Appraisals and Valuations

Judge dismisses Maryland appraisal discrimination case and defamation countersuit

A federal judge has dismissed the claims of both the plaintiffs and defendants in an appraisal discrimination lawsuit that garnered national attention when it was filed in 2022. Nathan Connolly and Shani Mott — Maryland homeowners who are Black — sued appraiser Shane Lanham, his company 20/20 Valuations and mortgage lender loanDepot for allegedly undervaluing […]

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PAVE task force 2.0? Senate Democrat introduces appraisal bias legislation

The Trump administration has “effectively disbanded” the interagency Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) task force, but a Democratic senator wants to revive it. Raphael Warnock of Georgia introduced the Appraisal Modernization Act on Thursday. The legislation seeks to address systemic bias in the appraisal process, effectively writing into law many of the measures the

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Trump administration ‘effectively disbands’ the PAVE task force

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it has ended the major policy provisions of the Biden-era Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) task force, “effectively disbanding” a program that sought to eliminate racial bias in the appraisal process. The directive primarily applies to two rules. One required appraisers and mortgage lenders to comply with the

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Atlas VMS acquires appraisal order management platform

Miami-based Atlas VMS on Wednesday announced the acquisition of appraisal order management platform AIM-Port. Atlas called the move a “significant step” in developing technology-driven solutions to better serve U.S. mortgage lenders and appraisal management companies (AMCs). “The acquisition of this platform is a key component of Atlas’s broader mission to bring smarter, high-touch solutions to

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Trump’s assault on DEI hasn’t ended federal efforts to stop appraisal bias

The appraisal industry shed no tears when the Trump administration sought to undo the Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) Interagency Taskforce, the federal effort to investigate racial bias in appraisals implemented by former President Joe Biden. But that doesn’t mean appraisers have seen the end of federal regulation and litigation around appraisals, or the

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Why it’s time to rethink the appraisal default in home equity lending 

With mortgage rates still hovering near multi-decade highs, homeowners are opting to hold onto their ultra-low first mortgages. Instead of refinancing, they’re tapping into their equity through home equity loans and HELOCs to finance renovations, cover tuition, or consolidate high-interest debt.  Lenders are stepping up with a broader menu of second-lien products to meet this

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Class Valuation unveils appraisal review tool

Class Valuation has launched a new appraisal review product designed to bring greater clarity and oversight to residential valuations. The new tool, Class Valuation Analysis (CVA), offers licensed appraiser-led reviews of existing appraisal reports by incorporating automated valuation model (AVM) technology. “In today’s market, uncertainty is expensive, and lenders can’t afford to second-guess their valuation

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The best of both worlds: EA Appraisal’s success through tech, personal touch, and innovative partnerships

As automation reshapes the appraisal industry, EA Appraisals stands out by prioritizing personal relationships to deliver first-class service on a first-name basis. In our conversation with President and founder, Will Eubanks, shares how the company blends modern technology with a people-first mindset, improving efficiency without losing the human touch. Drawing on his loan origination and

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Appraisal Institute fires executive accused of sexual misconduct

The Appraisal Institute (AI) executive facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct is no longer serving in his position. AI president Paula Konikoff announced on the trade group’s LinkedIn page Wednesday evening that Craig Steinley has been removed as AI’s vice president, stating that its board of directors “determined it was no longer tenable” for Steinley

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Appraisal Institute executive accused of harassment withdraws from public appearances

The Appraisal Institute (AI) executive who’s been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women has decided to keep a lower profile. AI Vice President Craig Steinley will cease making public appearances after an expośe by the New York Times detailed accusations against him of inappropriate comments and groping by current and former AI employees. The

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