TVFCU Appraisal Bias and Discrimination Policy
Purpose
At TVFCU, we are committed to providing our members with access to fair and equal lending opportunities. We are aware that there is the potential for appraisal bias and discrimination in every loan we make for our members.  TVFCU will adhere to all applicable local, state and federal laws, including but not limited to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which prohibit discrimination in lending and appraisal practices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, or any other protected characteristic. This policy outlines our commitment to eliminating bias and discrimination in property appraisals.  TVFCU will not solely rely on their Appraisal Management Companies Policy on Bias and Appraisal Discrimination.
Prohibited Practices
TVFCU will not discriminate against any member on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, or any other protected characteristic in any aspect of the property appraisal process.
TVFCU will utilize the services of an Appraisal Management Company (AMC) to remain compliant with local, state and federal regulations, and in an effort to prevent steering of borrowers to specific appraisers based on personal bias or discriminatory preference.
Member Education
We are committed to educating our members, helping them understand their rights under fair lending laws and encouraging them to report any concerns related to appraisal bias or discrimination.
Employee Education
We are committed to educating all real estate department employees annually on Appraisal Bias and Discrimination.  Training will be conducted by the management team and will cover varying aspects of the fair lending laws, including but not limited to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), the Fair Housing Act, as well as the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA).
Reporting Concerns
If a member believes they have experienced appraisal bias or discrimination, they are encouraged to report their concerns to any team member within the real estate department at TVFCU.  TVFCU will handle all member concerns and complaints related to appraisal bias and discrimination with the utmost confidentiality to protect the member's privacy.
Member Responsibilities
Members play a vital role in ensuring fair lending practices and the elimination of appraisal bias and discrimination. Members are expected to provide accurate and complete information during the loan application and appraisal process.  Members should immediately report any concerns or suspicions of appraisal bias or discrimination promptly to TVFCU.

Appraisal Review
TVFCU will seek to engage with an Appraisal Management Company that is transparent and willing to provide their Appraisal Bias and Discrimination Policy, along with their Quality Control (QC) policies and procedures for both Fair Housing and Appraisal Bias and Discrimination.  TVFCU will not rely solely on the AMC’s policies and procedures, nor their QC review.  TVFCU will conduct internal appraisal reviews as set forth in the established quality control procedures.
Complaint Resolution Process
When a member reports concerns related to appraisal bias or discrimination, TVFCU will conduct a thorough investigation. This process may include reviewing the appraisal report, consulting with our Appraisal Management Company (AMC), independent appraisers, and taking appropriate corrective actions.
Non-Retaliation
TVFCU will not tolerate any retaliation against members who report concerns or participate in an investigation related to appraisal bias or discrimination. Any act of retaliation will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, in conjunction with receipt of TVFCU’s engaged AMC’s appraisal bias and discrimination policy, to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and to assess its effectiveness in promoting fair lending practices.