Survey Questions for State Appraiser Regulatory Officials

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Introduction

	The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), an agency of the Congress, has ongoing work under Section 1476 (d) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act). The Dodd-Frank Act amends Title XI and requires GAO to conduct a study to evaluate the Appraisal Subcommittee's (ASC) functions. Title XI provisions address both the quality of appraisals and the qualifications of appraisers. Title XI created a complex regulatory system that relies upon the actions of private, state, and federal entities to help assure the quality of appraisals and the qualifications of appraisers used in federally related transactions. Title XI relies on the states to (1) implement the certification and licensing of all real estate appraisers and (2) monitor and supervise compliance with appraisal standards and requirements. For the mandated study, GAO is examining various appraisal oversight issues, including: (1) ASC's ability to monitor and enforce state and federal appraisal requirements and standards, (2) the extent to which additional data collection would enhance ASC's ability to perform its functions, and (3) the extent to which current exemptions for appraisals for federally related transactions need to be revised. As part of this study, we are surveying officials of agencies that regulate real estate appraisers in each of the states, territories, and the District of Columbia. When responding, you may consult with others, if you think it will help you give a more accurate answer. Your responses will be aggregated and analyzed with those of all survey respondents. Individual responses will not be attributed to you. We anticipate the survey will take approximately 2 hours to complete, including the time needed for research and consultation with your colleagues. Your responses can be saved and accessed at a later date. To learn more about completing the survey, printing your responses, and who to contact if you have questions, click here for help. Thank you in advance for your assistance in taking part in our survey.

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General Information

1.	Please enter the name, agency/organization, title, telephone number and e-mail address of the person completing this questionnaire.

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	Name (first and last): (View responses)
	Agency /Organization: (View responses)
	Title: (View responses)
	Telephone (Include area code): (View responses)
	E-mail address: (View responses)

Agency Structure

	Note: For purposes of the survey, agency also includes a Board or Commission

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2.	Does your agency have the following types of structure? NOTE: 'Yes' responses for questions a-c total more than 100% because some respondents replied 'Yes' to more than one type of agency structure.

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Independent state agency (View responses)
	b. State agency that reports to another state agency, division, or bureau (View responses)
	c. Other type of structure (specify below) (View responses)

If you answered "yes" to "Other type of structure" in question 2, please specify.
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3.	If applicable, please provide the name of the agency to whom your agency reports.

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4.	Are the following part of your agency's structure?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. State-appointed board or commission (e.g., appointed by governor, legislature, or agency) (View responses)
	b. Agency with state employees (View responses)

5.	If applicable, how many members are on your board or commission?

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6.	What types of compensation do your board or commission members receive for their services?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Stipend (View responses)
	b. Per diem (View responses)
	c. Salary (View responses)
	d. Expenses (View responses)
	e. Other compensation (specify below) (View responses)

If you selected "yes" to "Other compensation" in question 6, please specify.
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7.	What is the term length (in years) for board or commission members?

		Less than 1 year
		1 to less than 4 years
		4-6 years
		Greater than 6 years
		No term length
		Don't know
		No response
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8.	Are board or commission members appointed at different times-that is, are the terms staggered?

		Yes
		No
		Don't know
		No response
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9.	How many staff members do you have whose primary role is in one of the following positions and how many have appraisal experience, training, or knowledge?

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	Staff Type

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	Total number of staff in position

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	Number of staff in position with appraisal experience, training, or knowledge

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	a. Board or commission members

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	b. Board administrators/executive directors

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	c. Prosecuting attorneys

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	d. Investigators

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	e. Administrative staff

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	f. Other staff (specify below)

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If you indicated totals for "other staff" in question 9, please specify the positions included in that total.
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10.	How often is the board or commission required to meet?

