Coronavirus (COVID-19) Appraiser's Discussion and Resource Page

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Appraiser’s Discussion and Resource Page

To help you stay informed and connected, this page includes resources regarding the latest news, industry guidelines, and resources regarding the rapidly changing situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

We encourage you to comment below and share your experiences so far operating in the current environment.

Are you still performing appraisal inspections? What precautions (if any) are you taking? Do you have any advice for your fellow appraisers?

>> Take OREP/Working RE’s Coronavirus: State of the Appraisal Industry survey here.


Resources for Appraisers:

COVID-19 Pandemic and Exterior Appraisals – By Virginia Appraisal Coalition

Appraisal Interior Inspections Should be Suspended – By Jeff Bradford

TAF’s Corona Virus Resource Page – The Appraisal Foundation

FHFA Directive on Interior Appraisal Inspections – By Isaac Peck

FHA Appraisal Flexibility Announcement  (Addressing Interior Inspections)

Fannie Mae Lender Letter (LL-2020-04) (Addressing Interior Inspections)

Freddie Mac Bulletin 2020-05 (Expanding Waivers and Addressing Interior Inspections)

How Real Estate Professionals Can Guard Against Mortgage Fraud

Comments (149)

  1. by Jill Davis

    I rent a home that was recently put on the market for sale. The owners sold the property. I have been placed in in home isolation for testing positive for covid 19. Until I exhibit no more symptoms and am fever free without fever reducers for 3 days. The realtor has tried forcing my boyfriend and I to test for covid 19 and wanted our insurance to pay for the tests. In order to get the home appraised in time they wanted us to get the rapid test done. They then turned around and said that we don’t have to test and would like to party is each $100 for our troubles. When I tried explaining that I’m in isolation and my insurance will not pay for another test this soon after testing positive a couple weeks ago and am still with fever and can not have anyone comes inside the home they posted a 24 hour notice to enter today for tomorrow at 2pm. I still have a cough and fever. The appraisers will be here tomorrow and I’m not okay with putting anybody in harm’s way to contract a deadly diseases that I’ve been diagnosed having just for them to make money on the sale of this house! Is there anything I can do to ensure the safety of everyone involved when they come too appraised my home that I rent?

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  2. by Marina

    I’m in the process of refinancing and the appraiser had to inspect the inside of the property. He showed up without wearing a mask. And when I asked if he would wear one he said he would rather not. Even when I told him I had disposable ones available to him. He made my one year old son, sister and mother all wait outside the home since we “weren’t comfortable” with him being inside the home. Im not comfortable with the idea of catching the virus from him… very annoyed and frustrated.

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      • by AH

        Hi, I’m curious as to how you’d handle appraisals right now. I too am uncomfortable having anyone come in my home right now, but my landlord is very insistant. What exactly is done during an in home appraisal right now? How long will it take etc. I don’t want to have to leave as a stranger walks through my home during a worldwide oandemic, but I also don’t feel comfortable being in the home. I’m extremly nervous & the appraiser is coming Wed. Any info would be greatly appriciated, Thank you

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        • by Stacey T.

          We are in the same boat. We didn’t realize that in-home appraisals were still being done during a pandemic, especially in a COVID hot-spot (WI). We were looking for state regulations that appraisers need to follow, but it sounds like each appraiser does things differently. I found these guidelines online (from another state) and was going to request that our appraiser follow this (https://www.refinedlending.com/about-us/covid-19-appraisals), but other people on here mentioned boot covers. I am going to add that to our “list of demands”. I’m so glad I found this thread. We were contemplating walking away from the loan to prioritize health and safety, but everyone’s comments have helped me to have a COVID-guidelines conversation with the appraiser instead. If we can’t come to an agreement with him, can we request a different appraiser?

          Thanks again for everyone’s indirect help. My heart goes out to all of the appraisers here who have to put themselves in potentially hazardous situations to keep their jobs.

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  3. by Glen Stilphen

    I am horrified that any appraiser’s are doing interior orders. I have a family like most. If appraisers stood together investors and lenders would change their tune. I have been declining all interiors and surviving on Field reviews, exteriors, and desktops. Yes, my income is down about 35%. That’s fine with me. Wake up people. You could die over a stupid mortgage.

