GAAR Compliance Series Flags Potential Appraisal Problems

When the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) takes effect on January 1, 2009, mortgage lenders will have to report the results of their quality control tests on appraisals. The Code, agreed to by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO), the New York State Attorney General, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is designed to prevent flawed appraisals that artificially inflate home prices and are often a sign of mortgage fraud and undue influence on appraisers. FNC's analytic solution GAAR (Generally Accepted Appraisal Rules) automates the review process to help banks comply with the Code. Reports are generated that flag potential violations, showing lenders where to take appropriate action. Built into FNC's Collateral Management System (CMS), GAAR is also available online and through FNC's new Collateral Headquarters, a workflow solution developed for regional and community banks.