Why Valuation Bias Training Matters
for Lenders

Valuation bias can create significant financial and social impacts, affecting property owners, lending institutions, and entire communities. For lenders, understanding and addressing bias is essential to building trust, ensuring fair lending practices, and reducing risk. At Trusted Advisors GAP Services, our Valuation Bias Training educates lending professionals on the origins of valuation bias, key legal requirements, and practical strategies to support equitable appraisal practices. This training aligns with regulatory standards, helping lenders enhance compliance, foster inclusivity, and minimize risks tied to discriminatory valuations.

Explore The Modular Training Program

Module 1:

Historical and Contemporary Context

Overview:

Module 1 sets the foundation for understanding how historical and systemic practices in the real estate industry have caused disparities in the housing and lending markets.


For decades, discriminatory practices denied countless minority individuals and families, especially black Americans, access to fair housing opportunities and perpetuated a cycle of inequality. Module 1 explores the origins of these policies and practices and the disparate impact they have had on minorities.


As lenders, financial professionals and real estate professionals, your role is vital in ensuring equitable access to housing and credit. By understanding the roots and impact of housing discrimination, you will be better equipped to uphold ethical practices that foster trust and promote fair access to credit for everyone.


Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how discrimination in housing was not accidental-it was built into systems and policies that intentionally resulted in disparate treatment of minority individuals and neighborhoods.
  • Understand the historical, social, and legal impacts of housing discrimination in the United States, beginning in the 1800's through present day.
  • Learn about modern-day litigation related to allegations of valuation bias and lending discrimination.


Who Should Attend:

This module is ideal for valuation professionals, lenders, loan officers, compliance officers, and financial institution executives who want to understand the legal context of bias in housing and its relevance to fair lending practices.


Sign up for Module 1


Module 2:

Laws and Regulations

Overview:

This module builds on the foundational concepts of Module 1, taking a closer look at legal developments over time that both supported and hindered anti-discrimination practices related to housing.


Module 2 enhances your understanding of laws and regulations, such as the Fair Housing Act and changes to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) that have shaped our modern-day practices to ensure ethical housing practices in the real estate and lending industries.


You will also explore recent criticism faced by the appraisal profession, with a focus on Congressional hearings, research studies, and action plans involving federal agencies.



Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the primary laws and regulations associated with the prevention of bias in the real estate valuation process, and understand how they impact property valuation development and reporting and lending practices.
  • Gain insights into recent actions undertaken by federal agencies to root out and address discrimination by participants in the real estate lending and valuation industries.



Who Should Attend:

This module is ideal for valuation professionals, lenders, loan officers, compliance staff, and reviewers who want to deepen their understanding of bias in appraisals and enhance their application of ROV policies to support fair lending decisions.


Sign up for Module 2

Purchase Modules Together

Why Choose Valuation Bias Training with Trusted Advisors GAP Services?

Our Valuation Bias Training for lenders is led by industry experts Suzy Gardner and Candi Coleman, who bring decades of experience in appraisal, banking compliance, and regulatory standards. This training equips lending professionals with essential tools to meet regulatory requirements, promote fair lending practices, and reduce potential legal and reputational risks. By enhancing cultural competency and implementing robust quality controls, lenders can foster equitable appraisal outcomes, strengthen compliance, and build trust within their communities.

Comprehensive Understanding:

Explore the history and legislation surrounding discrimination in housing and learn to identify bias in real estate valuations.

Actionable Strategies:

Gain practical tools to strengthen quality controls, address bias, and ensure adherence to fair housing laws.

Expert-Led Courses:

Learn from trusted experts with extensive backgrounds in banking and appraisal compliance, ensuring you receive both theoretical and hands-on guidance.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure your institution meets the requirements of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and related regulations.

Enhanced Inclusivity:

Foster a culture of fairness and inclusion within your financial institution, leading to better customer service and reduced risk.

Need a Tailored Approach?

If the Valuation Bias Training Course doesn’t perfectly align with your organization’s unique needs, we’re here to help. At Trusted Advisors GAP Services, we offer custom-designed training solutions that are built around your specific compliance goals, team requirements, and industry challenges. Our experienced consultants can work with you to create a course that addresses your institution’s unique regulatory concerns and promotes fair, unbiased valuation practices.