		At least once weekly
		At least once monthly
		At least once bi-monthly
		At least once quarterly
		As needed
		Other (specify below)
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If you selected "other" in question 10, please specify the requirement.
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Agency Resources

	Note: Full time equivalent (FTE) calculations may include multiples of staff, e.g., 2 part time employees working 20 hours per week would equal one FTE.

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11.	How many full time equivalent (FTE) staff does your agency have to carrying out your agency's Title XI appraiser oversight responsibilities?

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		None	1-5	6-10	11-15	>15	Don't know	Not applicable	No response
	a. State employees (View responses)
	b. Contractors (View responses)
	c. Other type(s) of staff (specify below) (View responses)

If you select a numerical range for "Other type(s) of staff" in question 11, please specify the other types.
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12.	Does your agency share the following resources with other state agencies?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Board administrator/executive director (View responses)
	b. Secretaries (View responses)
	c. Office space (View responses)
	d. Investigators (View responses)
	e. Office equipment (e.g., computers, telephones, copiers, vehicles) (View responses)
	f. Attorneys (View responses)
	g. Other resource 1 (specify below) (View responses)
	h. Other resource 2 (specify below) (View responses)

	If you selected "yes" to "Other resource 1" in question 12, please specify the 1st other shared resource. (View responses)
	If you selected "yes" to "Other resource 2" in question 12, please specify the 2nd other shared resource. (View responses)

Agency Responsibilities and Activities

	Definitions: Federally related transaction (FRT) refers to any real estate related financial transaction that (1) a federal financial institutions regulatory agency (e.g., FDIC) engages in, contracts for, or regulates; and (2) requires the services of an appraiser, that is greater than $250,000 (de minimus level). Appraisal Management Company (AMC), under the Dodd-Frank act, refers to any external third party, in connection with collateralizing mortgage loans or mortgage loans that are securitized, that is authorized either by a creditor of a consumer credit transaction secured by a consumer's principal dwelling or by an underwriter of or other principal in the secondary mortgage markets, that oversees a network or panel of more than 15 certified or licensed appraisers in a state or 25 or more nationally within a given year- in connection with valuing properties collateralizing mortgage loans or mortgages incorporated into a securitization.

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13.	How many appraisers are currently registered with your agency, excluding trainees, interns, and associates?

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	a. Certified General: (View responses)
	b. Certified Residential: (View responses)
	c. Licensed: (View responses)

14.	Does your agency currently have the authority to perform the following tasks?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Issuing standards for the way appraisals should be conducted in addition to those set by the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) (View responses)
	b. Establishing qualifications for appraisers in addition to those established by the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) (View responses)
	c. Monitoring licensed/certified appraisers under your agency's regulatory role (View responses)
	d. Monitoring AMCs under your agency's regulatory role (View responses)
	e. Approving courses for appraisers' qualifying education or training (View responses)

		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	f. Approving courses for appraisers'continuing education or training (View responses)
	g. Enforcing state regulations concerning appraisals (e.g., imposing disciplinary actions on appraisers) (View responses)
	h. Investigating complaints about appraisers (View responses)
	i. Implementing appraisal-related requirements in the Dodd-Frank Act (View responses)
	j. Interacting with other agencies within your state on appraisal matters (View responses)

15.	What is the status of legislative actions to register AMCs in your state?

		No legislation introduced
		Legislation introduced but not passed
		Legislation passed by state's legislative body or equivalent
		Legislation signed by governor (or his equivalent)
		Administrative rules and policies finalized
		Other status (specify below)
		Don't know
		No response
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If you selected "Other status" in question 15, please specify the other status of the legislative action to register AMCs in your state.
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16.	Do you currently have an AMC registration statute in your state?

		Yes
		No (Click here to skip to question 17)
		Don't know (Click here to skip to question 17)
		No response (Click here to skip to question 17)
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	If yes, how many AMCs are currently operating in your state?

