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: (March 04, 2010 8:01pm)

To be more accurate, I should say that as our owners...oops, again I mean bankers they hold nearly $800 billion in US treasuries and around $2 trillion in US dollar reserves of which they could unload at any time they decided to teach us a lesson for complaining too much. Our government would probaby make us eat the drywall if it would keep China happy right now. :(

: (March 04, 2010 7:53pm)

We owe the Chinese government nearly $2 trillion because we can't control ourselves. Do you really think we are in a position to demand anything of our owners...er um I mean bankers?

: (March 03, 2010 6:48pm)

Newsflash morons! Representatives take care of their constituents concerns. You guys aren't exactly the sharpest tools in the shed. So you didn't really look into exactly WHY shark bites are down. You just assumed that because it wasn't Faux News Network, it isn't true. You then go on to pull a play right out of Faux News 'journalism' playbook and 'speculate' on what the real cause is in order to discredit a news source that doesn't fit your narrow worldview. Really? Great job Einsteins! One would think that after totally discrediting yourselves with the FDIC/OneWest video that you'd try to avoid the Faux News style of 'reporting' and try to stick to reality a bit more. But I guess there are plenty of gullible ignorant Realtors whose greed and self-interest will cause them to swallow your pre-digested pablum. Anyone who has taken a Logic 101 class can see right through your thinly veiled political agenda. I'm sure Faux News appreciates the help.

: (March 02, 2010 8:30pm)

ILL Appraiser-Check out appraiserswatercooler.com. That is where you will probably find the greatest number of appraisers on a discussion board.

: (March 02, 2010 8:11pm)

hi deedle you can get spell check if you use firefox.

: (March 02, 2010 5:53pm)

A coalition can refer to a group of citizens uniting behind a common goal. Many of these are grassroots organizations. It can also be collaborative, means-oriented arrangement, especially a temporary one, that allows distinct people or organizational entities to pool resources and combine efforts in order to effect change. The combination of such persons or entities into one body, variously organized and structured. Although persons and groups form coalitions for many and varied reasons, the most common purpose is to combat a common threat or to take advantage of a certain opportunity; hence, the often-temporary nature of coalitions. The common threat or existence of opportunity is what gives rise to the coalition and allows it to exist. Such collaborative processes can gain political influence and potentially initiate social movements.

: (March 02, 2010 5:48pm)

Deedie-when I was really "independent" I had a disclaimer similar to that,but the investor/underwriter phoned & required THAT to be eliminated from the appraisal.I asked them to please write to me with those instructions and I will be happy to oblige as that shifts the responsibility onto the investor due to explicit instructions.I didnt get any letter,but I also didnt get any mnore work from that investor as I got blackballed by them.nice huh? I still have my exclusion in my reports.The investor is now insolvent.go figure.The only thing is that you have to protect yourself as no one is going to bat for you as ALL u/writer/investors need someone to blame when things go south,and the blame usually gets laid at the appraisers door.good night all,have to get some food and shut eye.

: (March 02, 2010 5:46pm)

VONSKY: The presentation of those numbers are great. Anybody know how to verify the number of mortgage transactions in a state for a qurter/year? No offense but appraisers tend to fib about how BIG their number is. The number of appraisals performed needs to be backed up by something other than anecdotal information. These numbers VONSKY was running half way back in the discussion would be fantastic to include in press releases around the country.

: (March 02, 2010 5:32pm)

I think its pretty clear now that there are options for appraisers. 1.)You can join the Appraisal Guild $150 Ann. Dues with the backing of the AFL/CIO (on most issues). I'm not positive but I believe they have active chapters in all of the states?..........2.) You can join the existing Appraisal Coalitions or Associations that now exist or are being formed at the state level,in Cali its the CCAP California Coalition of Appraisal Professionas for $100 ann. dues. .........3.) If you want the biggest potential number of members and a top notch representative / advocate on Capitol Hill (Marc Savitt), join the National Association of Independent Housing Professionals (NAIHP.org) for the extemely reasonable $50.00 annual dues. As the name states you will be sharing the agenda with your individual (no company memberships) brothers & sisters in the related industries. The point is....stop waiting for the lord JC or Mohammed or Buddah to ride down on sun beams and say Follow Me! Get Moving!

: (March 02, 2010 4:54pm)

Funny but true commentary: "The non-recovery seems to be gathering momentum. Almost every day we receive fresh evidence of economic non-growth and non-vitality. It's true; the economy does manage to get out of bed every morning. Some folks applaud this fact and declare, "Aha! A recovery!" Other folks, like your California editor, observe that the economy usually crawls right back into bed after brushing its teeth. Your editor sees no recovery. He sees a coach potato with a very bright smile. He sees an economy that still lacks essential qualities like jobs, corporate revenue growth and credit."

: (March 02, 2010 4:52pm)

UpgradeForNothing: YOU GOT SCREWED: WHAT IS YOUR EMAIL, HAVE YOU HAD ANY CLAIMS? I GUESS IT IS OKAY TO PAY 1,000+ FOR SOFTWARE, 500.00 + FOR E & O, 500. 00+ FOR MLS GIVE HALF O! NEVER MIND I GUST GOT SO MAD I THINK I FINALLY REALIZED WHEN TO S. T . F . UP, HOPEFULLY

: (March 02, 2010 4:37pm)

LETS GO FISHING. I KNOW MANY OF YOU THINK THAT IT IS NOT IMPORTANT BUT I LIVE IN COCOA BEACH. THE CLOSURE OF NASA & KENNEDY SPACE PROGRAMS, HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT (UP TO 25,000+ JOBS TO BE LOST AND THAT IS BEING CONSERVATIVE). MASSIVE JOB LOSSES9OVER 12%), FORE-CLOSURES ARE COMPELLING. AT LEAST THE FISHERMEN/WOMEN GOT OFF THEIR ASSES AND SPOKE OUT. MAYBE BARNEY IS LOOKING FOR A FISHING TRIP TO FLORIDA. HE WILL FIND THE BAIT & TACKLE SHOPS EITHER CLOSED OR OFFERING A CANE POLE AND WORMS (BETTER BRING HIS OWN BUDWEISER/GERBILS AND ICE CAUSE THEY'LL BE CLOSED TOO). THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME YOU (NOT A TAX BUT A FEE) HAVE TO HAVE A FISHING LICENSE TO FISH FROM LAND. I AM OVER IT. CHECK TO SEE WHEN YOUR APPRAISAL BOARD IS MEETING THIS MONTH, CONVERGE ON THEM AND ASK THEM WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR US, STATE BY STATE? WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO WHEN WE JUST DO OUR CE AND PUT OUR LICENSES ON INACTIVE STATUS AND WITH THE LOSS OF REVENUE FOR THE RENEWAL FEES ????????? I WOULD LOVE TO BE HIS FIRST MATE "CHUM"

: (March 02, 2010 4:34pm)

Just want to let you guys ROCK.......

: (March 02, 2010 4:15pm)

General Star for $500,000 per claim. Was $835 plus $60 for handling for just me. It went up $200 this year cause there less appraisers and more law suits.

