§ 3350 — Definitions

For purposes of this chapter: (1) The term “State appraiser certifying and licensing agency” means a State agency established in compliance with this chapter. (2) The terms “Appraisal Subcommittee” and “subcommittee” mean the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. (3) The term “Council” means the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council. (4) The term “federally related transaction” means any real estate-related financial transaction which— (A) a federal financial institutions regulatory agency or the Resolution Trust Corporation engages in, contracts for, or regulates; and (B) requires the services of an appraiser. (5) The term “real estate-related financial transaction” means any transaction involving— (A) the sale, lease, purchase, investment in or exchange of real property, including interests in property, or the financing thereof; (B) the refinancing of real property or interests in real property; and (C) the use of real property or interests in property as security for a loan or investment, including mortgage-backed securities. (6) The term “Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the National Credit Union Administration. (7) The term “financial institution” means an insured depository institution as defined in section 1813 of this title or an insured credit union as defined in section 1752 of this title. (8) The term “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Appraisal Subcommittee selected by the Council. (9) The terms “Appraisal Foundation” and “Foundation” means the Appraisal Foundation established on November 30, 1987, as a not for profit corporation under the laws of Illinois. (10) The term “written appraisal” means a written statement used in connection with a federally related transaction that is independently and impartially prepared by a licensed or certified appraiser setting forth an opinion of defined value of an adequately described property as of a specific date, supported by presentation and analysis of relevant market information. (11) The term “appraisal management company” means, in connection with valuing properties collateralizing mortgage loans or mortgages incorporated into a securitization, any external third party 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— (A) to recruit, select, and retain appraisers; (B) to contract with licensed and certified appraisers to perform appraisal assignments; (C) to manage the process of having an appraisal performed, including providing administrative duties such as receiving appraisal orders and appraisal reports, submitting completed appraisal reports to creditors and underwriters, collecting fees from creditors and underwriters for services provided, and reimbursing appraisers for services performed; or (D) to review and verify the work of appraisers.