Appraisal modernization? Is this the future? Is this evolution, revolution, or regression? - by Bill Pastuszek

April 12, 2019 - Appraisal & Consulting
Bill Pastuszek
Shepherd Associates

Appraisal modernization? Is this the future of appraisal? Is this evolution, revolution, or regression? The March 2019 Fannie Mae Newsletter (https://www.fanniemae.com/content/news/current-appraiser-newsletter.pdf) raises some truly revolutionary (to some) points. See the following Q&As.

What constitutes Appraisal Modernization? Fannie’s oversight entity, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has laid out key objectives Fannie Mae is expected to accomplish. The letter states; “Since 2018, our scorecard objectives have included appraisal modernization, with two areas of focus.” The first is to collaborate with Freddie Mac on updating the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) and appraisal forms. Second, the agency is to work independently on “modernization of the appraisal process.” A variety of technologies and methodologies that could enhance the GSE’s ability to manage collateral risk and make the process more efficient for lenders, borrowers, appraisers, and investors have been examined to achieve the “scorecard objective.”

What is Property Data Collection (PDC)? This represents new ways to obtain descriptive data for properties that secure the loans we acquire. The test includes mobile apps that guide a property data collector to generate a robust and accurate set of data elements, photos, and floor plan with descriptive data and supporting exhibits delivered to Fannie Mae which then uses it to analyze the loan’s collateral risk and then instruct the lender as to the level of collateral validation needed to make the loan eligible. Additional aspects of this test include experimentation around what data elements are most important for measuring collateral risk and who does the best job of collecting accurate data. (Author’s italics)

What is the 1004 P Desktop Appraisal? In cases where appraisals are determined to be necessary, the GSE is testing the performance of a desktop appraisal informed by the photos, measurements, and other facts about the subject property that were previously collected. As the scope of work, limiting conditions, and certifications in the existing URAR appraisal form (1004) are not suited to these desktop appraisals, a modified version of the 1004 called a “1004P” was developed. 

How are Scope of Work and USPAP Affected in Appraisal Modernization? The desktop appraisal process means that the appraiser is relying on someone in the field. One question that arises is whether this requires disclosure of significant appraisal assistance as described in USPAP. The newsletter notes: “The property data collection happens prior to, and completely independent of, the appraisal assignment. In fact, the property data collection is finished and delivered to Fannie Mae” before determining if an appraisal is required. The article goes on to say hat the data is purely “factual.” The newsletter considers the data to be in the same class with other third-party data sources that appraisers routinely rely on (e.g., survey, flood map, MLS record, blueprint, zoning map, public record). USPAP Advisory Opinion 31 is also cited. The commentary places property inspection information in the same class as tasks such as taking notes, writing down measurements the appraiser provides when measuring a structure, taking photographs of the subject property, and providing clerical duties are not considered significant appraisal assistance.” 

The commentary continues: “ As we see it, surveyors, FEMA flood engineers, listing agents, architects, zoning officers, tax assessors, etc., are not disclosed as providing significant appraisal assistance in the scope of work because (1) they work completely independently of the appraiser, and (2) they do not participate in developing the appraiser’s opinion of value. Property data provided to the appraiser works exactly the same way: it is strictly observation, measurement, and fact. The collector of the data does not participate in the development of the professional opinion of value, so the appraiser would not need to identify the person who collected the property data as having provided professional assistance. However, the appraiser would need to disclose the use of the property data and does need to disclose any extraordinary assumptions necessary to support that usage. Again, the assigned appraiser must make the ultimate decision here. But as we see it, the PDC process should work well within the existing USPAP requirements.” There is an Appraisal Foundation video, Inspections & Hybrid Appraisal Assignments Q&As.

How are Appraisers Going to be Affected? Too soon to tell, exactly. Author’s note: He neither agrees nor disagrees at this point. Interesting, though, that the property inspection, when disconnected from the appraisal, then falls into the general basket of third party, secondary, and, often not highly accurate, information. Nonetheless, interesting concepts, good subjects for a follow up article.

This is an evolving issue. The MBREA is providing a Breakfast with Experts in April where a FNMA representative will speak. It’s worth attending. There might be some good give and take. More to come on this issue. 

Bill Pastuszek, MAI, ASA, MRA, heads Shepherd Associates, Newton, Mass.

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Evan 11/14/19, 4:38 PM

I've been appraising for 25+ years and would not recommend anyone enter this field. Glad I'm at the tail end of my career and will be leaving this appraisal boat as it sinks. We are being replaced by data sets and this could be a good thing or bad thing. Time will tell. Certainly it will reduce or eliminate an appraisal fee to the consumer. This is progress I guess. I should have gone to law school.

Pete 9/20/19, 7:09 AM

Inspecting properties where that information is intended to be used in an appraisal is development. Period. You must disclose as assistance. This is not the same as tax records or other public sources where the information is completed for another purpose apart from an appraisal. The intent behind this is to remove the appraiser from needing to be geographically close to the property so that an appraiser licensed in that state, does not necessarily need to be physically near the property being appraised. In fact, they can be several states away. There are appraisers who are certified in multiple states doing these, that do not belong to the local mls and know nothing of the local markets. Public trust is being affected and at risk. Just because Fannie and freddie are coming up with these products do not mean that they comply with uspap. It is up to the appraiser to comply, not a form. They are selling this to appraisers in order to get them to buy in. They need your certification on these things.

Ed Bedinotti 9/19/19, 1:41 PM

The future is in going Green! As properties begin to have more and more elements of Green construction...the more Green things get the more complex it becomes to value a property. The amount of documentation is enormous and adds significant time to coming up with a value. No one seems to be addressing the reality of the future. It will be more difficult, not easier to value properties on the future. Non-skilled people will not have the knowledge to do the inspections of tomorrow.

Alexandra Paul 8/19/19, 8:44 PM

This will not be good for the appraiser. Our job is literally to uphold public trust, and without being able to see the home firsthand we cannot ensure that the information and opinion given is accurate and supported. Being on the ground allows us to see the condition of the home that could be missed by others. Peeling paint, wood rot, termite tunnels, water stains, mold, etc. and this will have a long term impact on the homes a large mortgage is placed on. There will be far more risk for the mortgage company because many conditions cannot be confirmed to exist or not by the main person that is there to be a neutral unbiased 3rd party.