HUD and the FHFA are changing. Here's everything you need to know
Workforce cuts, the rescission of Fair Housing initiatives and COVID assistance, and multiple pathways for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are all under discussion at the federal housing agencies
by Marian McPherson Jun 5
Appraisal Institute rocked by NYT exposé, lawsuits by former execs
Professional association is fighting accusations that it knowingly reported inaccurate exam scores to state agencies and ignored a top executive's alleged sexual harassment of employees
by Matt Carter May 13
Trump administration lifts FHA appraisal bias protections
Lenders are no longer under orders to keep a sharper lookout for appraisal bias or have a process for helping borrowers who suspect appraisal bias to ask for a 'reconsideration of value'
by Matt Carter Mar 21
Name change, budget cuts at top of HUD secretary’s list
Scott Turner put budget cuts and a department name change at the top of his list, while fair housing and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs were noticeably absent
by Marian McPherson Feb 6
Wildfires don't discriminate, but people do. Fight back with fairness
As real estate first responders, Dr. Lee Davenport writes, let us be mindful to fight fire with fairness and fair housing in mind
by Lee Davenport Jan 17
Rocket Mortgage sues HUD over alleged appraisal bias 'tightrope'
Responding to appraisal bias lawsuit, Rocket claims the government requires lenders to grant appraisers independence, then holds them liable if those appraisers engage in discrimination
by Matt Carter Dec 5
Ben Carson reportedly in the running to lead HUD again
As a Project 2025 author, Carson advocated raising FHA premiums and for a 'reset' of HUD to reverse 'corrosive progressive ideologies across the department’s programs'
by Matt Carter Nov 22
Mortgage access for Black buyers blamed for widening ownership gap
Mortgage discrimination and appraisal bias are eroding Black homeownership gains, according to the National Association of Real Estate Brokers' latest State of Housing in Black America report
by Marian McPherson Nov 14
Rocket Mortgage, Solidifi among defendants in appraisal bias suit
Department of Justice alleges appraisal that erased $220K from Denver duplex's value discriminated against Black owner and thwarted her attempt to refinance at lower rates
by Matt Carter Oct 22
HUD: Appraisal that erased $220K in home value was discriminatory
Appraisal management company Solidifi and lending giant Rocket Mortgage are also charged with violating the Fair Housing Act in 2021 refinancing request. Rocket says it expects to prevail
by Matt Carter Jul 16
4 ways homesellers can maximize their home's appraisal value
Fair housing expert Dr. Lee Davenport says that your low appraisal may have nothing to do with the lack of landscaping
by Lee Davenport Jul 16
'Historic' agreement aims to break racial barriers in appraisal industry
The Appraisal Foundation will establish $1.22M scholarship fund to help aspiring appraisers get training and fulfill experience requirements said to have contributed to lack of diversity
by Matt Carter Jul 12
Dr. Shani Mott spent her last days fighting for housing equality
The Baltimore homeowner succumbed to cancer before she could celebrate a landmark appraisal bias win. She's part of a long legacy of Black homeowners who've died while fighting for their rights
by Marian McPherson Mar 27
LoanDepot settles high-profile appraisal bias lawsuit filed in 2022
Lender revises appraisal policies and practices in wake of lawsuit by Baltimore couple who claimed their home was undervalued by more than $250,000 because they were Black
by Matt Carter Mar 27
What to do if a client says, 'I'm not selling my home for THAT price'
If your client is frustrated by a lowball appraisal, even when they've done everything right to get ready for the market, there may be bias at work, Dr. Lee Davenport writes
by Lee Davenport Mar 7