What is a Complex Residential Property?

How to Identify a Complex Residential Property

By Dan Bradley

Excerpts: A complex one-to-four family residential property is defined as a property that meets at least one of the following criteria:

  •   The property to be appraised is atypical
  •   The form of ownership is atypical
  •   The market conditions are atypical

Some of the key physical features that can make an appraisal assignment complex include:

  •  Size (significantly larger or smaller than typical for market)
  •   Floor plan (there may be functional obsolescence)
  •   Unique custom features
  •   Quality of workmanship or construction (higher or lower than the norm)
  •   Architectural design
  •   Adequacy of HVAC, electrical systems, well and/or septic
  •   Additional living unit(s)
  •   Non-conforming zoning
  •   Mixed-use property (for example, it is used as both a business and residence)
  •   Waterfront properties

Keep in mind that what is considered a complex residential property in one market might not be considered complex in another market. For example:

  •  A mansion in Beverly Hills is not atypical; a mansion located somewhere in rural America might be
  •  A log cabin in the mountains of Virginia is common; a beach-front log cabin in VA, not so much
  •  Manufactured or mobile homes with additions are common in rural areas, but generally not in cities

To read more, Click Here

My comments: Read this short article and keep it available. Very good lists of the factors.

Why do you want to know about this topic? Business is slow now, which is a good time to try appraising unusual homes. But, a fast turn time is not a good idea unless you are very familiar with the subject’s complexities. Do you have another appraiser who can help you? Don’t risk your appraisal license by getting in “over your head”. I get regular calls from appraisers who said “yes” but did not have anyone to advise them.

Very few appraisers, if any, would have experience on all these types of properties. For example, I have appraised many life estates, but no homes with a leasehold (ground lease) in a market area where such interests are uncommon. I have only appraised homes where the subject and all the nearby homes are leaseholds. I get advice for appraising it.

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Appraisers Riding the Waves of Up and Down Mortgage Rates

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Appraisal Institute Counters Flawed Appraiser Bias Narrative

Appraisal Institute Counters Flawed Appraiser Bias Narrative

Excerpts: In reality, appraisers have a great story to tell, but we have a long way to go to refocus the terribly flawed “appraiser bias” narrative onto facts and science.

Last week’s email from Cindy Chance, the CEO of the Appraisal Institute, marks an important and long overdue shift in the organization’s approach to addressing accusations of bias in the appraisal profession. For too long, appraisers have faced sweeping claims that their valuations are biased against certain groups, despite appraisers’ ethical standards, rigorous training, and lack of financial stake in transactions.

As Chance acknowledges, the Institute should have done more to advocate for appraisers and make the public aware of their professionalism. This public acknowledgement of an obligation to counter the flawed “appraiser bias” narrative is an encouraging first step. Appraisal organizations like the Appraisal Institute should advocate for appraisers, as advocacy is a key membership benefit. Industry groups should also step up to support appraisers.

Importantly, Chance points out that claims of appraiser bias contradict what appraisers actually do. Their role is to provide impartial, data-driven opinions of value. She explains how pioneering research in psychology revealed that all humans have cognitive biases, but professionals like appraisers are trained to minimize bias through rigorous methodology. In fact, appraisers’ discipline protects homebuyers and the industry from irrational biases.

Chance suggests the Institute will undertake communications grounded in facts and science to reframe the false narrative around appraiser bias. With their scientific expertise and ethical standards, appraisers have a strong basis to counter the accusations. Chance’s leadership in publicly addressing the issue and committing to advocate for appraisers represents an encouraging change of direction for the Institute.

To read more, including the full document, Click Here

My comments: Read it. Note: it can be “dense” with very long paragraphs. This is, by far, the best writing I have seen on bias related to appraisals. I have been saying for a while that all humans are biased in some way. It is human nature.

When I read it last week, I was going to put a link to it in this newsletter. Now that appraisersblogs has published the full document, you can read and make comments.

For a long time, since AI dropped out of the Appraisal Foundation, I have said, “I am a 35-year member of AI. I stay because my MAI is very, very valuable (similar to CPA).” Plus, I have an excellent local chapter.

I have been reading Cyndi Chance’s emails to members and following her activities to reach out to local chapters since she started last fall.

