Author Description

Real estate valuations, which encompass appraisals and other estimation methods, have come under increased scrutiny in the wake of the recent mortgage crisis. The Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act mandated this study of the various valuation methods and the options available for selecting appraisers, as well as the Home Valuation Code of Conduct, which established appraiser independence requirements for mortgages sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This report examined: (1) the use of different valuation methods; (2) factors affecting consumer costs for appraisals and appraisal disclosure requirements; and (3) conflict-of-interest and appraiser selection policies and views on their impact. A print on demand report.