- The inspection. During the inspection, the appraiser will walk through the home with you and will take any necessary photos as part of the research process. He or she will focus on any areas that may be in need of repair, as well as specific features of the home that could contribute to—or take away from—its value.
- The research. Armed with photos and notes on your home, the appraiser will then conduct his or her own research to determine comparable home sales in your area.
- The appraisal. After tallying comparable sales and the complete picture of your home, the appraiser will deliver his or her appraisal to you and to your reverse mortgage lender. On the final appraisal, you will see all of the data used in determining the value of your home.
Independent Assessment
Managing Expectations
Fees, AMCs and Appeals
Tips when preparing for your home appraisal:
Appraisal FAQs
Is an appraisal required to obtain a reverse mortgage?
Yes. A complete FHA appraisal is required to obtain a reverse mortgage. In some instances, a 2nd appraisal can be required as well. It is at HUD’s sole discretion whether a 2nd appraisal is required. If two appraisals are required, the lower of the two values will be used for the reverse mortgage calculations. Proprietary (Non-HUD insured reverse mortgages) can also require two appraisals, but only when the home value is at or above $2 million.
Can I choose who appraises my home?
No. All loans including reverse mortgages must adhere to Federal Appraiser Independence guidelines. Those guidelines stipulate that neither the homeowner nor the lender can select the appraiser who appraises the home. It must be performed by an independently selected qualified appraiser.
How long is the appraisal good for once completed?
The appraisal is good for 120 days from the date the appraiser inspects the home. In some instances, depending on market conditions a 30-day extension may be granted.
How much does an appraisal cost?
Appraisal costs will vary widely depending on several factors. The location, home size, value and amount of land influence the cost of the appraisal. Larger homes, larger lot sizes and rural properties have higher appraisal fees due to the complexity of the assignment. In order to determine the approximate cost for an appraisal of your home, you would need to obtain a quote from a lender.
What happens if I disagree with the appraiser’s opinion of value?
A homeowner is permitted to challenge the result of an appraisal. You can submit a request for reconsideration of value if you have 3 recent comparable sales that you feel are more comparable than the ones used by the appraiser. The appraiser is required to review those comparable sales presented and either utilize them or address why they cannot be used as a comparable. If there are no additional comparable sales, there is no recourse for a simple disagreement with the appraisal as the guidelines do not permit you to obtain another appraisal until the initial appraisal expires. Once the appraisal expires, you can start the loan application again and obtain another appraisal at that time.
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