: (March 02, 2010 4:13pm)

Can we get SPELL CHECK ON THIS SITE?

: (March 02, 2010 4:12pm)

UpgradeForNothing: What insurance company do you have? Are you covering more peiple other than yourself?

: (March 02, 2010 4:09pm)

joecolorado: LIGHTHOUSE APPRAISAL GROUP, INC. NOTICE OF DISCLAIMER The discovery of latent conditions is beyond the scope of this appraisal. Detection of latent conditions requires the expertise of qualified persons such as architects and engineers. Latent conditions include, but are not limited to, among other things, non-apparent structural conditions; presence of prohibited hazardous wastes; presence of radon gas, methane gas, asbestos, lead, petroleum products, and other air, soil, or water contaminants; and many other conditions too numerous to mention which may affect the value of the property being appraised. The appraiser conducting this appraisal is not qualified to detect latent conditions and has conducted this appraisal upon the assumption that no latent conditions (including, but not limited to, those mentioned above and others) exist on the property covered by this appraisal. Other conditions may exist which are beyond the scope of this appraisal. The detection of other conditions requires the expertise of qualified persons such as, but not limited to, electricians, plumbers, surveyors, roofers, carpenters, architects, engineers, and home i

: (March 02, 2010 4:06pm)

Stingray, thanks for the reply. I spent a lot of money upgrading for an extra 5 months of FHA's. This system sucks. This week I started sending out resumes for a graphic arts job. Can't make a dime doing appraisals. E&O was $900 this year and so far made $1,500. What the Fulk is happening? Where is our state offices? They report a fast decline in license renewels. It took 2 years to lose over 20% of appraisers in California and is picking up steam due to HVCC. Coumo has to be called out on this. He's been hiding to much.

: (March 02, 2010 4:06pm)

http://www.housingwatch.com/2010/02/26/it-wasnt-a-mortgage-recession-after-all-so-why-dont-we-feel-b/?sms_ss=email. I think Susan sent this in, been scrubbing toilets again

: (March 02, 2010 3:12pm)

Let me rephrase. Brian and Frank - Can you do a call to action on this site? Say, a call to action for all mortgage professionals to do something on a given day.

: (March 02, 2010 3:06pm)

Brian/Frank - Is there any way to know how many appraisers log into your report everyday? We need a national something soon. These posts tell the story. Appraisers are getting out, being forced out, in droves, losing their homes, filing BK's, we really need action soon, not in 1 year like the appraisal organizations are taking. I know it takes time to fight city hall but we need to do something soon and on a national level with as many appraisers as we possibly can. Is TBWS a place where the greater number of appraiser go?

: (March 02, 2010 2:43pm)

Stingray, These things take time, but I can tell you that at a state level we have pushed our appraisal board into a meeting with the Real Estate Commission regarding BPO's. This push started in April of 2009 and the meeting is scheduled for April 20th 2010. (1 Year) We started meeting with our Legislators regarding AMC regulation in February 2010....I expect this to be settled by mid 2011 (1 year+). HVCC is being handled at a national level and there has been some contact and potential movement in the near future....more to come on that as soon as it breaks. I will tell you that most of the effort is at my level and a state coalition would have similar effect. But, The Guild offers the backing of an organization with 10 million members...sometimes that's what it takes to be heard. All in all, it's a tough road and a lot of work. We need more people in each state to take the lead.

: (March 02, 2010 2:36pm)

to So Cal Broker: you're on crack. It's people with your thinking that are destroying this country. The worker doesn't need to earn less, the big corporate but wipes do. And it's the builders who force the 'subs' to use cheaper materials because they will only hire the cheapest instead of subs who take pride in their work. Its the exact opposite of your thinking that will fix the economy. If we stop buying, or hiring, from 'overseas' with the intent of "saving money" more products will have to be made in America which will create more jobs, which will create more spending and the corporations will still get rich but not as rich as importing or using illegal workers. Greed of the big corporations needs to be stopped.

: (March 02, 2010 2:30pm)

Right on 5Pence! It's below the radar. We need to bring it to the spotlight. Upgrade - no FHA's since the 15th - that means no orders at all for me as I don't do AMC work. Now you all know why I've had so much time to write today!

: (March 02, 2010 2:29pm)

Those babes are hot but I like the 2 boys.

: (March 02, 2010 2:21pm)

In regards to letting people know about HVCC people on this forum need to go to other sites like Dateline NBC, Fox shows like Hannity and O Reilly and 60 minutes. FLOOD THEM WITH HVCC story!!!

: (March 02, 2010 2:20pm)

I was approved Tier II last year - my CPA did my audited financials - now we are trying to do our annual and they are asking for audited financial done to government standards which is different from GAP - my CPA does not have that credential - so how did they accept my audited financials in the first place - I just paid $3K - for my audit - is this really not usable?

: (March 02, 2010 2:13pm)

California Jim: you are WAY off base about builders. None of them "build" houses any longer, they manage the sites and sub everything out. The subs/trade partners bid on jobs and win the contracts based on bottom line. The builders pay a FORTUNE to local municipalities in permit fees and are required to pay for infrastucture, new schools, etc. or they don't get the permits. The cost of new homes would be even higher if the trades didn't purchase imported items like drywall and cement (yes, cement). Have you been to Home Depot lately? When is the last time you saw a faucet or a light fixture made in USA? The real money is made in upgrades from the design center, but NOT building the house itself. If the cost of USA goods/labor would come down, we could all afford to purchase items made here. If not, we're all stuck buying goods made overseas and using call centers in India!

: (March 02, 2010 2:08pm)

SO whats the deal with HR 4173? Are they going after YSP only or SRP as well? I read the Consumer Financial Protection part and it sounded like ALL indirect compensation could be prohibited unless its for buying down closing costs. I say go after SRP and make the bankers hold back %5 in the game if they want to "securitize" Also, 16 states are passing laws banning pulling credit reports for a job so will that apply to the SAFE Act as well?

: (March 02, 2010 2:08pm)

I used to get FHA orders before Feb. 15th. I haven't had an order since. Has any one receive an FHA order from an AMC and if so, what was your fee?

: (March 02, 2010 2:06pm)

You're not being ignored sus - I was trying to find ways to get appraisers e-mail addresses. It would be a good idea to have at least a list of your own states appraisers on hand, just in case a call to action needs to be sent out - (I know, wishful thinking that a call to action will get anybody out of their comfy office lol). Still....

: (March 02, 2010 1:36pm)

You want to stop this HVCC mess? Get to the source of it. Raise questions about their character and the illegality of the HVCC. The reason nothing is being done about it is because it's all happening just below the sight of regulators and prosecutors and consumer rights activists. Get all this ugly business out in the open and let the public decide. The strength of the HVCC is that it's not held up to public scrutiny as to whether it harms the consumer or not. It needs to come out of the covers and out of the shadows that it depends on to exist.

