What's New

Claudia says... "A Case of Forgery"

Question:

"I just got a very disturbing call from a lender. They wanted to ask me a question about how I arrived at the square footage in a report I did about 2 years ago. When he gave me the address of the property, it did not sound familiar. When I went to look for the report, I found nothing. I asked him to fax me a copy. The report I got had what seemed to be my signature, but it was not in my handwriting. I told the lender that I had not done the report and that it was a forgery. I think that a trainee I had helping out at that time might have forged my name. What if that is not the only report he did this to? What should I do now?" Read the Answer..

Claudia says... "Angry Borrower Wants Money Back"

Question:

"I just got off the phone with the borrower on a property I appraised a month or so ago. This guy was looking for a refinance loan and was really upset that my value did not come in higher than what he paid for the property in 2006. I tried to explain to the man that values in the area had gone down, but he did not want to hear what I had to say. He said he had to pay for another appraisal and wanted me to return the fee he paid for my report. He said if I did not pay, he would sue me in small claims court and file a complaint with my state board. I know I did nothing wrong, but I do not want to deal with either of those things. Can I just return the fee and get rid of this guy?" Read the Answer..

LIA is now on Facebook!

LIA is pleased to announce the creation of our Facebook page! Please click here to view our Facebook wall and find current information relevant to the appraisal industry. You can also find information regarding upcoming loss prevention seminars we have scheduled throughout the country. Additionally, you will find updates regarding our company and the many products we have to offer the appraisal profession.
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LIA responds to a question from our recent Claim Alert: Three easy steps to reduce your liability.

Question:

What is the name of the AMC with the faulty indemnification clause? A 'well known" AMC is too vague. Please name the AMCs that we should avoid. Most of us don’t understand the legal jargon in these contractor agreements. Read the Answer..

Press Releases

Real Estate Advisors Defense Institute, Inc. (READI) offers free membership to all appraisers under a LIA policy.

LIA Administrators & Insurance Services announces the formation of an association which will fight for appraisers in the midst of the tremendous legal and economic changes this profession is facing.  This association, Real Estate Advisors Defense Institute, Inc. (READI) offers free membership to all appraisers under a LIA policy. Read More..

LIA now offers professional liability insurance and surety bonds for valuation firms and appraisal management companies (AMC).

LIA Administrators & Insurance Services is pleased to announce new resources for professional liability insurance and surety bonds for valuation firms and appraisal management companies. LIA's new products are in response to requests from appraisers and the valuation industry for coverage meeting the challenges caused by the mortgage crisis and changes in the field of appraising. Read More..