Here’s a communique we received yesterday from a national lender (who took TARP money). The focus of this dialogue is only on the customer, and not assessment tools to measure risk – aka the appraisal. Of course, if we complied with this request, it would be a direct violation of appraisal licensing law.

Good grief.

From: [redacted] Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 11:38 AM
To: Orders
Subject: RE: Need unti Analysis letter

Hi ,
I need a reply back asap please by today…Our underwriter is ONLY need ing a rough estimate on how much is the specific unit is worth. Appraiser’s opinion will be acceptable on the given subject’s size and location on you company letter head for the property located at [redacted]. We are trying to save our client extra fees on any and everything so if you can let me know how much will be your fee ,the cheapest as possible pls..Let me know if this request is possible. i was told that it maybe No Fee involve at all. Please let me know asap.

Thank You,[redacted]

Remember this is from a LARGE national lender in serious financial distress. We do work for them occasionally, but they rely nearly exclusively on appraisal management companies.

As I have said before – not much has changed with the interaction between appraisers and lenders.

Sad, really.

Important: Fixing this situation is as easy as this.


4 Comments

  1. Edd Gillespie June 17, 2009 at 12:44 am

    The solution, as you observe, is obvious and I trust you used it. But, I’d bet you a CDO they get a licensed or maybe even a certified appraiser (designated ?) to do exactly what they ask.

  2. Jonathan J. Miller June 17, 2009 at 8:03 am

    Absolutely Edd. They only need to find one to get the job done. Hey that rhymes?

  3. Michael Tipton June 17, 2009 at 11:37 am

    How many appraisers are aware that a financial institution could use a value statement as requested for a low ltv mortgage request? Any value estimate by an appraiser is an appraisal and must meet USPAP requirements. Fast and cheap rules once again (remember the ads from the past-loan decisions within xx hours).

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