You might think all appraisals are the same, but a buyer’s choice of financing has an impact on the process. It can affect who can perform the appraisal, the minimum health and safety standards the house must meet, and the cost of the appraisal.
Appraiser qualifications
Not all appraisers can perform every type of loan appraisal. Appraisers must be individually certified to do conventional, VA, and FHA appraisals. Your lender will typically order conventional and FHA appraisals from an AMC (Appraisal Management Company). VA appraisals must be ordered directly from the VA.
Property standards
While all appraisers must comply with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and appraisal regulations, VA and FHA appraisals will have more property requirements than conventional appraisals. VA and FHA loans require additional minimum health and safety standards such as:
• The roof must have at least 2-3 years remaining life • No chipping, peeling, or cracked paint on homes built prior to 1978 • Adequate water pressure and testing of hot and cold water • All windows must open, close, and lock
These things are not usually obstacles when purchasing a new home, but if you are selling your current home, you will want to be aware of all additional property requirements, so you can re-mediate any possible issues prior to the appraiser’s visit.
Cost
Prices will vary based on region, but FHA and VA appraisals typically cost more than conventional appraisals because of the extra requirements that FHA and VA require. No matter the loan type, factors such as location, property type, size, and any re-inspection’s needed will also affect the final cost of an appraisal.
The information voiced in this material is for general information and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