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17.	Prior to the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act on 7/21/2010, did your state take the following steps to register AMCs to allow them to operate in your state?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Legislation in committee (View responses)
	b. Legislation introduced but not passed (View responses)
	c. Legislation passed by state's legislative body or equivalent (View responses)
	d. Legislation signed by governor (or his equivalent) (View responses)
	e. Administrative rules and policies finalized (View responses)
	f. Other steps (specify below) (View responses)

If you selected "yes" to "Other steps" in question 16, please specify the other steps your state has taken.
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Agency Revenues, Expenses, and Resources

	Definition: Revenue refers to funds collected through fees, fines, education, and penalties.

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18.	How is your agency funded?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Revenues (e.g., appraiser licensing fees, continuing education provider approval fees) (View responses)
	b. State appropriations or state budgeting process (View responses)
	c. Other source (specify below) (View responses)

If you selected "yes" to "Other source" in question 18, please specify the other source of funding.
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	Note: For survey purposes, the terms "sweeping or swept" refer to actions taken by your state or territorial government to temporarily or permanently redirect funding allocated to or collected by your agency to the government's general fund.

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19.	Does your state have or exercise the following authorities?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Authority to "sweep" revenues collected by your agency into the state's general fund (View responses)
	b. Exercised "sweeping" authority (View responses)

20.	If your agency has "swept" revenues collected by your agency into the general fund, how many times in the past 4 fiscal years has this occurred?

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21.	What was the total amount of revenues (e.g., appraiser licensing fees, continuing education provider approval fees) collected by your agency in your most recently completed fiscal year?

		$0-$50,000
		>$50,00-$100,000
		>$100,000-$250,000
		>$250,000-$500,000
		>$500,000-$1 million
		>$1 million-$5 million
		>$5million-$10 million
		Over $10 million
		Don't know
		No response
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22.	What was the total amount of funds available for your agency operations from budget allocation, agency expenditures, revenues, or any combination of those elements in your most recently completed fiscal year?

		$0-$50,000
		>$50,00-$100,000
		>$100,000-$250,000
		>$250,000-$500,000
		>$500,000-$1 million
		>$1 million-$5 million
		>$5million-$10 million
		Over $10 million
		Don't know
		No response
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23.	How adequate or inadequate are the following in enabling your agency to meet its regulatory responsibilities?

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		Mostly adequate	Somewhat adequate	Neither adequate nor inadequate	Somewhat inadequate	Mostly inadequate	Don't know	No response
	a. Number of staff (View responses)
	b. Office supplies/equipment (View responses)
	c. Amount of funding (View responses)
	d. Number of investigators (View responses)
	e. Number of attorneys (View responses)
	f. Technology to upload required information to the National Registry (View responses)
	g. Amount of education and training opportunities for board/commission members (View responses)
	h. Amount of education and training opportunities for agency staff (View responses)

24.	Would the following suggested changes help or hinder your state's ability to regulate your state appraisal industry?

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		Help greatly	Help somewhat	Help as much as hinder	Hinder somewhat	Hinder greatly	Don't know	No response
	a. Providing more decision-making authority to ASC staff for carrying out its Title XI role and responsibilities (View responses)
	b. Increasing ASC staffing resources for carrying out its Title XI role and responsibilities (View responses)
	c. Providing more transparency of ASC oversight activities and functions (View responses)
	d. Replace state licensing/certification role with federal licensing/certification of appraisers by the ASC or some other federal entity (View responses)

		Help greatly	Help somewhat	Help as much as hinder	Hinder somewhat	Hinder greatly	Don't know	No response
	e. Establishing an independent arbitration or appeal process for states wishing to dispute findings from ASC state compliance reviews (View responses)
	f. Requiring that state investigators have training relevant to appraisals (e.g., joint TAF/AARO investigator training) (View responses)
	g. Requiring that board administrators/executive directors have training relevant to appraisals (e.g., joint TAF/AARO investigator training) (View responses)
	h. Requiring that attorneys have training relevant to appraisals (e.g., joint TAF/AARO investigator training) (View responses)

