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DOJ sues Rocket, appraisal companies over alleged discrimination

Housing Wire

Another regulator has sued Rocket Mortgage for allegedly discriminating against a Black homeowner by undervaluing her home during an appraisal in Colorado three years ago. The document states that the plaintiffs undervalued a homeowner’s property based on her race in an appraisal made in 2021 in Denver.

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Erik Morin reflects on his return to the reverse mortgage appraisal space

Housing Wire

Last April, Erik Morin made a return to the reverse mortgage valuation space by joining appraisal and valuation company Atlas VMS. Morin founded Landmark Network in 2007, a company that quickly became a key player on the valuation side of the reverse mortgage space before being acquired by Class Valuation in 2018.

Appraisal 448
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Fannie Mae extends relaxed appraisal, lending standards

Housing Wire

Mortgage giant Fannie Mae extended its relaxed lending and appraisal standards put in place due to COVID-19 into the new year. The flexibilities surrounding verbal verification of employment and appraisals were originally set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020, however Fannie Mae is now pushing that back to at least Jan. 31, 2021. “We

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Lenders see appraisal modernization as a top priority

Housing Wire

A Fannie Mae survey published in mid-May found that mortgage lenders see value in appraisal modernization, specifically in the implementation of non-traditional appraisals and inspection-based appraisal waivers. One mid-sized lender echoed the opinion of others that appraisals still take too long.

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VA hikes appraisal fees, turn-times in select markets

Housing Wire

The Department of Veterans Affairs will raise appraisal fees and lengthen allowable turnaround times in select markets across the country in response to high demand for appraisals. The VA designated markets as high-demand based on increased demand for appraisal services and a shortage of appraisers.

Appraisal 482
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Lenders mandated to use FHA Catalyst for appraisals

Housing Wire

Starting March 14, 2022, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will require all lenders to use FHA Catalyst for appraisals. The module can also accept appraisals for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), the administration announced last week. Now the administration is mandating the use of the platform starting next year.

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Rocket Mortgage wins $10 million dismissal in 2012 lawsuit

Housing Wire

A group of 2,769 West Virginian borrowers claimed in the lawsuit, which was originally filed on July 23, 2012, that Rocket Mortgage (known then as Quicken Loans ) and its insurance arm, Amrock (formerly Title Source ), were unfairly influencing home appraisal values. Rocket Mortgage has faced other legal activity over the last year.

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