I am so glad that AI is now taking on the bias issue. I recently took USPAP plus two California bias classes in a two week period. After I finished them, I thought of giving up my license (CA is not a mandatory state) and maybe quitting appraisal. After a rough weekend, I decided not to leave. Finally, I now see there is hope!

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NAR Appraiser Survey July, 2023

NAR Appraiser Survey July, 2023

In July 2023, NAR Research conducted a survey of all 9,800 appraiser members and 50,000 randomly-selected residential-focused non-appraiser members.

The survey results had a comparison of 2022 and 2023, which was very interesting.

  • Appraiser Topics
  • Greatest challenges in business
  • Lesser challenges with business
  • Valuations
  • Comfort with valuation tools
  • Radius in which appraisals are conducted
  • Radius by area type (rural, small town, urban, resort, suburban)
  • How often asked to conduct appraisals outside geographic area/Property type of expertise

Sample: Greatest challenges in business

(AMCs) in general among their greatest challenges. This year, this option was broken into three separate AMC-related issues. Forty-four percent cite at least one of these, with 28 percent specifically citing AMC requests for revisions.

This year, however, the single greatest challenge, cited by almost half (47 percent), is “fee pressures,” which, based on comments, is also related in many cases to pressure from AMCs. This is up sharply from 27 percent last year.

One-quarter (26 percent) cite technology fees (not an option in 2022). Appraisers are less likely this year to cite expanding regulations/interpretations of regulations, lender requirements, pressure from real estate agents/brokers, and liability concerns.

The 21 percent who cite other challenges are most likely to cite lack of business/slow market, rising interest rates, low fees, and to reiterate pressure from AMCs.

A very good graphic is included for each section.

To read the report, click here

My comments: Read the appraiser sections in the long report. Fortunately, appraiser results are in the first section. I read the full survey. Most of the questions were for all NAR members, both appraisers and non-appraiser members. Some may be of interest to you. Much of the appraiser results were what we already sort of suspected, but it is good to see actual survey results.

NAR Appraisal Survey 2022

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Fannie Mae: No Appraisals Required? 3-10-23

Fannie Mae: Appraisals are no longer the default option: Value Acceptance replaces Appraisal Waiver

Fannie Mae updated its Selling Guide on March 1 to include more options for property valuations, saying that they are “moving away from implying that an appraisal is a default requirement.”  Those options include value acceptance (formerly appraisal waivers), value acceptance plus property data and hybrid appraisals.

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Fannie Mae – No Appraisals Required – The End of Appraisers?

Hamp Thomas 12 minute video – my favorite commentary on this issue!

Fannie Mae took a direct shot at appraisers today with the announcement of changes in their Selling Guide. Two options for the future, both of which do great harm to the appraisal industry.

First, “third party” inspections. Appraisal trainees aren’t good enough, so now we will have unlicensed inspectors going through the homes of unsuspecting homeowners. And, with this inspection a traditional appraisal is no longer a requirement for the mortgage loan.

Secondly, the 3rd party inspection is sent to a licensed appraiser. FNMA wants an appraiser’s signature so the appraiser can be held responsible if there’s any problem in the future. Both options say they are good for consumers and both options are filled with fabrications and misinformation. At the end of it all, it’s about control and profits. Why trainees can’t provide the data is simply because big banking and AMC’s don’t make profit from the inspection part of the process.

If appraisers don’t stand up and say no, right now, the running joke of the appraisal industry could be gone in five years; well, it just very well may come true. Ok appraisers, it’s time to speak out and stand together.

The only reason for these changes are about a piece of the 11 TRILLION dollar mortgage market. And that’s the way it is – March 1, 2023.

To watch the video, click here

My comments: Worth watching the video. Call to Action. Hamp is an excellent speaker and teacher.

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Fannie Statement: “Value acceptance + property data has arrived”

“This new option reduces cycle times and may reduce borrower costs, promotes safety and soundness by obtaining a current observation of the subject property, and provides operational simplicity and certainty at time of loan application.“

To read what Fannie says, click here

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Link to Fannie SEL-2023-02: Selling Guide Updates PDF

To read more, click here

My comments: Lenders Are Happeeee! Those darn appraisers and appraisals have always taken too much time. Fannie sells their loans to investors. The more loans, the more money Fannie makes. I did not include links to what the happy lenders say. You already know.Clear the Tracks!