		Help greatly	Help somewhat	Help as much as hinder	Hinder somewhat	Hinder greatly	Don't know	No response
	i. Changing policy statement 10 guidance to allow different complaint processing times based on resolution method (e.g., settlement, arbitration, etc.) instead of 1 year from complaint filing date (i.e., one size fits all). (View responses)
	j. Eliminating the oversight role presently carried out by the ASC (View responses)
	k. Placing representatives of state government on the ASC's board as a member or liaison (View responses)
	l. Placing representatives of state government on TAF and its boards (i.e., AQB, ASB, and APB) as member or liaison (View responses)
	m. Requiring state reciprocity of appraiser credentials if the appraiser has met AQB qualifications (View responses)
	n. Requiring attendance at key training or conferences sponsored by the ASC or TAF (View responses)
	o. Other suggestion (specify below) (View responses)

If you selected an answer to "Other suggestion" in question 24, please specify the suggestion.
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25.	Listed below are some activities conducted by the Appraisal Foundation, the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) and the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB). How effective or ineffective have each of the following activities been at improving the quality of appraisers in your state?

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		Very effective	Somewhat effective	As effective as ineffective	Somewhat ineffective	Very ineffective	Don't know	No response
	a. Setting standards for the way appraisals should be conducted (View responses)
	b. Establishing the qualifications needed to become an appraiser (View responses)
	c. Setting requirements for appraisers' continuing education (View responses)
	d. Approving courses for appraisers' education or training (View responses)
	e. Determining the qualifications needed by instructors who teach courses to appraisers (View responses)
	f. Providing guidance on disciplining appraisers (e.g., Voluntary Disciplinary Action Matrix) (View responses)

26.	The Appraisal Foundation formed a new board in July 2010-the Appraisal Practices Board (APB)-that is charged with identifying and issuing opinions on "Recognized Valuation Methods and Techniques." How effective or ineffective do you think this effort will be in improving the quality of appraisals in your state?

		Very effective
		Somewhat effective
		As effective as ineffective
		Somewhat ineffective
		Very ineffective
		Don't know
		No response
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Education and Training of Appraisers

	Definition: Distance education refers to education in which there is a separation in time or place between instructor and student. Common delivery systems used in distance education involve technology such as video, computer-based training, and the Internet to bridge the instructional gap (e.g., training provided via the Internet or correspondence courses).

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27.	Are educational providers required to have their courses approved by one or more of the following entities before they can offer it in your state?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) Course Approval Program (View responses)
	b. College or university (View responses)
	c. American Council on Education (View responses)
	d. International Distance Education Certification Center (View responses)
	e. Our agency (View responses)

28.	How adequate or inadequate are AQB appraisers' appraisal qualifications for FRTs in the following areas?

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		Mostly adequate	Somewhat adequate	Neither adequate nor inadequate	Somewhat inadequate	Mostly inadequate	Don't know	No response
	a. Education (View responses)
	b. Experience (View responses)
	c. Examination requirement (View responses)

Complaint Process

29.	Can the following methods be used for submitting an appraisal-related complaint in your state?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Telephone (View responses)
	b. Web site (View responses)
	c. Mail (View responses)
	d. E-mail (View responses)
	e. Fax (View responses)
	f. Walk-in (View responses)
	g. Referral (View responses)

30.	Are the following types of information required or requested by your state for the initial complaint submission of an appraisal-related complaint?