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    • by Christine McKinnell

      I as a Realtor am deciding to work, because I have to. If an a Buyer chooses exterior only appraisal, I’m fine with it. I’m working my tail off for every single deal to stay together. Every professional from start to finish in a real estate transaction I view as part of a team for the clients to get Buyer and Seller to closing. We have been in this together before the pandemic and are in this during the pandemic. I am happy to provide comps, interior photos, details of upgrades on subject property (because I have been inside), whatever is needed to help the Appraiser with their job if they are doing exterior only. In Atlanta we are seeing low appraisals. I’ve been in the business 25 years and have seen a lot of appraisals. Last under value was actually an onsite but read like a drive by. No summary notes, 10 month old comps, mis labeled photos, missing square footage and the home was vacant.

      We truly are all in this together. We as Realtors are working are butts off. If people are buying and selling now, there is a reason and they are working hard for their value. If a Realtor/Agent is involved they will send you photos. We all want everyone to stay safe.

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      • by Angela A Koehler

        Lenders are ordering drive by appraisals on VACANT properties and our fees and income are being drastically reduced, however our workload and risks remain the same, fair? I think not!

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        • by Mike G

          I don’t think appraisers should be going in homes during this pandemic. With that said, I must ask Angela how your workload and risk are the same when your doing drive by appraisals? It would seem the opposite, your workload and risk have been REDUCED of course.

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  4. by William Mark Senn

    We are sheltering in place, as we have been asked to do by our local, and state health officials. At this time, I am only accepting Desktop appraisal assignments, without inspection, and Desk reviews. No one should accept interior, nor exterior assignments. We should not be traveling about potentially putting any extra burden on our first responders, and we certainly should not be entering anyone’s home. The novel coronavirus has spread across this state, and South Carolina hospitals are preparing for a surge in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks. Therefore, I determined that the most responsible action I could take to minimize the risk to mortgage customers, their communities, as well as my own family, and community, is to suspend on sight appraisal inspections, travel, and field research.

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    • by Ken Moore

      I have stopped work completely. My state has stay at home orders but appraising is permitted. I HAVE CHOSE FOR SAFETY TO STOP WORK !!! All appraisers should stop interior inspections period !!!! WE SHOULD STICK TOGETHER. It is insane that lenders still ask interior inspections to be done. I have been appraising for 34 years and if this is the end, so be it !!!

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      • by Greg Washburn

        I’m the only one in our office of 4 appraisers that is still refusing to do interior inspections. The lenders have no let up demanding full appraisals, and the other appraisers are bowing to their will. I refuse to put myself, family, or general public at risk over a few dollars.