: (March 02, 2010 1:35pm)

You want to stop this HVCC mess? Get to the source of it. Raise questions about their character and the illegality of the HVCC. The reason nothing is being done about it is because it's all happening just below the sight of regulators and prosecutors and consumer rights activists. Get all this ugly business out in the open and let the public decide. The strength of the HVCC is that it's not held up to public scrutiny as to whether it harms the consumer of not. It needs to come out of the covers and out of the shadows that it depends on to exist.

: (March 02, 2010 1:32pm)

20/20 facebook - Keep your comments PROFESSIONAL..if we want to be taken seriously. Also...lets start discussions on all the major network sites....fox,cnn, abc,nbc,cbs...... We need e/mail list for appraisers & brokers... Can we Organize ourselves by State & County to do a National Rally for April 1st? Our local MLS may have the best avenue for e/mail Campaign.... Orea...no e/mail on their published list...same for FHA.... We need Same Message Banners.....across the country.... Are appraisers just bloggers or are they willing to Stand up and Fight & work together with brokers, borrowers & re agents??? Anyone interested??? e/mail [email protected]

: (March 02, 2010 1:09pm)

EZradams, that is a small price to pay for representation. My question would be, what benefit has your group been able to provide to appraisers? The bottom line is no advocate for appraisers has been able to stop this HVCC mess. While guilds such as yours are probably able to do many things that benefit your members, they're still in the same boat as the rest of us. That's really my point - we need something stronger than any guild or union can provide at this point.

: (March 02, 2010 1:09pm)

I agree with opinionsRus: Asian Trvaler and California Jim - thanks for bringing reason to this conversation. It wasn't an intentional harm done, it was greed by the unscrupulous.

: (March 02, 2010 1:06pm)

Was this total sarcasm about Buffett and buying when everything is selling instead of following the trend? Just need a straight answer.

: (March 02, 2010 1:02pm)

I agree with California Jim about the contractors. Whether or not they new it was toxic doesn't matter - they shouldn't be importing.

: (March 02, 2010 1:00pm)

Amen A Appraiser! Time to be proactive everyone - nothing is free! $50-$100 per year breaks down to a maximum of $.27 per day to get some advocacy! Whatever you may think, there costs to start a non-profit organization and hats off to those doing something to change this mess!

: (March 02, 2010 12:56pm)

A Appraiser - what do you guys have planned for a campaign in NY? I love some action

: (March 02, 2010 12:53pm)

Why can't we hit them with HVCC & SAFE act at the same time. We need to stick together and help each other out. I don't like the fact that the government can authorize to pull my credit at their discretion and potentionally stop me from doing business if I have late payments. It didn't stop our congressmen from getting into office and they are controlling trillions of $$$?

: (March 02, 2010 12:51pm)

China drywall is all a result of greedy developers and contrators. Most of the housing contractors in Florida, Georgia, and throughout the South are cutthroat, hire tons of illegals, avoid all labor and safety standards, and buy the cheapest sh*t they can get away with. They knew China drywall was garbage, but they didn't care because they knew they were never going to live in one of the crappy places they built and deceptively called it a "home"!

: (March 02, 2010 12:46pm)

Asia Trvler: That makes sense. I agree, people get lazy and there's criminals in every society. It seems now the scales are tipped 51 to 49 in favor of the criminals. Appraising I did one house where the guy nailed oak veneer strips to his vinyl floors and tried to convince me they were hardwood floors throughout. Nails everywhere and some sticking out of the floor (I tripped on a nail), and there were some loose veneer plank strips LOL!! Another guy tried to tell me he was on a concrete foundation. He added concrete to the paint for the wood skirting. Good times lol. **Ezra, good post !

: (March 02, 2010 12:34pm)

National Association of Independant Housing Professionals, is starting a nation wide campain to raise public awareness campain of HVCC. This campain begins tomorrow. The starting place for this campain will be NY. Thats right Cuomos front door. You can check-out NAIHP at www.naihp.org. It's $50. per year to join. They need members!! Whats $50. to get our industry back. The associations that have formed please don't see this as a threat instead embrace it!! We are all for the same cause. The only way we are going to anything done is to support each other.

: (March 02, 2010 12:29pm)

5pence, what I am saying is the importers are being lazy are their job. You are an appraiser, when you go out to a house, you can tell if someone is trying to pull one over on you on their home. You also know there have been some appraisers that would fall for some tricks. Same with importers. If the importer is truly doing their job there would products would not be at risk for problems. US businesses pay my company to inspect prodcuts at the factory at time of shipping to make sure products are of the quality they specified. yes, this costs money, but in the end it is a quality product. Cut corners or source a product that is "cheaper" then of you are asking for problems! In my eyes the importer is 100% at fault! You need to know who you are doing business with! Most US business never visit a factory so how can they ever know? There are criminals in every society. We educate our public to be aware, so should our importers! I call it how I see it. China shuts down these factories!

: (March 02, 2010 12:28pm)

I love the dancing. You know you're not on Barry Habib's website when you're laughing you head off over the same sorry news...

: (March 02, 2010 12:27pm)

As the NJ Chapter President of the Appraisal Guild I need to set a few things straight about all this union talk. First of all the fee to become a guild member is only $150.00/yr. (Not too bad.) None of the officers in the guild make a dime for our work. We get representation from an organization with 10 million members......this allows us access to high places. There is no downside at all. Appraisers are never forced to do anything they don't wish to do. We keep our independence and get a united voice at a very low cost.

: (March 02, 2010 12:22pm)

=====CAUTION REAL ESTATE AGENTS===== I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MY B OF A LOAN CENTER MANAGER THAT B OF A IS STILL HOLDING TO THE 90 DAY ANTI FLIPPING RULE REGARDLESS OF WHAT FHA IS DOING. BETTER CHECK IT OUT WITH YOUR LOCAL BRANCH BEFORE ACCEPTING AN FHA OFFER ON AN INVESTOR FLIP PROPERTY.

: (March 02, 2010 12:10pm)

Asia Travler : Good post, but are you saying that buyers are asking for arsenic laced drywall and cadmium toys with lead paint for kids? I don't know how it works but that really doesn't make any sense. Are some here trying to run scams by buying products with inferior materials and hoping they can get away with it and pocket tons of cash and/or possibly lose everything? I was thinking of getting into import/export since appraising has been dead.

: (March 02, 2010 11:47am)

Having CPA die a graceful death would be a benefit as would dialing back CRA and placing constraints on FNMA GNMA etc. Voting out Frank, Dodd and Shummer would also be good progress, otherwise we'll wind up doing this all again in another 10 - 12 years...no one remember the mid 80's or the early 90's??

: (March 02, 2010 11:40am)

I have read all the posts on the China scenario and can honestly say learn what you are talking about before you talk!! I own an international trading company and have been doing this business for many years. First lived to China in 1996 and lived there off and on for a total of 5 years. Now live in US and managed my business from here. We work with US companies to monitor quality of products. Drywall is not a good product to import from China. You need to import 10 40’ containers of US grade drywall to make enough profit to make it worth your while. However, if you skip on the quality you can bring in less for your profit. The problem is not the manufacturers or China. The manufacturers make products based on the buyers exact specifications. You should be blaming the importer (the American company) that focused more on their profit margin and not the quality of the product. IMPORTERS ARE OUR PROBLEM! I also do mortgages as needed for community bank for Asian community.