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		Yes, required	Yes, requested	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Complainant information (e.g., name, address, contact info) (View responses)
	b. Reason for filing complaint (View responses)
	c. Complaint-related documents (e.g., copy of the appraisal report) (View responses)
	d. Whether or not the complainant has contacted another state or federal agency about the complaint (View responses)
	e. Type of resolution sought (View responses)
	f. Authorization to refer or forward complaint to other agencies (View responses)
	g. Notarized signature (View responses)
	h. Other information (View responses)

If you selected "required" or "requested" to "Other information" in question 30, please specify.
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31.	Does your agency have the authority to do the following?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Treat a referral as a formal complaint (View responses)
	b. Act as the complainant in a complaint filing (View responses)
	c. Pursue a complaint based on anonymously provided information (View responses)
	d. Initiate investigation of appraisal-related violations based on credible documentation or corroborated information (View responses)
	e. Allow board initiated complaints (View responses)
	f. Carry out disciplinary actions against an appraiser (View responses)

32.	Does your agency's procedures for handling complaints include the following?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Intake procedures for new complaints (View responses)
	b. Distribution procedures for new complaints (View responses)
	c. Procedures for tracking complaints using a log developed by your state (View responses)
	d. Procedures for tracking complaints using a log recommended by ASC policy manager (View responses)
	e. Procedures for accepting a standardized complaint form (View responses)

		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	f. Screening process for determining whether to pursue or dismiss the complaint (View responses)
	g. Timeframe for completing screening process (View responses)
	h. Notifying the complainant in writing that your agency has received the complaint or referral (View responses)
	i. Process for requesting information related to a complaint (View responses)
	j. Timeframes for accepting information related to a complaint (View responses)

		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	k. Instructions on how to handle incoming and outgoing complaint referrals (View responses)
	l. Requirement that a complainant appear in person at proceedings (View responses)
	m. Instructions for determining when the complaint process is complete (View responses)
	n. Instructions for determining when the complaint is closed (View responses)
	o. Notifying the complainant in writing of the disposition (View responses)

	Note: The appraisal evaluation referred to in the question 33 below can be a USPAP standard 3 evaluation or another evaluation method used by your agency.

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33.	As part of the complaint process, are the following types of individuals responsible for evaluating an appraisal that is the subject of a complaint?

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		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Board administrator/executive director (View responses)
	b. Board or commission member(s) (View responses)
	c. Investigator(s) (View responses)
	d. Attorney(s) (View responses)
	e. Other(s) (specify below) (View responses)

If you selected "yes" to "Other(s)" in question 33, please specify the other type(s) of individuals responsible for evaluating an appraisal that is the subject of a complaint.
(View responses)

34.	Consider the complaints your agency closed out in the past two completed fiscal years, what was the average length of time between the dates the complaints were filed and the dates the complaints were closed out?

		1-90 days
		91-180 days
		181-270 days
		271-365 days
		Other (specify below)
		Don't know
		No response
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If you selected "Other" in question 34, please specify.
(View responses)

35.	The Dodd-Frank Act established mandatory requirements for reporting appraisal violations to applicable state agencies. Would a uniform complaint form used by all states and territories help or hinder the implementation of this requirement?

		Help greatly
		Help somewhat
		Neither help nor hinder
		Hinder somewhat
		Hinder greatly
		Don't know
		No response
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Complaints Against Appraisers and AMCs

36.	In calendar year 2010, about how many complaints did your agency receive about appraisers and AMCs in your state?

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		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	No response
	a. Appraisers (View responses)
	b. AMCs (View responses)

37.	In calendar year 2010, about how many disciplinary actions did your agency take against appraisers and AMCs in your state (including those for complaints submitted in prior years)?

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		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	No response
	a. Appraisers (View responses)
	b. AMCs (View responses)

38.	In calendar year 2010, about how many complaints against appraisers did your agency receive from the types of institutions and individuals listed below?

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		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	No response
	a. Banking regulators (View responses)
	b. Lenders (View responses)
	c. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (View responses)
	d. HUD and FHA (View responses)
	e. Individual consumers (View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	No response
	f. Consumer groups (View responses)
	g. Appraisers (View responses)
	h. Real estate agents (View responses)
	i. Mortgage brokers (View responses)
	j. AMCs (View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	No response
	k. Other agencies within your state (View responses)
	l. Other states (View responses)
	m. Local government (View responses)
	n. Anonymous (View responses)
	o. Other (specify below) (View responses)

If you selected an numerical range to "Other" in question 38, please specify the other source of the complaint(s).
(View responses)

39.	In calendar year 2010, how many disciplinary actions taken against appraisers had the following outcomes (including those for complaints submitted in prior years)?

