Should You Engage a Financial Advisor?
Discrimination and Bias in Residential Lending
Five Steps a Healthcare Banker Recommends When Acquiring a Medical or Dental Practice
What is an Appraisal?
Episode 014: Business Divorce Stories: Business Appraiser Tony Cotrupe and Attorney Jeff Eilender
Episode 1: Chris Mercer Interview on Marketability Discount: Part 1
Episode 2: Chris Mercer Interview on Marketability Discount: Part 2
Episode 11: Mediating Business Valuation Disputes: Conversation with Arthur Rosenbloom
Last week, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) announced its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams. The Dirty Dozen lists twelve of the most prevalent scams that, in the IRS’s estimation, represent the most significant...more
In a decision that further defines the power of an appraiser, a Texas federal court analyzed the enforceability of an appraisal award where appraisers specifically determined that damage was caused by wind and hail in...more
The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is the nation’s largest nonprofit fair housing organization, leading investigations, enforcement, advocacy, and research to advance equal housing opportunity....more
As of January 1, 2026, a significant change to Washington real estate law has taken effect that may directly impact how buyers approach off-market acquisitions—specifically, RCW 61.40.010 creates a new “appraisal...more
Recently, a Texas appellate court conditionally granted an insurer’s writ of mandamus, finding that the trial court abused its discretion by striking the insurer’s plea in intervention and denying the independent adjusting...more
For many families, their home is their most valuable asset, both financially and emotionally. For families navigating a divorce, determining the future of the family home requires a careful assessment of the financial,...more
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, recently granted an insurer’s motion for summary judgment, rejecting the insured’s argument that the contractual limitations period (2 years + 1...more
In Texas, once a claim denial has been issued, the clock starts ticking for an insured to file a lawsuit. In Texas, the default statute of limitations for breach of contract claims is four years. ...more
In Frederich v. Trisura Specialty Ins. Co., the 5th Circuit affirmed the granting of Trisura’s Motion for Summary Judgment. That judgement was based on the insurer’s payment of an appraisal award plus interest....more
When a loved one or friend passes away, they often leave a large amount of personal property to be distributed. This article addresses the distribution of a decedent’s personal property and disputes concerning its...more
In recent years, the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands (the “Grand Court”) has heard a number of “appraisal cases”—cases in which shareholders who dissent against a proposed merger or acquisition petition the Grand Court for...more
Plaintiffs attorneys have been doing their darnedest to avoid litigating in federal court. That’s because federal court judges are more likely to consider dispositive motions and are stricter in enforcing deadlines and...more
A federal judge has dismissed a high-profile case involving allegations that a home appraiser was racially biased in his appraisal. ...more
Virtually every insurance policy contains specific duties required of an insured in the event of loss. Typically, an insured's duties, which may be modified by endorsement, include claim reporting or claim notice...more
To keep you informed of recent activities, below are several of the most significant federal and state events that have influenced the Consumer Financial Services industry over the past week....more
On July 10, HUD and the OMB announced two changes regarding federal housing policies: first, they terminated several FHA mortgagee letters regarding appraisals; and they disbanded the Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity...more
On July 10, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) jointly announced the effective disbandment of the interagency Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity...more
Recently the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rescinded various FHA mortgage loan requirements in a series of five Mortgagee Letters....more
It is widely understood that fine art collectors frequently identify investment as a primary motivation for acquiring fine art. Considering the fluctuating financial markets and prevailing global uncertainties, many fine art...more
On May 13, the governor of Montana signed into law HB 872 to amend the state’s regulations concerning appraiser licensing. The act clarifies that licensed or certified real estate appraisers can offer evaluations to financial...more
Host Warren K. Racusin, Chair of Lowenstein's Trusts & Estates practice, invites Meghan M. Federman and Joanne Mournet, President at DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers, to cover how estate planning for art and valuables differs...more
A recent US Tax Court case (WT Art P’ship LP v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2025-30) illustrates how failing to comply with the technical requirements for substantiating the value of charitable contributions can jeopardize a...more
When purchasing an expensive engagement ring, one would not seek the expertise of a real estate agent. Similarly, when an estate requires an appraisal, it is crucial to engage the appropriate expert for high value personal...more
In a recent decision, Gray v. Philadelphia Contributionship, 748 F. Supp. 3d 367 (D. Md. 2024), U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar granted a policyholders’ motion to compel appraisal and stayed litigation in a diversity...more
The 2023 amendments to Florida Statute § 624.155, enacted through HB 837, significantly reshaped the landscape of bad faith litigation in Florida. Among the most consequential changes were the additions of two key...more