This is part of a continuing effort to advocate appraisers' interests before HUD to make the new appraisal requirements fair and workable. We expect further correspondence, phone calls and meetings in the weeks ahead. We urge you to read, print and distribute the letter to colleagues. Only by working together can appraisers protect their interests. HOCs are providing appraisers with differing advice.
Uniformity is essential.
Changes to Handbook need to be prominently announced and posted with ample time for incorporation into appraisal practice. Enormous confusion among lenders, appraisers, etc concerning new requirements. Need for much more industry education and communication. Fees are being improperly influenced by statements by HUD employees and lenders. Marketplace is supposed to determine fees, not HUD and lenders should be reminded of antitrust laws.