Exhibit 23.1


                       Consent of Independent Accountants

         We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-3  (No.333-26583,  declared  effective November 23, 1998) of
Intervest Bancshares  Corporation of our report dated January 21, 2002 appearing
in this Form 10-K.

/s/ HACKER, JOHNSON & SMITH PA
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HACKER, JOHNSON & SMITH PA
Tampa, Florida
March 1, 2002