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Bill

HB 1151

Residential Real Property Sales – Appraisals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 34 co-sponsors

Maryland HB 1151 establishes new appraisal standards for residential real estate sales to ensure fair valuations and protect against discriminatory practices in property assessments.

Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1151

Legislative bill overview

HB 1151 modifies Maryland's requirements for residential real property appraisals in sales transactions. The bill appears to establish new standards or procedures governing how appraisals are conducted, reviewed, or challenged during real estate sales. The legislation has progressed through committee review with amendments and passed its third reading.

Why is this important

Appraisals directly affect mortgage lending decisions, property taxes, and fair market valuations—impacting both buyers and lenders. Flawed or biased appraisals can artificially deflate property values (particularly affecting historically marginalized communities) or inflate them (risking lender exposure). Clear appraisal standards protect consumers from discrimination and ensure lending system stability.

Potential points of contention

  • Appraisal independence vs. lender influence: Whether the bill adequately protects appraiser independence from pressure by lenders seeking lower valuations to reduce loan amounts
  • Compliance costs: New appraisal procedures may increase transaction costs that ultimately burden buyers or sellers
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear whether the bill includes sufficient penalties or oversight to ensure compliance with new standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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