Fannie Wants Desktop Appraisals

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What Appraisers Wish Real Estate Agents Understood

What Appraisers Wish Real Estate Agents Understood

McKissock Survey

Question: “What’s one thing you wish real estate agents knew about the appraisal process?

Top 10 most common answers

  1. The appraisal process is complex and takes time
  2. Appraisers do not assign value
  3. Appraisers are unbiased and must follow guidelines
  4. Appraisers need their input and cooperation
  5. How to select appropriate sales comps
  6. The importance of providing accurate and detailed info in their listings
  7. How to determine correct GLA (gross living area)
  8. How renovations and upgrades affect value
  9. How to prepare for the appraisal appointment
  10. FHA/VA/USDA guidelines

To read all the appraiser comments, click here

My comments: The appraiser comments are worth reading. I will always remember when, many years ago, a top local real estate agent asked me why I was driving around taking photos of homes. Of course, most people confuse real estate agents with appraisers. We have done a very poor job of telling the general public what we do and that we are are objective and unbiased. We need a good Appraiser PR Campaign!

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AMC Alleged Violations of Appraiser Independence Requirements

Fastapp AMC Alleged Violations of AIR (Appraiser Independence Requirements)

Excerpts: The following court documents in the case Naftali Horowitz v. xxx, Fastapp AMC founder v. Fastapp AMC president, confirm what appraisers have been saying all along, that if you want high-volume AMC work, you have to lower your fees to 1980’s level, have 24 hour turn times, and, above all, be a number hitter.

Horowitz claimed that Andrews engaged in conduct constituting potential violations of the Appraiser Independence Requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”), including unlawfully seeking to influence an appraiser to encourage a targeted value to facilitate the making or pricing of the transaction in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1639e(b)(3).

… it began to become apparent to Andrews that Horowitz was not complying with appraisal independence standards. Instead, Horowitz would personally select one of a small number of his preferred appraisers for any given appraisal request… It thus became apparent to Andrews that Horowitz was engaged in a widespread scheme in violation of federal law by assigning appraisals to appraisers who would appraise values at requested values in exchange for order flow.

To read more plus over 50 appraiser comments, click here

My comment: Copies of the emails tell the story of “cooperative” appraisers getting most of the assignments. Very similar to the old mortgage broker days. A primary reason for Dodd-Frank.

AMC Fined for Appraisal Order Blast Violation

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FHA Handbook 4000.1 Appraisal Changes

FHA Handbook 4000.1 Appraisal Changes

By Dan Bradley

Excerpts: On January 18, 2023, HUD issued an announcement regarding revisions made to Handbook 4000.1. According to the announcement, the revisions included “enhancements and revisions to existing guidelines and various technical edits.”

The most significant of these revisions was the elimination of the requirement to include the 1004MC form as an attachment to the appraisal report.

Changes to the Handbook also include several other minor, but nevertheless meaningful, edits and clarifications to FHA appraisal requirements, including:

Under “Attic Observation Requirements,” a clarification was made regarding the appraiser’s obligation to “safely” access the attic. The language requiring a minimum “head and shoulders” access into the attic was deleted.

Under “Crawl Space Observation Requirements,” significant revisions were made, including removal of a bullet point list of MPR/MPS criteria for the crawl space. Also, language requiring a minimum “head and shoulders” access into the crawl space was deleted.

The changes outlined in the Handbook may be implemented immediately but must be implemented for FHA cases assigned on or after April 18, 2023.

To read more, click here

My comments: Many thanks to McKissock for telling us what we need to know. Includes a link to the “redline” version of 4000.1 so you can skip over most of it. Scroll down to “Updates, Revisions, Notifications” to get the redline versions.

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Revised FHA Handbook 4000.1 effective 9/14/15. Are you ready for the changes? Get the facts!!

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Top Ten Reasons Why It Is Great to be an Appraiser!

Top Ten Reasons Why It Is Great to be an Appraiser!

10. Dazzle your friends with your knowledge of external obsolescence.

9. The wonderful world of rats, bats, and spiders.

8. Be a part of the profession blamed for the collapse of the savings and loan industry.

7. See places in people’s houses that usually require a search warrant to access.

6. Arouse the suspicion of an entire neighborhood when inspecting comparable sales.

5. Chance to really irritate annoying real estate salespeople.

4. Walk around holding a clipboard just like “Skip” down at the Jiffy Lube.

3. Spend hours writing volumes of supporting documentation to justify the market value of a property you already decided on when you pulled into the driveway.

