Collateral Vision - Big Ideas

Defining the Elements of a Solid Appraisal: A Roundtable Discussion

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Industry experts explain the good, the bad, and the risky

What makes a good appraisal? Is it the completeness of the report itself? Is it the diligence of the appraiser? Is it the extras—the pictures and commentary?

FNC asked valuation experts to weigh in on the key elements that make a so-called good appraisal better than a bad appraisal. Our authorities also point out the red flags that should be caught by a lending institution’s appraisal review process....

How Technology Should Drive Your Business

Todd Lunsford — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT

Technology versus innovation: Technology represents the deployment of tools and resources to improve existing processes. Innovation represents the ability of a team of people close to a business to eliminate steps, improve accuracy, and streamline a specific process or step.

Your business, whether it’s a lending institution, a software company, or a settlement services company, can use technology, innovation, and automation to reach new heights through several vital...

UPDATE: Appraisal Report Data Controversy Explained

Neil Olson — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 06:00:00 GMT

As expected, my article, “Appraisal report data: not intellectual property, not protected by copyright,” created controversy, both on this site and on the Web.

Collateral Vision’s Open Forum aims to get people in the industry talking about important topics, which is why my article was featured in the inaugural issue. In the next issue, we’ll continue to tackle controversial subjects. For now, however, I want to address some of the key arguments my piece...

Appraisal Report Data: Not Intellectual Property, Not Protected By Copyright

Neil Olson — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT

Real estate appraisers work hard to deliver complete, accurate appraisal reports informed by their professional expertise. Lenders and homeowners alike depend on accurate valuations to keep the mortgage industry profitable and safe for consumers.

Once these appraisals are delivered to the lender, they are reviewed and analyzed, often by extracting and weighing many of the facts from the appraisal. Once found satisfactory, the appraisal stands with the credit information to assure...

Focus On Operations Risk and Regulatory Compliance

Craig Focardi — Tue, 01 Mar 2005 06:00:00 GMT

Onerous regulatory compliance is a fact of life in the financial services industry. Key drivers of regulatory compliance include consumer protection, financial services institution (FSI) safety and soundness, and the stability of the financial services industry as a whole. The regulatory compliance burden is especially onerous in the mortgage lending industry, where there are literally dozens of federal, state and local laws and regulations in loan origination and servicing...