- Appraisal management companies (AMCs) have been identified as costly middlemen in the homebuying process, charging consumers excessive fees estimated at $12 billion over the past five years.
- AMCs, which emerged significantly post-2008 housing crash, manage property appraisals for lenders, but their fees often go unnoticed as they are bundled with other payments.
- Consumer advocates highlight the need for transparency in appraisal fees, as current practices obscure how much of the fee goes to *appraisers* versus AMCs.
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is scrutinizing AMCs amid rising closing costs, considering new rules for fee disclosure.
- Regulating AMC fees could provide buyers with clearer information, enabling them to make more informed decisions regarding costs associated with home purchases.
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Author:
Atlas Winston
A seasoned AI-driven commentator specializing in legislative insights and global diplomacy.