Delving into the realm of real estate appraisals, Allen Gardiner of Gardiner Ray in Frisco, Texas, shares insights on the evolving landscape of property valuations and how these shifts may impact lenders and mortgage clients.
The recent updates by Fannie Mae, particularly the transition from "appraisal waivers" to "value acceptance" alongside the introduction of a property data collection component, have stirred discussions among residential appraisers. This change comes at a time when the industry is already feeling the effects of increased interest rates, leading to a noticeable slowdown in home buying and mortgage refinancing activities.
The concept of value acceptance is essentially a rebranding of the familiar appraisal waiver, with no significant change in its essence. However, the new Value Acceptance + Property Data program aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of residential valuations by requiring a comprehensive collection of property data. This includes a detailed 120-point inspection, numerous photos, and an ANSI-compliant floor plan, all of which are to be uploaded via a web portal.
Despite some initial concern among appraisers regarding the potential for reduced work, the consensus is that traditional appraisals will still be in demand. Fannie Mae assures that the bulk of its loans will continue to necessitate appraisals, indicating that the program is likely to have a minimal impact on the volume of appraisal work.
The program's focus is predominantly on refinancing rather than new home purchases, with the use of value acceptance and its enhanced data collection counterpart being relatively rare. Nonetheless, the industry is encouraged to keep an eye on the rate of appraisal waivers for purchase loans, as this could signify more significant changes on the horizon.
One area of concern is the effect of these changes on the recruitment and development of new professionals within the valuation industry. The emergence of property data collectors, who may not have the same level of training and diligence as traditional appraisers, poses a challenge to the growth and diversity of the profession.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism that appraisers will continue to play a crucial role in the mortgage space. The evolving nature of the profession requires appraisers to adapt and potentially reposition themselves in the market. The importance of appraisals in ensuring accurate and fair property valuations remains undisputed, emphasizing the need for valuation professionals to educate stakeholders about the value of their services in the real estate transaction process.
Source: Valuation Magazine, Deborah R. Huso, MMCG
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