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		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	Not applicable	No response
	a. Referral to another agency within your state for action (View responses)
	b. Referral to another state (View responses)
	c. Valid complaint finding -resolved in the complainant's favor (View responses)
	d. Invalid complaint finding-the complainant's allegations, even if true, would not be a violation of applicable law or policies (View responses)
	e. Unsubstantiated-the complainant was unable to provide support for the allegations (View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	Not applicable	No response
	f. Appraiser required to get additional qualifying education (View responses)
	g. Appraiser required to get additional continuing education (View responses)
	h. Letter of warning or admonition issued to appraiser (View responses)
	i. Appraiser placed on probation or inactive status (View responses)
	j. Appraiser placed on suspension (View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	Not applicable	No response
	k. Appraiser fined (View responses)
	l. Appraiser's license revoked or surrendered (View responses)
	m. Appraiser received letter of reprimand (View responses)
	n. Appraiser censured (View responses)
	o. Disciplinary action reported to national registry (View responses)
	p. Consent decree or agreement (View responses)
	q. Other outcomes (specify below) (View responses)

If you selected a numerical range to "Other outcome" in question 39, please specify the other outcomes.
(View responses)

40.	In calendar year 2010, how many open and closed investigations were there for complaints made against appraisers (including those for complaints submitted in prior years)?

	(View responses)

	a. Open/ongoing investigation: (View responses)
	b. Closed/completed investigation: (View responses)

41.	In calendar year, 2010, how did the number of complaints against appraisers in your state compare with the number in calendar year 2008?

		Far greater
		Somewhat greater
		About the same
		Somewhat fewer
		Far fewer
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

42.	Did your state have an AMC statute in 2010?

		Yes
		No (Click here to skip to question 47)
		Don't know (Click here to skip to question 47)
		No response (Click here to skip to question 47)
	(View responses)

43.	In calendar year 2010, about how many complaints against AMCs were received from the types of institutions and individuals listed below?

	(View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	No response
	a. Banking regulators (View responses)
	b. Lenders (View responses)
	c. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (View responses)
	d. HUD and FHA (View responses)
	e. Individual consumers (View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	No response
	f. Consumer groups (View responses)
	g. Appraisers (View responses)
	h. Appraisers (View responses)
	i. Mortgage brokers (View responses)
	j. AMCs (View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	No response
	k. Other agencies within your state (View responses)
	l. Other states (View responses)
	m. Local government (View responses)

44.	In calendar year 2010, how many disciplinary actions taken against AMCs had the following outcomes (including those for complaints submitted in prior years)?

	(View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	Not applicable	No response
	a. Referral to another agency within your state for action (View responses)
	b. Referral to another state (View responses)
	c. Valid complaint finding -resolved in the complainant's favor (View responses)
	d. Invalid complaint finding-the complainant's allegations, even if true, would not be a violation of applicable law or policies (View responses)
	e. Unsubstantiated-the complainant was unable to provide support for the allegations (View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	Not applicable	No response
	f. Letter of warning or admonition issued to AMC (View responses)
	g. AMC placed on probation or inactive status (View responses)
	h. AMC placed on suspension (View responses)
	i. AMC fined (View responses)
	j. AMC's registration revoked/surrendered (View responses)

		None	1-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	>100	Don't know	Not applicable	No response
	k. AMC received letter of reprimand (View responses)
	l. AMC censured (View responses)
	m. Consent decree or agreement (View responses)
	n. Other outcomes (specify below) (View responses)

If you selected a numerical range for "Other outcome" in question 44, please specify the other outcomes.
(View responses)

45.	In calendar year 2010, how many open and closed investigations were there for complaints made against AMCs (including those for complaints submitted in prior years)?

