Representing real estate appraisers in litigation and administrative matters
You know a state licensed RE appraiser is required by statue to practice in accordance with USPAP. But, did you know that a violation of USPAP is relevant evidence of negligence? You can be sued for negligence.

In addition, the Mass. Board of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers can discipline you if the Board determines you engaged in incompetent conduct, gross misconduct, practiced fraudulently, beyond the scope of your license, engaged in dishonesty, fraud, deceit or knowingly aided and abetted an unauthorized person to perform appraisals or you did not complete your CE requirements. The Board can suspend, revoke, decline to renew your license, fine you up to $5,000, and/or require you to complete additional education.

Until recently, serious scrutiny of appraisers was nonexistent. The Appraisal Subcommittee proactively has put pressure on all state licensing boards to enforce USPAP, AQB requirements and expedite appraiser complaints. In Massachusetts, 200 have been fined, 100 have lost their licenses, 12 in Rhode Island, six in New Hampshire and five in Vermont. Other states set suspension records, e.g., Georgia 283, Florida 241 and California 210.

Lawsuits are rising as more people become aware that an appraiser can be held liable for negligence in the performance of an appraisal.

The collapse of the residential mortgage market has brought more lawsuits where the appraiser who was required to be an independent party standing in the middle safeguarding the buyer, lender and the entire secondary mortgage market is found to have been negligent.

Contact a Boston, Massachusetts real estate appraisal malpractice attorney
Durkin Law, P.C. is located in Boston, Massachusetts and serves clients throughout the state of Massachusetts. Calll Durkin Law, P.C. at 617.720.0332 or contact the firm online to schedule an appointment.