that would roll back many post-financial-crisis banking rules found in the Dodd-Frank Act. The White House said President Trump will sign the bill before Memorial Day.

May 23, 2018 12:30 PM

Economic Growth Poised to Continue this Year, Drop Next Year: Fannie Mae

Economic growth is expected to remain at 2.7 percent through the end of the year, but then take a downward turn next year as the fiscal stimulus from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 starts to fade, Fannie Mae reported May 17 in its newest Economic and Housing Outlook.

May 23, 2018 12:30 PM

FHA Extends by 3 Months Foreclosure Moratorium for Hurricane Victims

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Administration on May 16 extended by 90 days the foreclosure moratorium for victims of Hurricane Maria, HousingWire reported. The FHA previously requested a 60-day foreclosure suspension on top of its original 180-day freeze.

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 15, 2018 08:00 AM

Landscaping Can Significantly Impact Home Values, Appraisal Institute Says

The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, today encouraged homeowners to pay close attention to their property’s landscaping as it could have a major impact on value.

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 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 26, 2018 08:00 AM

Co-working Spaces Changing Office Real Estate: Valuation Magazine

Co-working spaces are significantly impacting the U.S. office real estate market, but it’s unclear if the explosive growth they’ve experienced since the Great Recession signals a market disruption or a passing trend, according to an article in Valuation magazine’s first quarter 2018 issue.

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 13, 2018 08:00 AM

Home Values Rebound from Oil Spills: The Appraisal Journal

Home values in Golden Beach, Maryland, near an April 2000 oil spill dropped in the short term, but rebounded after two years, according to a study published this week in The Appraisal Journal.

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.

Apr 03, 2018 10:55 AM

New Appraisal Institute Book Examines Appraisers’ Role in Arbitration

Valuation professionals can serve as arbitrators, expert witnesses or consultants during the arbitration process and can provide valuable input from the preliminary hearing to final award, according to a new book published by the Appraisal Institute.

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.

Mar 26, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute Opens Registration for 2018 Annual Conference

The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, today announced that registration is open for its 2018 Annual Conference, July 30-Aug. 1, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mar 23, 2018 11:16 AM

North Carolina Supreme Court Allows Brokers’ Fair Market Value Testimony

The North Carolina Supreme Court in an opinion filed March 2 held that real estate brokers may legally testify regarding the fair market value of real property in condemnation cases. The case involved the state's condemnation of approximately two acres of commercial property for a highway construction project.

Mar 23, 2018 11:14 AM

AI Backs Revisions as Senate OKs Banking Reform Bill

The Appraisal Institute led nearly three dozen valuation organizations in supporting revisions to a bipartisan Senate bill that passed March 14. The measure, which now goes to the House, rolled back many post-financial-crisis banking rules found in the Dodd-Frank Act.

Mar 23, 2018 11:12 AM

Appraisal Institute Partners with RESNET to Create Appraisal Portal

The Appraisal Institute on March 13 announced its partnership with the Residential Energy Services Network to launch an appraiser portal that allows AI professionals to access data for properties with Home Energy Rating System Index scores.

Mar 20, 2018 08:00 AM

Outdoor Home Improvements Provide Greatest Value: Appraisal Institute

The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, today encouraged homeowners to prioritize outdoor renovation projects when seeking to increase their potential return on investment.

Mar 13, 2018 11:46 AM

Appraisal Institute Leads 34 Groups in Advancing Changes to Bank Regulation Bill

The nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers today led nearly three dozen valuation organizations in applauding revisions to a bipartisan Senate bill that would roll back many post-financial-crisis banking rules found in the Dodd-Frank Act.

Mar 07, 2018 12:30 PM

FHA Expands Foreclosure Relief Options

The Federal Housing Administration on Feb. 26 told mortgage servicers to expand options for eligible disaster victims impacted by recent natural disasters in California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FHA unveiled a "Disaster Standalone Partial Claim" option to help struggling borrowers.