	(View responses)

	a. Open or ongoing investigation: (View responses)
	b. Closed or completed investigation: (View responses)

46.	In calendar year, 2010, how did the number of complaints against AMCs in your state compare with the number in calendar year 2008?

		Far greater
		Somewhat greater
		About the same
		Somewhat fewer
		Far fewer
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

ASC, National Registry, Policy Statements, and Compliance Reviews

47.	Does your agency make use of the ASC's National Registry in the following ways?

	(View responses)

		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Find out if disciplinary actions were taken against an appraiser in other states (View responses)
	b. Verify that applicants from other states are licensed or certified in those states (View responses)
	c. Notify other states and the ASC of appraisers against whom disciplinary actions have been taken in our state (View responses)
	d. Upload required Title XI information (i.e., appraiser registrations and disciplinary actions) (View responses)

		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	e. Track appraisers disciplined by your agency (View responses)
	f. Other use (specify below) (View responses)

If you selected "yes" to "Other use" in question 47, please specify
(View responses)

48.	In the boxes below, please list up to 3 ways the ASC's National Registry could be improved.

	(View responses)

	Improvement 1: (View responses)
	Improvement 2: (View responses)
	Improvement 3: (View responses)

49.	How frequently do you upload data to ASC's National Registry?

		Once per month
		2-5 times per month
		6-10 times per month
		11-15 times per month
		16-20 times per month
		21-25 times per month
		26-30 times per month
		Other (specify below)
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

If you selected "Other" in question 49, how frequently do you upload data?
(View responses)

50.	Have ASC policy statements helped or hindered your regulation of the appraisal industry in your state?

		Helped greatly
		Helped somewhat
		Neither helped nor hindered
		Hindered somewhat
		Hindered greatly
		Other (specify below)
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

If you selected "Other" in question 50, please specify.
(View responses)

51.	Have the following ASC activities helped or hindered your ability to comply with Title XI?

	(View responses)

		Helped greatly	Helped somewhat	Neither helped nor hindered	Hindered somewhat	Hindered greatly	Don't know	No response
	a. ASC policy statements (View responses)
	b. ASC compliance reviews (View responses)

52.	Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

	(View responses)

		Strongly agree	Somewhat agree	Neither agree or disagree	Somewhat disagree	Strongly disagree	Don't know	No response
	a. ASC policy statements are vague (View responses)
	b. ASC policy statements should be rewritten or updated (View responses)
	c. ASC policy statements should be replaced by a set of administrative rules or regulations (View responses)
	d. ASC policy managers consistently interpret and apply the policy statements (View responses)
	e. The ASC board's Title XI appraiser regulatory oversight roles, including responsibilities and functions, are clearly explained on the website or through other means (e.g., notices, memos, and policy directives) (View responses)
	f. The ASC executive staff's (i.e., executive director, deputy director, and general counsel) Title XI appraiser regulatory oversight roles, including responsibilities and functions, are clearly explained on the website or through other means (e.g., notices, memos, and policy directives) (View responses)

		Strongly agree	Somewhat agree	Neither agree or disagree	Somewhat disagree	Strongly disagree	Don't know	No response
	g. The ASC policy managers' Title XI appraiser regulatory oversight roles, including responsibilities and functions, are clearly explained on the website or through other means (e.g., notices, memos, and policy directives) (View responses)
	h. ASC staff are helpful in addressing legislative issues (View responses)
	i. ASC staff offer states assistance in addressing issues that hinder an agency's ability to comply with Title XI (e.g., funding, staffing, and investigation) (View responses)
	j. TAF/AARO investigator training has improved our complaint process (View responses)
	k. Information provided by ASC clearly communicates the actions our agency must take to be compliant with Title XI (View responses)
	l. Information provided by the ASC clearly explains the requirements our agency must satisfy for ASC's compliance review (View responses)

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Requirements

53.	The ASC's fee for placing appraisers on the ASC's National Registry will increase from $25.00 to $40.00 on 1/1/2012. Is this new fee too high, too low or just right?