: (March 02, 2010 11:40am)

Frank and Brian What is the email for Barney Frank I want to let him know what is happing to us good appraisers maybe we can flood him with emails

: (March 02, 2010 11:34am)

FYI - the FHLBanks grant is only on a Bank to Bank basis. They do not grant to Mortgage Companies or Brokers. They will only issue a grant to a Major Bank who is originating the loan themself.

: (March 02, 2010 11:31am)

5Pence, I know, guilds are not unions, but are similar in that they both require membership. What I'm talking about is "umbrella" protection that does not require any association. As long as you're an American, you're covered by the U.S. Bill of Rights. Similarly, as long as you're a licensed appraiser, you would be covered by an appraiser's "Bill of Rights". To answer your other question, USPAP, whether state law or not, all appraisers have to abide unless state or fedral law supercede's. I use USPAP as an example because it's not an option for appraisers - they have to abide. An appraisers bill of rights would be similar - it would be automatic - no associations or collective bargaining required. All financial institutions would be forced to adhere.

: (March 02, 2010 11:13am)

Update: The Consumer Financial Protection Agency continues to be a moving target for opponents of financial reform. The latest cave in compromise proposal being floated by Senate Banking chairman Chris Dodd now has the agency being housed within the Federal Reserve. An earlier "compromise" would have placed it in the Treasury Department. The end result is the same: a toothless regulator lacking the authority to enforce the consumer protection rules it writes. ***It's actually being considered!? Within the FED??!!! OMG. No consumer protection. HVCC will not be sunsetted - Bubble Ben likes it too much. Rage, rage against the dying of the light!

: (March 02, 2010 11:07am)

USPAP has been adopted into state law in some states. Is that what you mean?

: (March 02, 2010 11:05am)

Effective stingray? You'll have to explain your meaning of effective. You mean like a moral code? Guilds work very well for lawyers, doctors, screen writers, realtors and numerous other self-employed professions in insuring the best and brightest are rewarded and all are compensated fairly. Guilds are not Unions.

: (March 02, 2010 11:02am)

China fix the drywall ? I think china might ask us to fix a few things over here. maybe they can give us a credit back for a portion of our country that they own.

: (March 02, 2010 10:57am)

5Pence, I think guilds are too similar to unions to be effective. Like USPAP, an appraiser's bill of rights and constitution would not be an "elective" proposition. If written properly and upheld by congressional law, I believe it would be like having the protection of a union without the dues and inherent corruption. Any modern James Madison's out there??

: (March 02, 2010 10:54am)

Why aren't we going to see you at the Phoenix REBar Camp?? It's the BEST one! http://rebarcamp.com/phoenix/ - Love the show, guys...

: (March 02, 2010 10:48am)

The reason that there are fewer sharks in the ocean is that most sharks moved to the District of Columbia and have reformed themselves as Congressman & Congress Woman. Sharks cannot close their eyes,,check out Nancy P

: (March 02, 2010 10:48am)

Hey, I LOVE THE DANCING!!! Too bad for the whiners if they can't have fun!!!

: (March 02, 2010 10:41am)

I agree. US officials should be holding China responsible for the dangerous dry wall. Why aggravate an already struggling construction industry that holds jobs for so many Americans? Maybe we should approach them with this on the table to start chipping away at the federal debt the taxpayer is being held liable for! Doh!

: (March 02, 2010 10:35am)

sus socal: We did this calculation for Massachusetts: There are 1200 appraisers active in Massachusetts who do about 250 appraisals a year. This equals 300,000 appraisals per year at a loss to the appraisers of about $175.00 per order this equals $52,500,000 per year out of our pockets and out of the state. add another $100.00 per order for the increased cost to the consumer and you add another $30,000,000. This adds up to $82,500 million dollars just for Massachusetts wonder what that would add up to in CA, TX NJ or NY. Do you think the aggregate amount woud get the State politicians to wake up to our plight.

: (March 02, 2010 10:34am)

Ok, here I am again, ready to tell you all what we're doing here in California! Lenders are SCARED! We are taking back the leverage, and giving it to the homeowners! You might agree with me on this, but Lenders have made too much money preying on good people, and it stops now! If you, or someone you know, lives in CA, and is underwater in their home...was preyed upon by greedy brokers...was rushed to sign hastily written loan docs...was promised a low rate, only to have a much higher rate on the final docs...who's original loan was sold, maybe even several times, and now they pay someone different...IF YOU ARE IN FORECLOSURE, AND IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME...I CAN HELP!!!! Why just get mad, and rant on blogs, when you can GET EVEN! How would you like to have your principal reduced to FMV...interest rates fixed for 30yrs at par rate...potentially have your home free and clear? We are making wonderful things happen, and I want to help as many people as I can. tobismaximus at hotmail.

: (March 02, 2010 10:31am)

Guilds have constitutions stingray, and they've been set in stone for hundreds of years. Here's one from the graphic artists guild. http://www.graphicartistsguild.org/typeroom/assets/uploads/constitutions/Guild_Constitution_2006.pdf..Ezra, doing more research there's an Internation Appraisers Guild already in existance. Maybe they should be contacted? http://www.wetrainappraisers.com/

: (March 02, 2010 10:22am)

G-Appraiser, I have contacted Rey. I am looking forward to hearing from him. I really like what the other states have accomplished. I would like to start a central valley affiliation.

: (March 02, 2010 10:17am)

Join CCAP if you are a California Appraiser. California Coalition of Appraisal Professionals. Their website will be up in 1 week. This one is the way to go in CA.!!!!!

: (March 02, 2010 10:15am)

Warning: the diversionary tactic is working and the results will be seen in the coming years. Go ahead debate healthcare while the biggest heist in history continues to go on in Wall Street aided by those Bastards of America called Congress. The blame is on Appraisers and Brokers who have new laws and regulations imposed on them. The cause was Wall Street and they are getting taxpayer cash with no change in the way they can do business. In a few years, the too big to fail will have concentrated financial power to continue to dominate lawmakers. They will be rich and will get richer. HVCC and SAFE are not going to save the housing market but they will transfer more control, power and money to those too big to fail. The only law controlling banks that was enacted gave banks a year to increase my credit card rates to a usury percentage. Thanks Barney, I hope a fish hook skewers you in the ass.

: (March 02, 2010 10:07am)

Unionization of the appraisal industry would start off with great intentions and I believe would initially succeed. However, in time, that too would become an albatross around our necks. How about a "constitution" and bill of rights for appraisers that could be set in stone?

: (March 02, 2010 10:03am)

A coment was made below "after we defeat this we can go our seprate ways". Lets think about that. Seprate is how we got here. We have to form strong organizations so we have a say in what effects us now and in the future. "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it".