Mar 07, 2018 12:30 PM

Fed Chair Testimony Reveals Support of Gradual Rate Hikes

During testimony before the House Financial Services Committee Feb. 27, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated his commitment to stay the course on gradual rate hikes, Reuters reported. Powell noted how strong the economy has become, leading to speculation of a possible fourth rate increase this year.

Mar 07, 2018 12:30 PM

Report Shows Distress in CRE Market

Commercial real estate is in the late stable stage and showing signs of moderate distress, according to the State of the Real Estate Market report released March 1 by real estate advisory firm RCLCO, MBA NewsLink reported. However, the report noted there’s no impending downturn in real estate performance.

Feb 28, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisers Key to Property Tax Appeals, Appraisal Institute Says

Highly qualified appraisers are able to assist homeowners with appeals of property taxes, which can be a homeowner’s largest annual expense, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers said today.

Feb 21, 2018 12:30 PM

Office Vacancies Hit 10-year Low: Transwestern

Office vacancies in major U.S. metro areas reached a 10-year low in December, according to commercial real estate firm Transwestern, GlobeSt.com reported Feb. 12. The nationwide vacancy rate was 11.5 percent. The Dallas/Fort Worth area had the highest quarterly and annual net absorption rates.

Feb 21, 2018 12:30 PM

CRE and Multifamily Originations Are Expected to Decline: Report Shows

Commercial and multifamily originations this year are expected to total around $549 billion, a 3 percent drop from last year, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported Feb. 15. Factors contributing to the decline include rising interest rates and pressure on capitalization rates.

Feb 21, 2018 12:30 AM

Fannie Mae Says Tax Cuts Hurt, $3 Billion in Treasury Assistance Needed

Fannie Mae will need $3.7 billion from the U.S. Treasury to prevent its net worth from becoming negative in March, Bloomberg reported Feb. 14. The government-sponsored enterprise hasn’t required taxpayer funding since 2012, but newly passed cuts to corporate taxes led to a $6.5 billion fourth-quarter loss.

Jan 04, 2018 08:00 AM

Appraisal Institute Officers Outline 2018 Plans: Valuation Magazine

The Appraisal Institute's 2018 elected officers discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the real estate valuation profession – and their plans to address these issues – in a wide-ranging article published in Valuation magazine’s fourth quarter 2017 issue.

FHFA to Increase Conforming Loan Limits for 2018

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced Nov. 28 that the maximum conforming loans limits for mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac next year will be $453,100 for most single-unit properties, up from $424,100 this year. The limit is based on the average U.S. home price.

Aug 10, 2016 12:30 PM

CFPB Publishes 900-page Mortgage Lending Final Rule

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Aug. 4 finalized mortgage servicing regulations to ensure borrowers are treated fairly, HousingWire reported. Included in the 900-page final rule are mandates that certain borrowers receive foreclosure protections more than once during the life of the loan and that foreclosure protections cover those inheriting property.

Jul 27, 2016 02:42 PM

Court Revives Freddie Mac Subprime Suit

A federal appeals court on July 20 revived a lawsuit filed by the Ohio attorney general that accuses Freddie Mac of defrauding the state’s $87.3 billion pension fund by failing to disclose risk to subprime mortgages, Reuters reported. A lower court had ruled that disclosure shortfalls didn’t prove monetary loss.

Jul 27, 2016 02:39 PM

‘Down-and-Out’ Neighborhoods Make a Rebound

Many so called “rough-and-tumble” neighborhoods have bounced back in recent years, as tight inventory and new construction has helped convince homebuyers to consider such neighborhoods, analytics firm RealtyTrac reported July 20 in its best of the “bad” neighborhoods report.

Jul 27, 2016 02:32 PM

White House Unveils Clean Energy Initiative

The White House on July 19 announced the Clean Energy Savings for All Initiative, a joint effort from the Environmental Protection Agency and the departments of Energy, Agriculture, Veteran’s Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services to increase access to solar energy, promote energy efficiency and ensure homeowner access to solar options.

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