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  5. by Kevin

    Remember people, per USPAP, there is NO requirement whatsoever that we physically inspect a property, Period! What we need is complete workfile with the date in it. All we are required to do is make sure we have enough date to create a credible report per USPAP. WE are the ones who determine what scope of work, where, and HOW that data is gathered, verified, and used to present a credible report to the end user. Does that matter on which report form we use,, NO! Now, with that said, the end user can add layers of “scope of work” for us to jump through such as requiring an interior inspection, etc.
    Two weeks ago an AMC came out with a free app that you can send the homeowner a link to, they go through the app step by step and takes prompted photos of the interior if the home, 2 in each room, you can then use those photos however you see fit. Also nothing but the homeowner or lender/client can prohibit you from taking measurements of the outside of the home to verify GLA or garage size, etc. This also lets you confirm some of the data the borrower of homeowner supplies, by way of subsequent video walk through, or confirming realtor provided, or mls photos etc. I am going to start using this free app in the near future, having discussed it with clients, lenders, realtors, and a couple borrowers.
    I have done 4 interior insp since 3/20, one was vacant, no one home, each one I took the following precautions: Using the following experimental process, I never touched a thing inside the home, wore gloves, sealed cartridge respirator, new knee high rubber boots, foam lined wrap around glasses. Prior to arrival I asked all the appropriate questions, and had only one person in the home. Once at the property I called the owner and let them know I was there, did the exterior measurements and photos, then put on my “COvid Kit” and tool less than 5 -10 min to walk through the home, only thing that touched anything was the soles of those boots. Kept 6+ feet from the person inside at all times. Then I went outside, got to the car, popped the trunk by hitting the trunk button on my key fob through the pocked of my pants and got out my new pump up 1 gallon garden sprayer with bleach water sanitizer and sprayed the boots down, also used another small spray bottle of alcohol 60%, 20% hydro peroxide 20%h20 to spray the gloves and rubbed them around each other, before anything else was touched, turned it around and sprayed my face with glasses and mask still on, and each side of head. See where this is going,,,ya its a long process!
    Then slipped off the boots and put my untied shoes back on not touching them, whilst balancing on one leg with the other foot in the trunk of the car slipping shoe on. Next I took off the respirator, sprayed it with the alky solution on all sides till wet, and the inside and put it in a gallon zip lock bag, 4 more sprays and sealed it up set in trunk, next I took glasses off and sprayed them down and swiped with a napkin and put in ziplok bag in trunk, next I took the boots and put them in the milk crate with the sprayer after releasing pressure in it. After that I took the alky mix & sprayed my hands with the alky spray again and my face not touching, unlocked car and opened the door, put spray bottle on rim of milk crate hanging by trigger. THEN I took the gloves off, and put them in a paper grocery bag with the napkin I wiped the glasses with. Got in the car and left the scene. This whole process took me about 3-4 min but I feel it was worth the hastle. Then when I got home (i work from home) I took the paper bag, tossed it in the trash, went in, garage, took clothes off, then got on the shower. Yup all this is new, a hastle, and a rather big pain in the bum, but I feel is the best I can do with the situation when required to go inside a home.
    In the last 10 days FNMA/Freddy has put out the new covid guidelines for us to follow, AND in addition to many new steps for the lenders to follow with employment verification, etc before the appraisal even gets ordered. Is the system prefect,, heck no, but at least we can do our jobs the best and safest we can with some relaxed appraisal requirements and the new “certifications” they put out for us to use and limit exposure/liability. Remebber, what We do is up to us, not the client! USPAP only requires a credible report and workfile documentation. SO, how is this experiment in social adaptation and conditioning / control brought on by the CCP bio-warfare engineered virus treating the rest of you?

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    • by Steve Forstner

      The last I knew the mix has to be 60% alcohol. The cheap rubbing alcohol is 73% or so, which means 73% alcohol and 27% water straight out of the bottle. It can be used straight out as a disinfectant if you don’t mix anything into it. If you mix other things in with the alcohol you have to figure out if 60% of the final mix is alcohol. 99% alcohol would be fine in the mix you’ve given. The mix I’m using has a tablespoon of peroxide in it and the rest is 99% alcohol and a little glycerine or aloe.

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      • by kevin

        Yes the Im am now using a cocktail of clear spring 180 proof alcohol, hydro peroxide and a bit of water with a dab of aloe on there. 80/10/10 mix.

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  6. by Nancy Ray

    My beef is that we’re buying an investment property. House is vacant and appraisal ordered over 3 weeks ago. Appraiser has missed 2 ETAs so far with no communication other than ETA. We’re on 2nd extension and seller is not willing to extend again. If appraiser had given an honest ETA we would have done 1 extension with a confirmed closing date now we’re probably going to lose the sale.

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  7. by Marge Ross

    Our State has a stay at home order. Violating it is 30 days in jail and/or a $100.00 fine. Also, almost all our communities have manned gates. How are we supposed to get into them? We aren’t supposed to be risking our lives or the lives of others. You can’t just take your PPE and throw it into the trunk for the next assignment and then drag whatever is on it into the next house. We are all hurting financially, but, it is better to be alive.

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    • by Mark

      Unless your state specifically overrides CISA guidelines, you are considered part of Critical Infrastructure as an appraiser supporting “Banking and Finance” – so as long as you can show any questioning law enforcement that you are on official duty to do a home inspection for a bank transaction (printed copy of your engagement letter should do) you should be fine.

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  8. by Dave Caddell

    my issue is why are we being asked to do ext or desktop but still use the 1004,1073 or 1025, to me that is misleading, if we are doing etx then just use the exterior form, as when a deal becomes an REO in a year, they look at the appraisal and we violated USPAP by using the wrong form, because we were told to by lenders, FNMA etc. wont cover your rear, you will fry, they go after your E & O and they will cave. full interior on the right form exterior on the exterior form etc.

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    • by Robin

      I agree 100%, which is why I will not do a desktop on a 1004 form. Just because Fannie Mae and others are ok with it, does not mean it is USPAP compliant.

