AUSTIN, TX - The Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board (TALCB) is pleased to announce a significant victory for consumers in Texas. Former real estate appraiser, Daniel O’Leary, was indicted in El Paso County District Court on felony charges stemming from fraudulent appraisals he is accused of having completed and submitted to lenders as part of mortgage finance transactions guaranteed by the federal government. This criminal prosecution protects Texas consumers from O'Leary's illegal and deceptive appraisal activities.

Longtime Appraiser Investigator, Jim Jacobs, died on Saturday, July 4 after a fierce battle with cancer,  He worked for TALCB since 2012 as an appraiser investigator.  He was an appraiser for over 40 years and a familiar face at TALCB meetings and events for more than 20 years. TALCB Enforcement Director, Troy Beaulieu said, “his quirky sense of humor and commitment to our team’s mission will be missed.”  TALCB Board and staff thank Jim for all he has contributed professionally and personally to the Board.

Due to the Presidential Disaster Declaration issued on March 13, 2020, certain governmental entities (GSE’s) have issued guidance to assist financial institutions in providing necessary services to the public. On April 14, 2020, the GSE’s adopted an interim final rule to amend the agencies’ regulations regarding appraisals of real estate for certain transactions. The interim rule outlines existing flexibilities and temporary changes to industry appraisal standards and regulations.

TALCB has adopted new rules to create an ACE program including measures to ensure compliance.  These rules are located in §153.40 and §153.41 of Board rules, which became effective on September 1, 2019.

How does this affect appraiser license holders?

License holders can ensure the courses they take for ACE credit are approved by referencing the list of approved ACE Courses available on the TALCB website.