More tech vendors approved to support appraisal-free mortgages
Stewart Valuation Intelligence (SVI) is the latest technology vendor to be approved by Fannie Mae to support new value acceptance + property data valuation process
by Matt Carter Apr 21
Software vendors gear up to support appraisal-free mortgages
Fannie Mae says starting April 15, more homebuyers will qualify for a program requiring full interior and exterior inspections that capture data and images throughout the property
by Matt Carter Mar 21
Real Matters hires new chief financial officer as revenue dwindles
Executives with the Canadian real estate tech company said its US expansion plan and ambitious goals to grow its appraisal and title insurance market share are still in place
by Matt Carter Mar 17
Those claims of appraisal bias? Another study backs them up
Homes in white neighborhoods are valued twice as high as those in communities of color, even in places with otherwise similar housing stock, according to a study out this week
by Daniel Houston Nov 3
Help your buyers decide whether or not to waive the appraisal contingency
When it comes to appraisals there are plenty of opinions to go around. Understanding the pros and cons of contract contingencies is essential for you and your client
by Bill Gassett Sep 22
'The appraisal process is an absolute joke': The Real Word
Opinion
Byron Lazine and Nicole White discuss the future of appraisals, incentive-based recruiting and this week's Left, Middle, Right
by Byron Lazine Aug 26
Tomo is launching an appraisal coverage guarantee for homebuyers
Eligible borrowers will be able to close on a winning bid with the same cash to close, monthly payment and interest rate — even if the appraisal comes in low
by Matt Carter Aug 24
Nationwide appraisal ethics rule changes postponed until 2024
The Appraisal Foundation’s Appraisal Standards Board says it needs more time to assess proposed changes designed to close the door to discrimination
by Andrea V. Brambila Aug 19
Rate Drop Advantage program offers homebuyers a break on refis
If rates come down in the next 3 years, Rocket Mortgage's program will cover some refinancing costs including first appraisal, credit report, tax certification, and mortgage recording fee
by Matt Carter Jul 27
How to help a homebuyer sweeten an offer — without going too far
Contingency clauses are there to protect buyers and shouldn't be dropped lightly. Here's how agents can help advise clients navigating the tricky situations that offer-sweeteners can create
by Daniel Houston May 11
'Caste' author: Sordid history of unfair housing cannot be left as-is
Author Isabel Wilkerson urged NAR midyear attendees at the Realtors Legislative Meeting to roll up their sleeves and fix the consequences of past racist policies without guilt, shame or blame
As mortgage lenders' costs rise, so do homebuyers' closing costs
Rising home prices and lender costs helped drive up homebuyers' closing costs by 13.4% in 2021, to an average of $6,905. Loan production expenses hit an all-time high during Q4 2021
by Matt Carter Apr 22
Appraisal ethics rule under review after federal scrutiny
The ethics rule in question, which some regulators argue doesn't clearly state that housing discrimination against protected classes is illegal, was contested by 8 federal agencies
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 11
Facade Flags Justice Department Building Washington DC
Janette Miller of Miller & Perotti Real Estate Appraisals in California argues that the Fair Housing Act doesn't apply to appraisers, but a federal regulator disagreed this week
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 16
Clear Capital's latest innovation can help better mortgage underwriting
'Overall customer satisfaction with primary mortgage originators has dropped 5 points (on a 1,000-point scale) this year, driven largely by declines in satisfaction with the refinancing process,' JD Power
by Craig C. Rowe Feb 11