2. See that some people really do hang those black velveteen pictures of Elvis on their living room walls.

1. Be one of a handful of people who know that USPAP is not a medical term.

Many thanks to reader Joe Ibach, MAI, for this great list! He doesn’t know the source…seems like it is one of those email/send/resends now floating around the Internet!

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Practical Tips for Working With AMCs

Appraisers Share Their Best Tips for Working with AMCs

By McKissock

Excerpts: In a nutshell, our survey respondents recommended that you should:

1) do your research and get to know the AMCs,

2) build a relationship with them,

3) treat the relationship as a partnership, and

4) prioritize communication.

Build a relationship

“Be personable so they remember you.”

“Make yourself known by being efficient as well as timely with your reports. Be friendly—even when you feel like the UW’s question may be redundant or was already answered in the report. I promise you that this will make you known in your area.”

“Have a very responsive credo. Keep them up to date in every step of the report so that they can keep the Lender (and the Buyer/Seller/Realtor/Closing Attorneys when applicable) all in the loop on the progress of the report. Remember when they look good and trust you—you look good

Communicate, communicate, communicate!

“Update the orders quickly.”

“Keep them informed.”

“Over communicate!”

“Always communicate—even if it feels like too much. Our office updates AMCs on every scheduling attempt with details, every inspection appointment set and completion, and any materials needed ASAP in the assignment. They really appreciate it, and it ensures you can complete assignments on time as you had planned (no one likes waiting for a legal description only to have it show up on your day of 4 inspections!). It’s truly a win-win.”

“Stay in communication. Appraisers tend to get annoyed with constant emails from the AMC about inspection date, completion, report submission, etc. I make it a point to update them and answer their emails ASAP. In my opinion, that’s good business. And if you do need more time, more info, they are more willing to oblige.”

To read more, click here

My comments: Read this blog post with practical tips from practicing appraisers. It can help you get more business from AMCs (and other lender clients). Savvy appraisers I know who mostly do non-lender work also have a limited number of carefully vetted AMCs they work for, plus a few local lenders and “private” lenders.

Advertising Disclaimer: McKissock is one of my regular email advertisers. I keep my advertising clients and this newsletter’s content separate. But, McKissock’s blog posts are short, well written, and popular with readers, so I include them regularly.

LIA runs an informational ad at the top of each email newsletter. The ads regularly get the largest number of “hits,” indicating that readers like them. We all like free Liability advice!

Practical real estate appraisal writing tips for AMC questions

Reconsideration of value and Appraisers

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Appraisal Risk, Reviews, and Revisions

Appraisal Risk, Reviews, and Revisions

By Ken Dicks

Excerpts: This is part three of a three part series on appraisal review – Read parts one and two. I am often posed with the following question “How do you know when you are looking at a “good” appraisal?” The reality is there is no universal acceptance of a single method of measurement to differentiate “good” from “bad.” After many years of reading appraisal reports, my response is “One that leaves the reader with few unanswered questions, allows the data to tell the story, keeps appraiser interventions to a minimum and is able to present a case for what a property is worth, as well as what it is not worth.”

Today, while there still remains some stickiness to the QC revision process, a recent survey completed by The STRATMOR Group commissioned by appraisal management technology company Reggora, indicates 25% of appraisal reports require some form of revision. While that number may seem high to some, in the context of lending and property complexities, that is a 54% improvement in performance cited earlier in this article (from 35% 10 years ago). Is there room for more improvement? Of course, there is always room for process improvement, but on the face of it, some process improvements appear to be yielding results.

Consistent application of both quality control and quality assurance processes for appraisal review may also be in part a reason for improvement, as appraisers have a better understanding of what is needed by their client. Additionally, the tools available to both appraisers and appraisal reviewers have undergone iterative process changes and users have advanced further up the learning curve. Lastly, many lenders have progressed beyond the initial risk identification stage, or the “gotcha stage” to a holistic and strategic approach that accepts risk into their business objectives. Today lenders and stakeholders have the ability to gain risk insight beyond the initial transaction stage and utilize pattern and trend identification.

To read more, click here

My comments: Links to Part 1 and 2 are in the first line of the post. View from the AMC/Lender side. Good that reviews and reconsideration requests have gone down. Appraisers and AMCs spend less time and have fewer hassles.

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