ClickFORMS 6.8 — 1004MC
As you know, the Fannie Mae 1004MC is required on all residential appraisals as of April 1st. Earlier this week we released version 6.8 of ClickFORMS with the most recently revised version of the 1004MC included. Please be advised that there may be additional changes instituted by Fannie Mae. If this happens, we will update the form ASAP and it will be made available via the auto updater.

Please be sure to update to the 6.8 version now, so that you are prepared for any auto updates as we release them. For more information about the 1004MC form, visit bradfordsoftware.com and click at the top of any page.

ID Theft is America's Top Crime
According to the Justice Department, identity theft passed drug trafficking in 2008 as America's top crime. Identity theft has been the top-ranked reported crime by consumers for the ninth consecutive year.

The Mortgage Asset Research Institute reports in its 11th Periodic Mortgage Fraud Case Report to the Mortgage Bankers Association that incidents of mortgage fraud have increased by 26 percent in 2008. In a separate study, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network reported last month that suspicious activity reports on mortgage fraud have increased by more than 44 percent from 2007 to 2008.

Beginning May 1, mortgage lenders must comply with the Identity Theft Red Flags Rule. This will ensure that lenders must have a written plan in place for dealing with identity theft -- not only in identifying specific red flags, but also assisting consumers who believe they have been a victim of identity theft.

For more information about identify theft and how it relates to the industry, read this article from the Mortgage Bankers Association: http://www.mortgagebankers.org/tools/FullStory.aspx?ArticleId=2695

An Insight into Flood Insights
Do you live in an area where assessing risks and evaluating flood hazards is commonplace in your appraisals? If so, getting your flood zone determinations with ClickFORMS can be as simple as typing in an address.

Flood Insights, a subsidiary of RiskMeter Online, uses data directly from First American Flood Data Services and utilizes MapX™ technology from MapInfo® to craft its Automated Flood Determinations.

Flood Insights is also partnered with Bradford Technologies, Inc., so critical information from your Automated Flood Determinations is imported into your ClickFORMS reports and automatically inserted into the appropriate fields with just a few simple clicks.

To learn more about Automated Flood Determinations with ClickFORMS and Flood Insights, view this demo or call 800-622-8727 to speak with a representative from Bradford Technologies.

AppraisalWorld Credential Lockers™ - what your potential clients are looking for
If you’re trying to increase your client base, make sure you stand out from your competition by sending them your credentials in an organized and professional looking web page — instead of adding to the clutter of faxes and snail mail they already receive.

Your Credential Locker will store your license details, E&O information, specialties, resume, etc. Clients will be impressed by the way your credentials are organized, making the review process simple and fast. This convenience is especially welcomed since they are receiving hundreds of applications per week. Best of all, your credentials are securely stored online and easily accessible for you to update.

Learn more: http://appraisalworld.com/appraisers/lockers.shtml

Green Tips: Saving Water
The website Water: Use It Wisely provides 100 easy ways to conserve water — which not only helps the environment, but saves money as well. Here are a few examples:

• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
• Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.

Learn more at http://www.wateruseitwisely.com.