: (March 02, 2010 9:57am)

Link to 20/20 discussion: http://www.facebook.com/#!/topic.php?uid=163497464933&topic=13795

: (March 02, 2010 9:57am)

The "Cash for Clunkers" program, remember that fiasco where it cost around $28k for each "clunker" rebate? Our governments brilliant fiscal policies at work. Anyway, the Chinese said they'd buy our debt if they could have our "clunkers". True. I've read reports on the net about salvage crews that were separating metal from the clunkers and the tankers full of metal were going to China. They are metal starved, so they got our clunkers-many of which weren't even clunkers! Stupid ass program. You think as dependent as we are on the Chinese that they'd do anything to screw things up with them? Hahaha HA! There's no one else to buy our debt. As long as we keep running up the deficit we'll be cowtowing to anybody that will bail us out. America has turned pitiful thanks to the banksters. Ohh, Nuclear Power plants-Brilliant!! Give terrorists a big wide open target & make sure it's nuclear! As long as America keeps pissing the world off & borrowing beyond our needs to keep us fat, we're targets

: (March 02, 2010 9:54am)

First of all, Japan now holds more U.S. debt (as of last week). Second, the importation of our manufacturing knowledge to China will eventually come back to bite us. When we no longer produce anything, the Chinese will have us by the short and curly's. A 4000 year old civilization that has endured and survived will squash us like the 200 year old infant nation we are - unless we wake up and make some serious changes. We are soft now, they are not.

: (March 02, 2010 9:53am)

Guys do a story on Cuomo owning an AMC in 2004................................................................

: (March 02, 2010 9:51am)

Drue, where did you locate that information on the FHLB website? I could not find any information about the 3/1 grant. Obviously, I am not looking in the right place! Thanks.

: (March 02, 2010 9:50am)

Frank and Brian. Can we please get a downloadable copy of the updated INDYMAC video?

: (March 02, 2010 9:48am)

What a shame that our economy is so bad that we cant even feed our sharks.

: (March 02, 2010 9:40am)

sus socal appraiser we just did that calculation! 1,200 Massachusetts appraisers x 250 appraisal per year = 300,000 appraisal each year Lost revenue per appraisal is $175.00 (was $400 per and AMC's pay $225) this equals $52,500,000 add another $30,000,000 for the lost dollars from the consumer for the additional money AMC's charge them and you get a total of $82,500,000 dollars, yes that's millions of dollars right out of he state and out of the appraiser's and the consumer's pockets.

: (March 02, 2010 9:39am)

sus socal appraiser we just did that calculation! 1,200 Massachusetts appraisers x 250 appraisal per year = 300,000 appraisal each year Lost revenue per appraisal is $175.00 (was $400 per and AMC's pay $225) this equals $52,500,000 add another $30,000,000 for the lost dollars from the consumer for the additional money AMC's charge them and you get a total of $82,500,000 dollars, yes that's millions of dollars right out of he state and out of the appraiser's and the consumer's pockets.

: (March 02, 2010 9:36am)

Our Govt officials won't even attempt to ask China for any kind of monetary help with the drywall "scandal". Just won't happen, so again the little guys (the hard working American people)will take it in the shorts!

: (March 02, 2010 9:31am)

Thanks CARealtor

: (March 02, 2010 9:28am)

5pence: Here is the link to the ABC 20/20 facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/#!/ABC2020?ref=search&sid=1597556404.766551725..1

: (March 02, 2010 9:28am)

I looked for 20/20 facebook yestarday. Ended up writing Chris Coumo a question. "Why did I lose my Appraisal business?" Everyone write Chris Coumo a Question. He's the investigator reporter that know more about his brother than most. I don't think any of them will admit to one of the biggest blunder in Real Estate, HVCC. Blaming the independent appraiser and Brokers and not the real criminals, Wamu & inhouse Eappraisit for appraiser pressure and appraisal fraud.

: (March 02, 2010 9:16am)

Buffet is 83. He's still sharp... but, 83

: (March 02, 2010 9:06am)

MORE DANCING!!!!!

: (March 02, 2010 9:05am)

Is it true that the SAFE ACT / NMLS will not license Loan Officers w/ poor credit. (I am in Florida, and the NMLS will not be effective till Oct 2010.) ANY input would be greatly apprecited. Thank you

: (March 02, 2010 9:04am)

Definitely MORE dancing girls

: (March 02, 2010 9:04am)

If it was American drywall that was causing health issues and corroding appliances would you expect the American Government to pick up the tab? No, you wouldn't. Why do you expect the Chinese Government to pay for it? You could go after the Chinese manufacturers. But then you would realize that nearly all these manufacturers are contract fly-by-night companies that no longer exist. Honestly guys, stick to what you know.

: (March 02, 2010 9:04am)

SEND BARNEY TO TAILAND, HE'LL NEVER COME BACK. AND, DO YOU REALLY THINK BARNEY IS GOING TO PASS ON BEING AROUND A BUNCH OF FISHERMEN AND THEIR WORMS??????

: (March 02, 2010 9:03am)

I DON'T WANT THEM USING MY TAX MONIES TO BUY CRAPPY AMC APPRAISER VALUATIONS !!

: (March 02, 2010 8:56am)

A curious thought occurred to me yesterday. No one will buy MBS's except us. Now the GSE's have been left with unlimited taxpayer funds to keep purchasing MBS's for the next 3 years. Why unlimited? It's doubtful they'll reach $1.25 trillion in a year ever again. So why? What if the plan is to turn the GSE's from buyers of MBS's with taxpayer funds to insurers of MBS's with unlimited funds? In order to get the world into buying MBS's again there has to be some absolute guarantees. Yes? I hope not but that's the way it looks to be being set up. If that's true then goodbye brokers and appraisers.

: (March 02, 2010 8:56am)

The FHLB website says that ONLY bank members may submit applications for the 3 to 1 downpayment grant program. This seems to effectively carve the mortgage brokers out of the loop.

: (March 02, 2010 8:50am)

skyrider - I tried that yesterday and couldn't find it. Do you have a more exacting way to get there? ABC 20/20 and variations using HVCC and amc showed no results. A link to the page might work. Thx

: (March 02, 2010 8:42am)

The Chinese aren't going to do anything of note to crash the U.S. As you indicate, they are the largest holder of US debt and the US is the largest consumer of Chinese exports. If they were to destroy the US by unloading our debt, they would destroy themselves. This is a case of Mutually Assured Destruction (M.A.D.) without the nukes...

: (March 02, 2010 8:40am)

NARTFOCKER an even better question is what does Barney Frank know about the mortgage industry?

: (March 02, 2010 8:37am)

Vansky - Washington, Local,County & State Offices. We need to Organize to get our message out..Not everyone can travel to Washington...so local is GOOD & the larger Groups Across the Nation & Washington..the better..... Issues: Revenue taken away from Local Communities...figure out the # of Sales x's the Std Appaisal Fee / by 2 = the $0,000,000 taken out of the local market....LOCAL TAX People should be interested.

