Claims Against Appraisers, the FBI and NAR Conference

It's early Wednesday morning, and I'm clearing up a few things in preparation for a flight across the country to attend the 2009 REALTORS Conference and Expo in San Diego. There was a last minute appraisal inspection today, along with an attempt to put one last assignment out the door. Efforts to clear my desk have kept me from posting, although I did update the H.R. 3044 page with the increased number of cosponsors.

Before heading out, though, I wanted to post links to two interesting posts on the Appraiser Legal Defense and Insurance Blog.

The first, Claims Against Residential Appraisers in 2009, describes the some of the major trends and issues seen in 2009:

1. Overvaluation Claims by Borrowers
2. Undervaluation Claims by Borrowers and Sellers
3. FDIC Claims
4. Claims Involving Trainees and Independent Contractors

There are some interesting observations and some good advice. It's worth a read.

The second post, The FBI is on the Phone for You, is must read. Given the heightened interest in mortgage and valuation related fraud, and the stepped up enforcement efforts of the FBI and other investigative agencies, it's nice to see some advice about what should the good appraiser do when the FBI or any law enforcement officer calls. Appraisal Scoop posted the same story a couple of days ago.

Friday afternoon (Friday the 13th and I'm superstitious), I will be attending the meeting of the NAR Appraisal Committee. Here's what the agenda looks like:

I. Call to Order and Introductions – Penny Triplett

II. Approval of Minutes from Last Meeting – Penny Triplett

III. ReportsAppraisal Foundation Trustee Report – Joe Traynor

NAR Representation on Appraisal Foundation Boards - Penny Triplett

The Appraisal Foundation Advisory Council (TAFAC) – Vic KnightIV.

New Business

A. Tentative: FHFA & Freddie Mac Speaker & FHA Speaker – Thomas Strickland

B. Legislative/Regulatory - Jerry Nagy

1. HVCC

2. HR 1728

3. HR 2336

4. Consumer Protection Finance Agency

5. FHA Appraisal Rules

C. Report of Broker Price Opinions Work Group – Penny Triplett

V. Other Business

A. Update on Appraisal Education Workgroup – Penny Triplett

B. Breaking out Appraiser fees on HUD-1 – Thomas Strickland

C. Next Meeting: NAR MIDYEAR MEETINGS - Washington, DC

VI. Final Comments and Adjournment

Immediately following the meeting the NAR Appraisal Committee will celebrate the anniversary of the RAA/GAA designations.

It's likely there will some discussion of this, as well. It was a surprise to everyone.

More, when I return next week.

About Gregoire & Gregoire Inc.

Gregoire & Gregoire, Inc. was incorporated in 1986 by Donald K. Gregoire, IFA and Francois K. Gregoire IFA RAA. The Company provides valuation, expert witness, tax appeal and consulting services for a wide variety of local and national clients. Clients include Banks, Mortgage Companies, Mortgage Insurers, Property Insurers, Realtors, Attorneys, Private Individuals and Government Agencies.

Francois K. Gregoire, IFA, RAA is a second generation Realtor and Appraiser. He has been involved in Real Estate Appraisal since 1977, is a member of the National Association of REALTORS Appraisal Section and a Designated (IFA) Member of the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers. In addition to providing Expert Witness services for private and government clients, Frank is often quoted as a source for nationally syndicated real estate columnists and appears as a speaker on appraisal and mortgage related topics. Articles by Francois Gregoire have been published in the REALTOR® Magazine and the Journal of Property Economics. Francois K. Gregoire is a FHA Roster Appraiser and has over twenty years of experience in the development of appraisals for FHA Mortgage Insurance. He completed the first Master Appraisal for a proposed multi-story HUD Approved Condominium in Florida in 1990

In February, 2000 Governor Jeb Bush appointed Francois K. Gregoire to the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board, the regulatory agency for Florida Real Estate Appraisers. The Governor appointed him to a second term in March, 2004. Gregoire served as Chairman of the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007 and Vice Chairman in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

Gregoire & Gregoire, Inc. is ready and able to help you with your appraisal and valuation needs for Pinellas County, Florida residential properties.

Gregoire & Gregoire, Inc.

Realtor - Appraiser

Office 727-344-3393

Fax 727-344-3395

EMAIL