Appraisal Institute News

May 19, 2021 12:30 PM

Senators Push CFPB to Reconsider Delaying Implementation of Qualified Mortgage Rule

Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) sent a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau urging it to reconsider a plan to delay implementation of the General Qualified Mortgage Final Rule, HousingWire reported May 12. The senators noted that the Finale Rule is important because it provides an “appropriate balance” between providing consumer protection and making mortgage credit available.

May 12, 2021 12:30 PM

Proposed Real Estate Tax Could Hit Smaller Investors: Report

President Biden is seeking higher taxes on real estate transactions with gains of more than $500,000 — so-called 1031 exchanges where investors defer paying taxes on real estate by rolling profits into their next property — but experts worry about the effect on smaller investors, in particular, CNBC reported May 3. The taxes would help fund the $1.8 trillion American Families Plan.

May 12, 2021 12:30 PM

Judge Tosses CDC Eviction Moratorium, Puts Ruling on Hold

A federal judge on May 5 threw out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s national moratorium on residential evictions, but agreed to hold the ruling while the government works to reverse the decision on appeal, Reuters reported. The judge said that a moratorium on evictions was not part of Congress’ intent to allow the CDC to help individuals during the coronavirus.

May 12, 2021 12:30 PM

Hospitality Sector Expected to Improve Over Summer as Part of Slow Recovery: Data

The occupancy rate for hotel properties remains flat, but the sector is expected to pick up once consumers start traveling this summer, according to analytics firms STR and Trepp, MBA NewsLink reported May 4. The number of hospitality properties delinquent on their loans or in some form of forbearance has declined, although the sector is expected to face a slow recovery.

May 11, 2021 08:00 AM

Complete Smart and Necessary Home Renovation Projects: Appraisal Institute

The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, today encouraged homeowners to focus on cost-efficient improvement projects when seeking to potentially improve their property’s value during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

May 05, 2021 12:30 PM

FHFA Low-income Refi Option Includes Appraisal Credit

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced April 28 that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will implement a new refinance option for eligible low-income borrowers that is expected to save them $100-$250 per month. An appraisal credit of up to $500 from the lender will be included if a borrower doesn’t qualify for an appraisal waiver.

May 05, 2021 12:30 PM

CFPB Delays Required QM Rule Compliance Until Fall 2022

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced April 27 that it will delay mandatory compliance of the General Qualified Mortgage final rule to Oct. 1, 2022. Compliance was set to begin this July, but the agency extended the deadline to help consumers who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

May 05, 2021 12:30 PM

Fed Keeps Interest Rates Near Zero, Bond Buying Steady as Growth and Inflation Rise

The Federal Open Market Committee announced April 28 that it will keep short-term interest rates close to zero and continue buying at least $120 billion per month in bonds, CNBC reported. The move comes as the economy stays strong and the Fed remains unconcerned about a slight rise in inflation.

Apr 28, 2021 12:30 PM

Homes in Black Neighborhoods Undervalued By $46,000: Data

The average property in a predominantly Black neighborhood in the U.S. is worth $46,000 less than a similar home in a primarily white neighborhood, according to a report published April 21 by online real estate marketplace Redfin. The research looked at value estimates for more than seven million properties sold between 2013 and February 2021.

Apr 28, 2021 12:30 PM

FHFA Extends Appraisal Loan Flexibilities Due to COVID-19

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced April 21 that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will extend alternative appraisals on purchase and rate-term refinance loans until May 31. Importantly, the FHFA said that due to lack of use, this would be the final extension for alternative appraisals as well as for those pertaining to power of attorney, employment verification and condo review.

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AI News

Senators Push CFPB to Reconsider Delaying Implementation of Qualified Mortgage Rule

Proposed Real Estate Tax Could Hit Smaller Investors: Report

Judge Tosses CDC Eviction Moratorium, Puts Ruling on Hold

Hospitality Sector Expected to Improve Over Summer as Part of Slow Recovery: Data

Complete Smart and Necessary Home Renovation Projects: Appraisal Institute

FHFA Low-income Refi Option Includes Appraisal Credit

CFPB Delays Required QM Rule Compliance Until Fall 2022

Fed Keeps Interest Rates Near Zero, Bond Buying Steady as Growth and Inflation Rise

Homes in Black Neighborhoods Undervalued By $46,000: Data

FHFA Extends Appraisal Loan Flexibilities Due to COVID-19