KAZ APPRAISALS, INC. PRIVACY POLICY

(Effective July 1, 2001)

KAZ Appraisals, Inc., like many other providers of financial services, is now required by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to inform customers, and consumers, of our policies regarding the collection of nonpublic personal information during the appraisal process.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently ruled that real property appraisers are now considered to be in the same category as financial institutions.  This stems, in part, from longstanding statements by FannieMae, FreddieMac, and FHA that appraisers are considered as part of the financial institution for their participation in the lending process.

State Licensed / Certified Appraisers have been and continue to be bound by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the Ethics Rule which consists of the conduct, management, confidentiality, and record keeping sections.  These Rules and Standards are more stringent than those required by existing laws or regulations.  KAZ Appraisals, Inc. has always been very diligent about protecting information deemed to be private or confidential in nature.

TYPES OF NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTED 

Personal information about you and your property is collected during the course of developing the appraisal process.  This is generally accomplished with your knowledge and approval.  Nonpublic information is normally provided to our company by you or obtained by us with your authorization.  The purpose of the appraisal process is to develop a credible value opinion for the client or customer.  The appraiser’s opinion of market value may involve the use of some of your nonpublic information during the appraisal process.  A credible value opinion is part of the requirement for successful completion of a particular real estate financial transaction or business decision.

PARTIES TO WHOM WE DISCLOSE INFORMATION

This company does not disclose any nonpublic personal information obtained during the course of developing a property's specific value opinion except as required by law or at the direction of the client to assist in the completion of a particular financial transaction.  Such nonpublic information may be disclosed to the client and any identified intended users of the specific appraisal, review, or appraisal consulting assignment.  A fiduciary agreement is automatically in effect between our company and the identified client / customer and intended users per the Ethic Rule contained within the USPAP. 

Additionally, in all such situations, the appraiser must comply with all pertinent laws, rules, and regulations regarding the safeguarding of the analyses, conclusions, survey results, adjustments, and opinions relative to the appraisal process.  

RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Our agency retains records relating to the informational services that we provide so that we are better able to assist with your professional needs and to comply with the requirements of the Ethics Rule as contained within the USPAP.  In order to secure your nonpublic personal information, our agency maintains physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to comply with our professional standards of practice and all applicable laws and regulations.

CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO LIMIT PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OR SHARING OF NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION

Clients / customers have the right to limit the reuse of their nonpublic personal information gathered by the appraiser during the course of the appraisal process.  The customer must notify this agency within a reasonable time (considered to be 30 days by the FTC) that public disclosure, or reuse of such information is prohibited except as required by applicable law, regulation, or the USPAP.

Please call if you have any questions concerning this policy.  Your privacy, our professional ethics, and the ability to provide you with a quality product or service are very important to us.

KAZ Appraisals, Inc.
P.O. Box 364
Gainesville, VA  20156-0364
Telephone: 703.753.2040 / Fax: 703.753.0410
E-Mail:
Karen@kazappraisals.com