: (March 02, 2010 8:36am)

Actually, MORE dancing girls would be a good thing.

: (March 02, 2010 8:34am)

Anybody interested in furthering the discussion about HVCC and appraisal fees check out Facebook under ABC 20/20. I was reading though all the post and found that 20/20 has started reading what was happening and it was turned over to one of the inside reporters. So you have a facebook account log into the ABC 20/20 discussion area and post your comments. The more posts the better our chances to get a national voice through the media.

: (March 02, 2010 8:32am)

An appraiser, broker & realtor march on DC come springtime sounds great to me. We get a couple 100,000 people and we'll be listened to. We should be ashamed that unorganized fishermen & Olympics protesters (protest Olympics?) can get together and get some headlines & news coverage on all the networks and we can't get together on something so vital to the health of this nation, so important to the consumer, AND to our own careers. We should be mortified that fishermen & Olympics protesters can get together en mass and we can't! Are we so arrogant that we can't see what needs to be done and what has needed to be done? I'll be honest with you, I considered appraisers to be my peers and that appears to have been a mistake. They're a bunch of arrogant self-serving individuals that care nothing about anything but their own welfare. I'd love a good protest but I fear that there's too many selfish appraisers out there that won't try. I've tried for the last year and all I got was attitude.

: (March 02, 2010 8:31am)

Folks we cant say anything to or threaten the Chinese! they own to much US debt, they are in first place last i checked. If they sold all their debt the US would fall off a cliff, so the Chinese will continue to get away with these shenanigans while they hold the US debt gun to our head.

: (March 02, 2010 8:15am)

If you're a CA appraiser, CCAP is trying to do just that, unite into a coalition to lobby for our profession. It's already happend in NV, AZ, IL, and OH. Appraisers need advocacy in order to survive at this point. AZ just passed a bill thru their senate for AMC regulation. This is a start. We do not have to be your grandpa's teamster union in order to get things done legislatively, but we do need some sort of lobby in order to save our industry. This starts at the state level and hopefully will become national. If you want national now, try NAIHP - Frank and Brian have spoken about these guys as well. They are trying to help us on a national level. Either way, appraisers need advocacy - it is vital for this industry to survive. I, too, am a 20 year veteran of this industry and I am putting my faith in these coalitions (CCAP is mine) - its our only chance to change this mess we are in. We have no voice individually - we need to speak as one! Join your coalition!

: (March 02, 2010 8:05am)

You brokers might want to read this : FHA Commissioner Stevens clears the air: David H. Stevens details the new RESPA rule and the role of the broker and stabilization in housing. http://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news16299/fha-commissioner-stevens-clears-air-david-h-stevens-details-new-respa-rule-role-broker-and

: (March 02, 2010 8:02am)

Not talking union. Talking getting together with your appraisers in your county, district, state, get them together and start there. Set your fees for that area. Yes theres always going to be the one idiot to take lower fees. But they can not do them all. If most will stay to the fee that is set in each area they will have to pay it. That way we take care of this part ourselves. I know appraisers are usually loners but we have to get together for this. After we defeat this we can go our seperate ways again. Appraisers are skeptical of everyone and everything. Just our nature. But we have to band together or we all fall. A house divided against itself can't stand. THINK FOLKS!!!

: (March 02, 2010 8:01am)

Colomtgguy: Do you have a better answer? The answer to this problem is organization. We have tried this rogue and whinning and it does not work. It's apparent the only way is to beat them at their own game which requires organization and money. If you have a problem with unions and/or guilds you might want to complain the governing bodies which make them necessary.

: (March 02, 2010 7:55am)

The issue is really,ap88rs are INDEPENDENT(particularly of each other)& as such we are the absolute worst at organizing a lynching party even tho' one is definately required.The union idea appears to be a reasonable proposition,but that may be only affective state to state(or maybe not,who knows?)it may however,not cover ALL of America.What we need to do is commission Cuomo to do the same thing he did with HVCC and act for ap88rs,that way we know whatever he does will affect ALL of the USA at once irregardless of who or what his actions destroy. He has done it once,I am sure he can do it again..(this is a sarcastic attempt at humor)

: (March 02, 2010 7:55am)

What does Barney Frank know about fish?

: (March 02, 2010 7:53am)

Frank and Brian: I remember you guys said something about when HVCC kicked in that it costs americans over 1T dollars in equity. Did you guys bring that up at your Washinton meeting and if so what was the comment back? I have heard nothing about how much equity has been lost and how many people they put out of work when they created HVCC.

: (March 02, 2010 7:51am)

Unionize the Appraisal industry? Yeah I suppose that would help the industry. It would take even longer to get anything done and the cost would be twice as much as it is now. The appraisers would have even less incentive to try to find the BEST comps -vs- just grabbing what is easy. The only people to make a steady wage on the whole thing would be union representatives . . . Not to mention all of this will come at the expense of the borrower. The think about myself first mentality is big reason why our industry is in it's current state. Unions are the biggest "what's in it for me" organizations out there. If you want union go talk to the UAW and see how well its working for the auto indrusty. Wake Up!

: (March 02, 2010 7:48am)

Whats China going to do foreclose on america. No !! the chinese have bought off our government this actually started under Clinton. Look at all the money they put into the elections now. They gave Bill Clinton 100 million for his library. Think guys. All this is about the "BENJAMINS" they can put in there pockets. Until the american people actually come together and say enough is enough it wont stop.. HVCC is just one of the pieces of there puzzle to lower our economy. It hits every aspect of the working people who actually put together the deals. Hit the middle class and hurt them, take from them and give to the people who wouldnt strike a lick at work and the rich well they are not hurting no matter what happens. But when you lower the middle class you have taken out america. You take out the back bone, and well we fold over and take it, you know where. Guys start fighting back whatever your view on what ever subject get involved locally. if no organization, START ONE!!!!!!!.

: (March 02, 2010 7:46am)

Great read HVCC: Sorry that Washington state is a bust right now. We moved from there because of high property taxes and no freeze for retired people. We were a loss to the state because we still had money to spend, had a home, paid sales taxes/property taxes and were crime free. Too bad Washington can't support people better by lowering taxes and getting the economy going again like Texas.

: (March 02, 2010 7:45am)

GOD LIKE> GOOD JOB, you get it

: (March 02, 2010 7:45am)

Great read HVCC: Sorry that Washington state is a bust right now. We moved from there because of high property taxes and no freeze for retired people. We were a loss to the state because we still had money to spend, had a home, paid sales taxes/property taxes and were crime free. Too bad Washington can't support people better by lowering taxes and getting the economy going again like Texas.

: (March 02, 2010 7:44am)

Just Frank, Appraisers need a union to have a voice on policy not what they charge. UNIONS were useful, but bassically now they run the country and only look out for their own. We the people try to make changes but the unions defeat us. UNIONS still have there place but everyone should be able to compete. Just look at the retirement packages of a lot of union workers. It does not take long to see that we can not sustain this. Eventually, we start to eat ourselves. DO not want to go on and on, so hopefully you can see what I mean.