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      • by Pierce Blitch III, IFAS, ASA

        You are being required to do it on these forms because that is what their review program, Collateral Underwriter, can digest. The 1075 is not reviewable by Vol;lateral Underwriter. The new SOW, Certifications, and Limiting Conditions allow this. Take a chill pill and work on.

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  9. by Cory Gore

    I have just concluded my 6th year as a NC Appraisal Board Member and have forty years as a Residential Appraiser. I want every Appraiser to read this carefully, the Federal Guidelines per USPAP. AMC’s HAVE NO AUTHORITY FOR YOUR SCOPE OF WORK.
    The Client, the Bank via an AMC send orders with Assignment Conditions (interior, etc). THE. APPRAISER. by Federal and State Law determines THE SCOPE OF WORK.
    THE Appraiser decides what type of inspection, etc is prudent. If a Bank or AMC threatens, fewer assignments, they ARE BREAKING THE LAW! You relay that to them. USPAP does not require inspection of the subject. FNMA, FHLMC, and HUD have all suggested exterior only appraisals.
    If an AMC is pressuring for more, file a complaint with your State Board. If you feel they have then limited your assignments, call the Director. The threat to sanction or drop an AMC from a state will fix that immediately. If a Bank, Banking Commission. Know your rights and exercise them.
    My firm is exterior only until further notice AT FULL FEE , supported by all the GSE’ s. WE can help stop a real estate collapse by keeping the industry moving. I will tell you, this comes straight from the President. Do not be intimidated by anyone. you are in charge and the Federal Government has your back. Best, CORY GORE

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  10. by Brent L

    Here in Louisiana, initial phone call starts with asking them questions then I let them ask me questions. I wear gloves, mask, glasses and fully clothed and carry Chlorox wipes. I inform them of the process and the extreme caution I am taking for their protection and mine. Upon entering the home, I ask them to turn on all lights and inform them to please feel free to wait outside. In fact I almost insist on them to go outside. I do not touch anything and my interior portion is brief as possible. I then follow up with them from a safe distance asking a few questions. After getting back in my vehicile i trash my gloves. I then wipe down myself, clipboard, tape measure, my glasses all with chlorox wipes.

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  11. by Lee K Fullerton

    Entering occupied homes during a pandemic is dangerous and I think lenders need to adapt to loans that can be done with exterior inspection appraisals, to prevent the spread of this virus. I don’t know why a homeowner would allow an appraiser to enter their home, or why lenders think it’s ok to ask us to.

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  13. by ChrisG

    Fannie and Freddie released statements that they are okay with exterior, but the lenders are not. The lenders don’t care if we get sick or not. They just care about avoiding any liability and risk. I agree that this won’t change until all of us refuse to do interiors, but I doubt that can happen since I know appraisers desperate for the work.

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    • by Pierce Blitch III, IFAS, ASA

      The problem is that Most of the Refinance are Cash Out over 5%. Many are not held by FNMA or FHLMC; therefor, they require a full interior inspection.

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  14. by Kristen

    I am a homeowner and facing an interior appraisal for a refinance. I’m so uncomfortable with it. The bank will not allow FaceTime or photos… they insist that the interior appraisal is required. I’m seriously afraid for my family’s health as well as for that of the appraiser. We’ve been given no information about what precautions (if any?) the appraiser has taken with previous homes, so who knows what they have already been exposed to. Any advice on how to get the bank to be more flexible? (It is not a government-owned mortgage.) Hang in there everyone and put safety first!

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    • by Josh

      We walked away from our refinance for the same reason. I offered FaceTime, zoom, etc. they wouldn’t budge so we didn’t go forward.

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    • by Rachell

      We just walked away from our refinance for the same reason. We offered to allow for the “data collector” to take photos of the interior of our home through our clean windows, and even offered video options, but unfortunately the lender would not budge, they required someone to go inside our home. Very frustrating. With the state of things being what they are, and the potential risk factors, my husband and I are extremely uncomfortable having anyone enter our home. Lenders need to be open to new solutions for non contact appraisals for home properties.

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    • by Nate

      As an appraiser, I wear gloves and a mask. I would encourage a homeowner to open all doors and turn on all lights. Some occupants have chosen to vacate the home while I inspect.

