A property owner believes they were discriminated against in an appraisal completed for a mortgage refinance. What are they MOST likely to do?

• A. File a complaint with HUD
• B. File a lawsuit against the appraiser
• C. Request a re-valuation from the bank
• D. File a complaint with the state appraisal board

Answer: (B)

When a homeowner believes an appraisal done for a mortgage refinance was biased or discriminatory, pursuing a civil action against the appraiser is a direct way to seek accountability and relief. Appraisers are licensed professionals held to ethical and professional standards (such as USPAP). If discrimination is alleged, a lawsuit can address the harm, potentially leading to damages, restitution, or other court-ordered remedies.

Other avenues exist in the system—for example, complaints to HUD under the Fair Housing Act or to the state appraisal board about professional conduct—but those routes are typically about enforcement of rights or licensure matters rather than obtaining financial relief for a specific harmed party. A request to re-value through the bank is not a remedy for discriminatory conduct and would not address the underlying wrongdoing.