: (March 02, 2010 7:42am)

JUSTFRANK101- I hate unions and have always said there is no longer a need for unions, but here is a loophole in the laws that says a Union might not be a bad idea in this case, the only issue is how do you get rid of the union when it's no longer needed? The Union wants to survive no matter what it does to it's members.

: (March 02, 2010 7:40am)

I have been reading for months about people trying to get organized as Appraisers. I have read that some folks in NJ have started a Guild, an Assoxciation in CA, Maybe some other uion stuff in some other states. We need a full national organization not state by state. Who will step up to the plate start a National Web based uion that can be joined with a few clicks and a couple of bucks and then get the ball rolling. Months slip by. Now almost a year, bellyaching and complaining have gotten us no where. How about the 100,000 appraisers out there make a commitment that we should all go to DC on April 1st and Tell Congress we are not going to take it anymore!

: (March 02, 2010 7:39am)

I was thinking, you know the reators have had a voice in the board of realtors. Frank and Brian are doing a good job helping us in the mortgage industry have a voice as well. That is why we should have every mortgage broker everywhere getting these!

: (March 02, 2010 7:38am)

BTW I had difficulty finding the program. For those of you looking, it was called the HELP program.

: (March 02, 2010 7:36am)

The FHL DPA program was a bust. The Dallas Bank which serves Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas says not only do you have to be a member bank (not broker) but it also limits it's contribution to $5,000. I'm going to check with a member bank and see if there's a way to partner a deal.

: (March 02, 2010 7:34am)

FHA Commissioner Stevens clears the air: David H. Stevens details the new RESPA rule and the role of the broker and stabilization in housing. http://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news16299/fha-commissioner-stevens-clears-air-david-h-stevens-details-new-respa-rule-role-broker-and

: (March 02, 2010 7:32am)

Really good article, I have attached a portion and also the link to find it:http://www.orep.org/wordpress-2.7/wordpress/?p=306 Now it’s time for me to say goodbye to my clients and friends in the residential real estate and financial service fields. You’ve heard of the theory of “trickle down” economics? Well here is how my exit from the business will trickle down to you all. Dear MLS provider, I will be canceling my subscription for data services at the end of my current period ($105/Q). Dear title company, I will be canceling my subscription for data services at the end of my current period ($85/mo). Dear software company, I will not be renewing my annual software maintenance agreement at the end of my current period ($399/yr). Dear Board of Realtors, I will not be renewing my annual dues this year ($375/yr). Dear Appraisal Institute, I will not be renewing my annual dues this year ($330/yr). Dear E&O insurance company, I will not be renewing my policy at the renewal ($500/yr). Dear state of Washington, I wi

: (March 02, 2010 7:28am)

The only protection for the American Worker is a Strong Union. Look around non Union Workers are always being screwed. Every profession should have a Union blue collar or white collar. United we Stand - Ask any Appraiser right now if they had been in a Union Would they be struggling for a wage today? The answer is no - no one would be messing with Appraisers or the industry would come to a stop. Wake up!

: (March 02, 2010 7:26am)

SUSAN BROKER your article http://www.housingwatch.com/2010/02/26/it-wasnt-a-mortgage-recession-after-all-so-why-dont-we-feel-b/?ncid=webmaildl4 says just exactly what I've been saying all along. The Party-out-of-power picked on FNMA instead of FHA as they should have (which would have cost votes cause that would have affected too many minority buyers) and caused a public confidence crisis and once the public quit investing in FNMA/FHLMC which created the problem we're dealing with now. Of course it's not as simple as just that, but that's the straw that broker the camel's back.

: (March 02, 2010 7:21am)

Poll Dancing now that's a brilliant idea! That would combine two of the things you guys do best.

: (March 02, 2010 7:20am)

Look in the Mirror, You are right, we should buy more american products. But not to get into a long conversation. We need to dismantle the UNIONS and allow fair comp. But we may have allowed them to get to strong and now we can only watch them tank America. Free market with safety for workers.

: (March 02, 2010 7:17am)

FIVE ---------- H.V.C.C. PUNISH THOSE THAT SCREWED UP AND LEAVE THE REST OF US ALONE. THIS IS NO DIFFERENT FROM AN ENTIRE CLASSROOM BEING PUNISHED BECAUSE A FEW STUDENTS ATTEMPTED TO GET ONE OVER ON MS. DO-LITTLE!!!! APPRAISERS – GET OFF YOUR DEAD BUTTS AND FIGHT!!! Come on who is your PIMP today??? stand up PLEASE

: (March 02, 2010 7:15am)

The problem is that US business people are all about the bottom line and US consumers want max crap for min $$. How can the US econ survive if we can't spend a few more $$ to support our own people. And can't we buy less crap, spend a few more $$ and support our own people. If we don't have a middle class, in my opinion, the economy will tank. You need to have people to purchase those goods.

: (March 02, 2010 7:15am)

four -------- • Correspondent lenders may order appraisals providing they comply with the Code COMPLY WITH CODE? YOU MEAN LIKE DO BUSINESS WITH SOME FORM OF ETHICS? COME ON PEOPLE WAKE THE “F” UP! • Lenders shall not order, obtain, use, or pay for a second or subsequent valuation unless proven and documented that the initial appraisal was flawed; or the second appraisal was done pursuant to pre-established polices. SO IF YOU ORDER A STEAK DINNER AND MEAT LOAF IS SERVED YOU HAVE TO EAT IT?

: (March 02, 2010 7:14am)

THREE ------- • Lenders can select the appraiser and order appraisals provided certain firewalls are set up to separate the lender’s operations staff with loan staff that are compensated based on if the loan closes. SOUNDS LIKE A LOOP HOLE FOR LARGE BANK OPERATIONS – THEY MUST HAVE PAID FOR THIS ONE THEMSELVES • An Independent Valuation Protection Institute (IVPI) will be established, which will receive and report on any complaints of Code of Conduct non-compliance, including complaints from appraisers, individuals, or other entities concerning the improper influencing or attempted improper influencing of appraisers or the appraisal process WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THE IDIOTS WRITING THIS CRAP GOT THEIR BUTTS KICKED

: (March 02, 2010 7:13am)

TWO --------- • Lenders may not order appraisals with a specified value or target for the appraiser to hit. WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND ORDERS AN EXPENSIVE MEAL WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE MENU • Lenders, Brokers & AMC’s may not ask for comp checks or a preliminary value estimate. EXPENSIVE MEAL? • The lender must provide a copy of the appraisal to the borrower 3 days prior to closing. THIS ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE • The appraiser’s compensation will NOT be dependent on the outcome of a loan decision. IT NEVER HAS BEEN OR APPRAISERS WOULD ACTUALLY BE RECEIVING A FAIR WAGE

: (March 02, 2010 7:12am)

ONE of --------- Key Highlights of the HVCC affecting the Appraisal Process: • The HVCC applies only to loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. It does not apply to FHA or VA Loans, loans purchased by other investors, or portfolio loans this is where the end to thousands of appraisal careers ENDED • Mortgage Brokers cannot order the appraisals or have any direct communication with the appraiser. THIS IS STUPID • Lender’s loan production staff is prohibited from ordering appraisals or having direct communication with the appraiser. THIS IS STUPID • Appraisers cannot collect the appraisal fee from the borrower, only the lender or a third party authorized by the lender (AMC) may collect the fee. THIS IS BULL-SCHOOP

: (March 02, 2010 7:10am)

Although Amusing go back to a little over 5 min

: (March 02, 2010 7:09am)

is Buffett getting senile? I do wholesale and i will tell you shadow inventory is REAL. Meanwhile, we all need to BUY AMERICAN and now. Look at the labels..

