The past few years have seen significant developments in real estate appraisals and evaluation rules and regulations. Revised Interagency Guidelines, new rules under Reg Z, additional requirements finalized due to Dodd-Frank, and changed thresholds and proposed some additional exceptions from the requirements. We're also awaiting new rules on Automated Valuation Models, or AVMs. We're also hearing quite a bit lately on racial bias in appraisals, and this promises to be a hot topic for some time to come.

Because breakdowns in appraisal practices have been partly blamed for the mortgage crisis more than ten year ago, regulators raised their expectations; lenders' appraisal and evaluation programs must include more elements than ever before. Some themes now emphasized by the agencies are independence of the appraiser, and evaluator, reviews, and qualifications. There are also restrictions against using AVMs (automated valuation models), BPOs (broker price opinions), and tax valuations that have upset many in the industry.

Do you know the requirements? We'll provide in-depth details of the appraisal and valuation process, from both the lender and appraiser side of the game, to provide a thorough understanding of what is required and what you need.