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    • by Brian Street

      As an appraiser I can appreciate your concerns, it is why I stopped doing all interior inspections.I can’t buy protective equipment so how do I know that I do not not have the virus, can’t get tested either. Likewise how do I know that you don’t have this virus? Until ever one involved, appraisers and home owners say no then the banks will continue to want it done with a full interior inspection. I can see their side as well, they are the ones taking the financial risks. Unfortunately most appraisers are self employed and need to eat and are willing to continue the risks. Not me, I don’t want you getting sick nor do I want you getting me sick!

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    • by Larry Fuller

      Leave a key under the mat or under a planter outside. Right now is an appraiser I’m asking that no one is in the home when I inspect the property. If the homeowner is concerned with leaving the house unoccupied then the solution is pretty simple. Additionally during this time if the appraiser needs other information you can send it to him via email. don’t hand the appraiser a list of upgrades and repairs.
      Not being able to do an interior inspection is no reason for you not to move forward with your refi if you really need it

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    • by Bill at Tice Appraisals

      You may wish to require that the appraiser wear a mask and wear gloves when the come in the home. You can also postpone your process until later as there is little reason to believe that rates will go up a great deal. I believe that person to person contact should be avoided as best you can. If you are comfortable, go outside when the appraiser is at you home. Ask the appraiser if they have nay symptoms of the COVID 19 virus and don’t let anyone in if they say the do have symptoms. Leave the lights on and the doors open so the appraiser can go through, take the needed photos and the appraiser will be gone fairly soon. So either wait or try to have the appraiser (or anyone else really) in you home for a short of a time as possible. I really don’t want to go into people’s homes unless they are say on a porch or outside in the yard. I wear a mask from Walgreen’s and some gloves and i get in and out as quick as I can. I do measure the outside of the home carefully before asking to go into the home. I am trying to do only exterior inspections of homes and have the owner or Realtor email me interior photos so as to avoid contact with people who may not even know they have the virus. I hope that helps you out I hope not be be buried with multiple emails.

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    • by David

      The 2 main lenders I appraise for are only allowing driveby’s or desktops on some loans and still requiring interior inspections on others. Based on correspondence from the lenders the best course of action for a borrower who does not want an interior appraisal inspection is to tell the appraiser they don’t want one. The appraiser communicates that to the lender and the lender decides if they can do the loan without the interior inspection. If the lender determines an interior inspection is required you can cancel the loan or try another lender.

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    • by Mike

      Our home was appraised for over 250K, 2 years ago before a big home improvement. Credit score is over 800, over 85% disposable income and the total loan is only for 130K. They still want an interior appraisal. Our son as severe asthma, we have been strictly following the social distancing policy. We would be open to an exterior appraisal with photos or FaceTime … All the paperwork is at the mortgage company but we are in a holding position.

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    • by Steve Forstner

      As an appraiser this is how I’m handling interior inspections. First I come with all the PPE I can get, mask, gloves, booties, and disinfectant. I ask that the homeowner turn on all interior lights and leave all interior doors open so I do not have to touch any more interior surfaces than necessary. Finally, for all occupied homes, I require that any occupants step outside the dwelling while I am inside. I’m making very brief inspections and then everyone is welcome to come back in. I try to arrive about lunch time and encourage them to go have a picnic in their car or front yard until I’m through. Once I’m finished inside they can come back in.

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  15. by PRIVATE

    WRONG ADVICE AND ARTICLE
    SORRY

    https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA_Guidance_on_the_Essential_Critical_Infrastructure_Workforce_Version_2.0_Updated.pdf

    • Residential and commercial real estate services, including settlement services.

    Appraisers per my reading of this fall under Essential per CISA

    So the real issue is FEAR, My fear means your lose of liberty. Your possibility infected with a cold or flu (yea covid is a flu and as the numbers continue to come out the mortality rate will be around the same as the flu even Dr. Fauci is playing multiple stories saying NOW IT’S SEASONAL. Come on Dr. which is it

    So my point, you allow exteriors and you believe they will go back to interiors YEA RIGHT.

    In that case if the Virus is really that bad why are all these ESSENTIALS being allowed to work while the rest of us get ruined????

    Wake up folks this is a POLITICAL WAR AT YOUR CIVIL LIBERTY EXPENSE

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    • by Brian Street

      I don’t get your point? Are stating that you are willing to continue to do interior inspections because it might just be like the flu? You do realize that the death rate in Italy is around 12%, that is not flu like. So are scared that if they allow exterior inspections that they will not need interior inspections in the future? The banks won’t allow exterior inspections now for certain types of loans. They will just pass on this type of loan if they can’t find an appraiser willing to risk their health and a home owner that isn’t scared to let the appraiser into the home.