: (March 02, 2010 7:07am)

10:05 BankLO: Does anyone know if LOs of federally insured banks have any new license or registration requirements. I heard that we will have to be by 7-1-10.

: (March 02, 2010 7:04am)

Who thinks that CHINA has been IN A WAR WITH US FOR YEARS. THEY HAVE ADDED LEAD TO OURS KIDS TOYS, THEY HAVE SOLD US TOXIC DERYWALL. tHEY HAVE TAKEN JOBS AWAY. THEY HAVE BEEN DEFEATING US WITHOUT A SHOT. YES, MAKE THEM PAY JUST AS WE WOULD FOR ANY OTHER COMPANY.

: (March 02, 2010 6:57am)

Graystone Mortgage Dave: Yeah that's the impression I got from her. She's in the SF district which handles CA, NV and AZ I believe...

: (March 02, 2010 6:56am)

Broker in SD: Don't blame you! I'm surprised that he and Vicki would say it though with such conviction. I was on the HUD site again this morning and I still see nothing. Of course if we hear anything we'll let all know.

: (March 02, 2010 6:50am)

In looking at FHL Pitts, PA they have discontinued the program for the remainder of 2010. Did the plane gal say she is currently doing these?

: (March 02, 2010 6:46am)

SusanBroker, I've always felt that the blame was misplaced. Really, the percentage of foreclosures throughout the whole country should not have been enough to cause a worldwide panic. Foreclosures went from maybe, 1.5% to 3%....and that caused the the biggest recession in history? Just another excuse for the banks and Wall Street to profit!

: (March 02, 2010 6:42am)

I got the e-mail reminder from HUD this morning that the audit is now overdue. Something tells me that commissioner Stevens spoke out of turn about waiting to do my audit. I'm also sending everything this week.

: (March 02, 2010 6:42am)

Hot chicks dancing is.... well it's pretty hot. But when you two clowns start bouncing around I almost upchucked my breakfast....

: (March 02, 2010 6:42am)

Barney is most interested in job security, he's campaining. Personally I'd like him and many others to start working 12 step programs for booze and food then maybe we will get out of this mess!

: (March 02, 2010 6:16am)

again,we constantly run into self serving pols with fingers in every national money pie being more concerned with local issues to get them re-elected that enables them to keep their personal coffers full with income producing national concerns that take a back seat to their primary concern of keeping them in a job.Public service(a misnomer)was never meant to be a money making career,what happened?

: (March 02, 2010 6:12am)

Ya'll keep buyin' them Chinese trinkets - ya hear?

: (March 02, 2010 6:00am)

Hey Guys, If you remember that all politics is local, and you factor in Fall River and New Bedford are two large fishing cities in his district, he's obviously going to help those who can actually cast a vote for or against him first...

: (March 02, 2010 5:54am)

NEappraiser-you are so right,& extrapolate that to the present amc fiasco,with cheap ap88rs you get what you pay for,toxic ap88sals, the blame of which will be spread through the ap88al industry again.

: (March 02, 2010 5:51am)

Sumi - That was the word from both Vicki Bott and David Stevens when we were at the NAMB conference. I believe Vicki Bott specifically said that yesterday was the day they'd roll out the rule. Hang tight as long as you can, or call your local HUD office to see if you can get any more info.

: (March 02, 2010 5:50am)

china drywall.... .it simple. Dont want to pay high price for a commodity, be prepared to have a inferior product. Its the classic engineers triangle. Good, fast, cheap pick any two.. China did nothing Wrong, they supplied a product for the fast and cheap..

: (March 02, 2010 5:50am)

Not to worry,ap88rs have deep pockets and carry E&O so the homeowners can sue us for the toxic drywall,after all we did inspect the home & aren't we now meant to provide an environmental statement in our reports covering this as well?

: (March 02, 2010 5:41am)

Great non sequitur on the Federal Home Loan Banks pitch…that is if your site is targeting brokers. These programs have been around for years and are the greatest thing since sliced bread. A percentage of the FHLB’s profit is put in the pot and usually is exhausted in a couple months. Great while it lasts but key is that the mortgage must be originated and closed by the member of the FHLB. The huge major of brokers are not members.

: (March 02, 2010 5:41am)

OK, it would help to include the link... LOL http://www.housingwatch.com/2010/02/26/it-wasnt-a-mortgage-recession-after-all-so-why-dont-we-feel-b/?ncid=webmaildl4

: (March 02, 2010 5:40am)

Hey folks...check this article out.

: (March 02, 2010 5:35am)

Anyone that doesn't like watching hot chicks dance is just plain gay...... GAY I tell you....GAY

: (March 02, 2010 5:35am)

Last week they said in their video to wait until after March 1st before paying to have your FHA audit done. Is HUD going to announce we no longer have to have the annual audit? I am fixing to get mine started this week.

: (March 02, 2010 5:17am)

We like the dancing . . .

: (March 02, 2010 4:39am)

It's the same ole sh_t. Our no-balled politicians don't have the gonads to stand up to china. If we were to cut china's and japan's imports off, both countrys would fall back to the 18th century. I am sick of the way they politicians are screwing this country up. We need to start over. Who remembers the day when you go something from china or japan and it was junk. Boy how things have changed.

: (March 02, 2010 3:50am)

This is true to a point CRA, but heck what would China do if we did cut them off from importing, just like the unsafe tires they had planned to bring over. It's got to stop, so let the US Gov't file chapter 7/9 with the Chinese Gov't or something to get them to rethink about the crap they are sending over here!

: (March 02, 2010 3:41am)

How can USA demand that China do anything they do not want to do. We owe them so much money for financing our overspending debt that we are 'slaves' to them and their any fancy or whim.

: (March 02, 2010 3:10am)

As for the Chinese drywall, yes i think our Gov't should step in and make their Gov't replace and pay for the cost. More and more crap is coming out of China and we use to complain about the quality from MX, OMG china is making everything in the world you can imagine and it's all CHEAP CRAP!!!! Band Chinese products from being imported in the USA for just 90 days and see what happens to China's Gov't....

: (March 02, 2010 3:10am)

Well, I was in D.C. to lobby on Wednesday and it was very sad how few people were actually there representing our industry. There were fisherman with signs by the hundreds (or even thousands) and they stormed Washington in a concerted way to make their voices heard. And it looks like it worked!! We need to come together as an industry to do the same types of things - and fast!