Blurring photos

[Myles Hoffman]

Back in June 2016 the IDFRP appraisal newsletter put together by Brian Weaver, in the AMC Fair Housing Mythology article, indicated that blurring of photos violated Illinois Law. Fair lending issues have been an issue lately. I'm getting pushback for not blurring family photos in a room scene. Is blurring a photo still a violation? If it is, is there a statute in Illinois that addresses this so I can provide it to the client?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

If you have a copy of the newsletter send it to the client.

 

[ExplainDNA]

I only had that request once in 22 years. I just shrugged it off, not worth going to the mat over…

 

[glenn walker]

Back in June 2016 the IDFRP appraisal newsletter put together by Brian Weaver, in the AMC Fair Housing Mythology article, indicated that blurring of photos violated Illinois Law. Fair lending issues have been an issue lately. I'm getting pushback for not blurring family photos in a room scene. Is blurring a photo still a violation? If it is, is there a statute in Illinois that addresses this so I can provide it to the client?

It's originally HUD developed but an acceptable anti discrimination protection policy that any lender can adapt to their internal policies and assignment conditions- my advice is just blurr the family photo's or face the potential consequences. There are many stories and lawsuits regarding the issue.

You also may want to call your E & O providers legal department as I'm sure they can tell you why it's good practice to blurr the photos. Don't die on this hill. Lol

 

[sputnam]

I've never altered photos used in appraisal reports except to adjust the size. Never had a problem.

 

[Tom D]

Just blur it. They have photo editing programs, not expensive, that remove people from photos.
The state is less painful than death by racism.

 

[Bobby Bucks]

I’ve only blurred one photo when requested, it’s too much trouble. I find it much easier to simply crop the photo to appease the offended reviewers. Had a request/demand once to remove a photo of a dog on a refrigerator. Fannie Mae is thorough with quality control. What happens if the PDC leaves a dog in a photo?

 

[Vermonter]

Nope. Altering photos sets a bad precedent. They get two choices, photo as-is or no photo. Their choice.

 

[Dale Floyd]

Appraisers have been strategic in taking photos, and blurring children, blurring photos in the photos, and blurring license plates, since the 1990’s. It’s just not a big deal. Alamode had a blurring feature in its software shortly after Windows was introduced.

 

[Jerry Bone Jr]

Back in June 2016 the IDFRP appraisal newsletter put together by Brian Weaver, in the AMC Fair Housing Mythology article, indicated that blurring of photos violated Illinois Law. Fair lending issues have been an issue lately. I'm getting pushback for not blurring family photos in a room scene. Is blurring a photo still a violation? If it is, is there a statute in Illinois that addresses this so I can provide it to the client?

Blurred photo = hide something