		Too high
		About right
		Too low
		Other (specify below)
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

If you selected "Other" in question 53, please specify.
(View responses)

54.	Will the establishment of a national complaint hotline for appraisal related complaints help or hinder your state's ability to regulate the appraisal industry in your state?

		Help greatly
		Help somewhat
		Help as much as hinder
		Hinder somewhat
		Hinder greatly
		Other (specify below)
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

If you selected "Other" in question 54, please specify.
(View responses)

55.	Title 14, section 1473 of the Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the ASC to establish a national complaint hotline for appraisals. Will a complaint hotline increase or decease the number of complaints that your agency receives?

		Greatly increase
		Somewhat increase
		Neither increase or decrease
		Somewhat decrease
		Greatly decrease
		Other (specify below)
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

If you selected "Other" in question 55, please specify.
(View responses)

56.	Did your state have statutes or policies on appraiser independence prior to the enactment of Title 14, section 1472 of the Dodd-Frank Act and the issuance of the Federal Reserve's interim final rules on appraiser independence?

		Yes
		No
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

57.	Title 14, section 1473 of the Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the ASC to make grants to states to support their compliance with Title XI of FIRREA. What factors, criteria, or information should ASC consider in implementing the grant program? (please list up to three)

	(View responses)

	Consideration 1: (View responses)
	Consideration 2: (View responses)
	Consideration 3: (View responses)

58.	Would any state laws about the ASC's grant program need to be changed to...

	(View responses)

		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. allow funding to go directly to your agency? (View responses)
	b. prevent grant funding from replacing funds from other sources? (View responses)

59.	Would your agency use ASC grant funding for the following uses?

	(View responses)

		Yes	No	Don't know	No response
	a. Complaint process (View responses)
	b. Complaint investigation (View responses)
	c. Hiring licensing staff (View responses)
	d. Hiring investigatory staff (View responses)
	e. Enforcement activities (View responses)
	f. Technological improvements for submitting data to ASC's National Registry (View responses)

60.	How likely is it that your agency will apply for a grant?

		Very likely
		Somewhat likely
		Neither likely or unlikely
		Somewhat unlikely
		Very unlikely
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

61.	What were the 3 key impacts your agency faced when implementing the new Dodd-Frank Act requirements?

	(View responses)

	Key impact 1: (View responses)
	Key impact 2: (View responses)
	Key impact 3: (View responses)

Appraisal Threshold

62.	For residential properties, what should the current appraisal threshold for federally related transactions (currently $250,000) be changed to, if at all?

		No change
		$50,000
		$75,000
		$100,000
		$250,000
		$500,000
		$750,000
		$1 million
		>$ 1million
		Other amount (specify below)
		Don't know
		No response
	(View responses)

If you selected "Other amount" in question 62, please specify.
(View responses)

63.	Please list up to three reasons for the answer you provided in question 62 regarding possible changes to the appraisal threshold.

	(View responses)

	Reason 1: (View responses)
	Reason 2: (View responses)
	Reason 3: (View responses)

64.	If you have any comments about the current appraiser regulatory system, the Dodd-Frank Act, or any other topics mentioned in this questionnaire, please enter them below. If your comments relate to a specific question in this survey, please include the question number in your response.

	(View responses)

	Thank you for your participation

	(View responses)

Submit Your Final Responses to GAO

65.	Are you ready to submit your final completed survey to GAO? (This is equivalent to mailing a completed paper survey to us. It tells us that your answers are official and final.)

		Yes, my survey is complete - To submit your final responses, please click on "Exit" below"
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	(View responses)

	You may view and print your completed survey by clicking on the Summary link in the menu to the left..

	(View responses)

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