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      • by Shad Russo

        Nice statistic. Too bad it is completely false, and proves his point. People are scared of the unknown, but are too scared to learn. Do the math, Covid has a 99.9% survivability. If .1% scares you, quit doing this job and try something safer.

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  16. by Kathryn Moreno

    When asking the homeowners to take interior photos have them add a time/date to each photo. I interview the borrower by email regarding any updates/improvements and when. I then include their responses in an addendum. A bit more transparency and protection maybe?

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  17. by Steve Brenner

    Remember the saying “Be careful what you wish for, you just may get it.” For the past 2 years or so we’ve been shouting from the rooftops that we (appraisers) have to inspect the properties we appraiser as we’re faced with bifurcated appraisals. I know a 2055 is not a bifurcated report, however, if we all stop inspecting the interior of the properties we appraiser we’re sending a message to the lenders that an interior inspection is really not necessary and setting ourselves up for a bleak future. It’s surprising that the shoe is now on the other foot. Before Covid 19 the lenders were the ones pushing for faster reports with less inspection and we were fighting them, now that they want full interior inspections, we’re saying no. I think it’s very possible that by the time this pandemic is over we (appraisers) will have started the slide to our own demise by insisting on nothing but drive-by’s and desktop reports. I personally believe that if I can stay safe and protect myself and the homeowner from possibly infecting each other, then I can still perform a full interior/exterior inspection. I realize we all have to run our businesses as we see fit, but again, be careful what yu wish for.

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    • by Carl Joachim

      If the industry shifts due to practices during a global pandemic then so be it. The lenders will pay the price by overvaluation or missed issues. I am not so sure in a normal time, lenders will be satisfied with no inspection or an inspection by a 3rd party and possibly a biased person being sufficient when an appraiser must accept someone else’s pictures to determine value. How many times will appraisers put their livelyhood on the line based on someone else’s inspection??? They tried this and pulled back these past two years with the bifergated appraisals. What other essential industries outside of law enforcement and medical are going into residences each day right now? Essential ones???
      This is temporary…. Come on… hands on appraisal by the same person inspecting, analyzing, interpreting, reporting and ultimately accepting liability when determining a value is always going to be the preferred method.

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    • by LayDeeTee

      @Steve Brenner….How awesome is your post!!!??? So true. Currently, in my area, the lenders are the ones requiring full interior inspections by a CERTIFIED APPRAISER. Not many are agreeing to a “drive-by”. Why you ask?? Because the lenders know that as a result of so many people being out of work due to Covid-19, there is the possibility of large increase in mortgage loans going into default in the coming months. They DO realize that the only way to get accurate, unbiased data and values on the property they are loaning for, is by a FULL INTERIOR OBSERVATION BY A QUALIFIED CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL APPRAISER. ——Just perhaps, this brings us full circle, back to when the APPRAISER was a valued, trusted Professional. Let’s behave that way guys. ——- Don’t scramble for the “bottom-of-the-barrel-cheaper-and-faster” appraisal orders that cut major corners. Let’s do our job the right way, and charge a customary and reasonable fee with reasonable turn times based on the complexity of the scope of work in the subject’s specific market area. No more, no less.

      P.S. See you all on the other side guys….GOOD Appraisers WILL SURVIVE THIS.

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    • by Mark

      Steve – I totally agree with you! We have heard from appraisers for the past several years that “…there is no way I’m going to be completing exterior only (2055) or desktop appraisals. It’s too risky and too much liability. Can’t produce a credible report without a full inspection.” Now, appraisers are complaining that lenders are requiring them to complete an interior inspection. It’s a wonder the GSE’s are moving along without the appraiser’s input. They are just proving to the GSE’s and RE industry that exterior only and desktop reports can satisfy USPAP and produce credible results. Like you say, be careful what you ask for.

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    • by Greg Platt

      You are obviously naive enough enough to think that the future was not going to be bleak. I would suggest reading material on statistical process controls and quality. The UAD was the beginning of the end. There is enough data out there to eliminate the appraisal altogether. The margin of error is acceptable with their modeling. The ONLY reason we are still in this game is because we all carry E&O insurance and we help to limit the Clients liability and culpability. The residential lending industry is a dead end for an appraiser. Find another niche or plan on doing something else for a living.

