Appraisers' Free Forum

I picked this up as a suggestion from Appraisal Scoop:

The lender/client has directed that the appraiser transmit the content of this report via AppraisalPort. Pursuant to its user agreement, FNC/AppraisalPort has disclaimed any warranty that AppraisalPort will be error free, has advised that information reported to and by AppraisalPort may be subject to transmission errors, and has indicated that use of AppraisalPort is at the user's sole risk. Accordingly, the lender/client should make its own determination as to the accuracy and reliability of AppraisalPort for its use. The appraiser makes no representations and specifically disclaims any warranty regarding the accuracy or portrayal of content transmitted via AppraisalPort or its reliability. The appraiser uses such technology at the specific direction and sole risk of the lender/client. At its request, the lender/client may obtain a true copy of the original report directly from the appraiser via email (PDF), mail or other means.

What say you?

I like it. I might start putting another note in there stating that my appraisal software is a la mode/wintotal and that if any other software manufacturer's logo is on the bottom of the report, then the file has been altered and it is not a true copy of the appraisal.

Steve Owen wrote:The appraiser makes no representations and specifically disclaims any warranty regarding the accuracy or portrayal of content transmitted via AppraisalPort or its reliability. The appraiser uses such technology at the specific direction and sole risk of the lender/client.

I'm no so sure that would get past your Board or a court of law since you're required to maintain a true copy of what was transmitted to the client - no matter what the transmission source.

I like it but I would take it to USPAP instructor and/or board member first.

I believe there is far less real risk in using App. Port and AI Ready for clients you can trust to a reasonable degree than to have a flawless, secure software and delivery system for clients that are a bunch of whores.

Senior Jefe wrote:I believe there is far less real risk in using App. Port and AI Ready for clients you can trust to a reasonable degree than to have a flawless, secure software and delivery system for clients that are a bunch of whores.

In other words, you should never use it for appraisals ordered by mortgage brokers, AMC's, or banks.

Steve Owen wrote:

Senior Jefe wrote:I believe there is far less real risk in using App. Port and AI Ready for clients you can trust to a reasonable degree than to have a flawless, secure software and delivery system for clients that are a bunch of whores.

In other words, you should never use it for appraisals ordered by mortgage brokers, AMC's, or banks.

I would never use it for mortgage brokers and certain AMCs. I've yet to hear of an REO or PMI report being altered for nefarious means. I'll never forget the time that an MB requested and suggested that I change a report years ago and wanted me to type "NO" for manufactured. I sensed that he was going to attempt to change it himself if I didn't. With an individual like that, what type of software is secure, plus why would I even want a business relationaship with him? Some appraisers seem to have strange desire to go head to head constantly with screwball MBs just to prove a point. My attitude is they no longer exist unless you answer the phone when they call.

Good attitude!

I'm still trying to determine if it is a sin to use AI Ready and Appraisalport. I wrote the Vatican, the president elect and Andrew Cuomo and didn't get an answer. I wrote the other forum and now I have to replace a window every day. I guess it's half a sin, only if you admit to using it.

While I abhor the fact that there are slimeball AMCs and lenders out there who will change our reports, my feeling is that as long as we have the original report that was transmitted in our files, we don't have much to worry about. After all, for $49.95 you can buy software that will unlock PDF files. So basically no method of transmission is 100% secure.

Am I missing something?

Annemieke Roell wrote:my feeling is that as long as we have the original report that was transmitted in our files, we don't have much to worry about.

I agree, and isn't that the reason we're required to keep a copy in the first place? The software vendors have profited enormously and unfairly by creating a state of fear. I believe the most fraudelent reports are the ones that were never altered.

I like the way you think Annemieke.

I don't disagree, Annemieke. However, as I understand it, part of the problem is that the ENV file gets rearranged in transmission... so, your copy is not the same as what the client got. I'm certainly not an expert in this, but that seems to be at least one of the points.

I believe you are correct Steve. I do not understand the inner-workings of conversion programs (the how, when and what stuff). I'm just a lonely simple appraiser with a strange sense of humor (and who likes to fish) who performs an appraisal, produces a detailed and honest report and sends it to the user. I have that puppy saved in original form in Alamode's Vault thingy, one hard drive and one disc thats kept in a little fireproof thingy. Naturally I print a hardcopy for my file. The way I see it those report are in my control.

At this point in my life and career and taking into consideration where the lending and appraisal profession is headed, I really couldn't give a poot what they do with it after I send it to them. I kinda look at like I did with guys jacking up their pickup trucks with big wheels and lift-kits. I had a buddy (now my brother-in-law) who had a perfectly good working IH Scout (his dad was a IH dealer). He took it and modified it so he could put the big wheels under it, loud exhaust and even had a Budwieser tap handle on the 4X4 shifter. Not long after doing all that he couldn't understand why the gas consumption increased, motor problems began and eventually flipping it on a simple curve in the road. My reply was "because you modified it dumbass". This was probably not a very good analogy but it brought back some pretty funny memories anyway.

Honestly though I'm not sure where this conversion issue falls on the priority list of saving the appraisal profession. The last sentence of Senior Jefe's last post caught my eye. I still have a bone stuck in my thoat over the abuse of trainees, number-hitting and the get em' in, get em' out attitude of the first half of this decade.

Steve Owen wrote:I don't disagree, Annemieke. However, as I understand it, part of the problem is that the ENV file gets rearranged in transmission... so, your copy is not the same as what the client got. I'm certainly not an expert in this, but that seems to be at least one of the points.

I understand what you are saying, Steve. But if my report gets re-arranged etc AFTER I submit it, it is no longer in my hands and I can't worry about it.

Friend of mine was turned into state (Ohio is on witch hunt at present) last April but an irate realtor. It took the investigator until mid November to clear the matter of no wrong doings. There may have been some inexperience on the part of the investigator but the Lighthouse produced appraisal did not come close to matching the appraisal in his file.

The whole thing was just a value complaint but sure took some fun out of his life this year!

I have to agree Steve, it is like putting in the extra comp so you do not have to discuss anything with the underwriter.