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    • by Kathy

      I totally agree! Appraisers should inspect interior of homes. Often we see problems that the home owner may or may not see . I’m for interior inspections. I gear up for them as best I can and go on.

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  18. by Stacy

    I am a home owner who feels pressured by the lender to have an interior appraisal done and I am scared for my family’s safety along with the appraisers safety. Is there a way to file a complaint about this? What would be a safer way to get the appraisal done to the satisfaction of the lender without endangering the appraiser and my family? Looking for advice. So sorry about what you guys are being asked to do to keep your jobs during this critical tome. It is completely inappropriate and reckless. Thanks for the advice on advance. Stay safe and healthy!

    Sincerely,
    A Concerned Home Owner

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    • by Nikki

      I am totally in this boat, too. It is reckless and endangering both the inspector and our family. I am honestly considering not going through with our refi over it. I would love to know what recourse we have in terms of filing a complaint as well.

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    • by Carl Joachim

      Stick to your concerns. The appraisal can be turned into an exterior or drive by if you do not allow people into home during this time. Also, alternative methods of video tour of your home only during this pandemic are out there. Talk with the lender. They should work with you as Fannie Mae’s, Freddie mac and FHA have loosened guidelines.

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        • by Brian Street

          Take your business to another bank when whole mess clears up. I told all of my banks that I wasn’t doing interior inspections for the time being. I am sure that they have appraisers that are willing to come see your home but I don’t want to get sick nor do I want to get you sick. Pass on the loan!

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        • by Kathy Christianson

          Find a new lender, many of them are switching to drive by appraisals and the level of detail can still be pretty much the same with you as a homeowner speaking in detail about your home to us as well as a video chat walking us through your home

          - Reply
    • by Larry Fuller

      Leave a key under the mat or under a planter outside. Right now is an appraiser I’m asking that no one is in the home when I inspect the property. If the homeowner is concerned with leaving the house unoccupied then the solution is pretty simple. Additionally during this time if the appraiser needs other information you can send it to him via email. don’t hand the appraiser a list of upgrades and repairs.
      Not being able to do an interior inspection is no reason for you not to move forward with your refi if you really need it

      - Reply
  19. by Mike Garrett

    I am a 78 year old appraiser in Colorado with 40 years experience in this market. For the last 5 years I have been doing only VA appraisals and have limited my number of assignments to 3 a week. I prefer to do appraisals with interior inspections as I believe there is too much liability doing exterior only inspections. I do have a conversation with the home owner prior to arriving at the property. While I know people can and do lie I still believe I can safely conduct business. I live in a county with almost 750,000 people. As of today there have been 156 cases reported and 7 deaths.

    The VA is having a conference call tomorrow and we may learn a lot more. The circular that came out a couple of days ago says “we can do exterior only inspections for occupied properties; however, we are to go on-site, measure, and photograph front and back”. That’s a long way away from doing a “drive-by”. By the way, per USPAP, there is no such thing as a drive-by appraisal., In addition the tern “complete appraisal” isn’t right either.,
    As for me, I am going to continue to appraise, take precautions, and trust in the Lord,.

    - Reply
    • by Brian Street

      What if you are spreading the virus? Are you going to trust in the Lord that he won’t give it to me or my kids? This isn’t about faith, it is about being smart and keeping your distance from people to stop the spread of this virus.

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  20. by Greg Platt

    I asked a horrible AMC that I work with if there was any way to talk to the Client and go with a 2055 form appraisal as the assignment met all of the requirements. The representative told me to either buy a lot of hand sanitizer or just get out of the business! It was hard to tell what he was saying because his kids were playing in the background! Would be happy to warn anyone about that particular AMC if you send me an email. Since over 20% of us are older than 67-years we just all need to stop doing these reports. Get unemployment if we need to ride out the few months before the industry pulls their head out and begs us to do 2055 reports. Lets be honest, there are not a lot of young appraisers out there to take away our business by doing interior reports. I have had 10 to 15 requests a day for reports. The AMC’s are getting panicked and are extending due dates out weeks. Now is the time to band together and make a stand! Shame on you if you are out there doing interior inspections! You are putting the rest of us in danger and possibly making the homeowners sick or your own family. Suck it up and do the right thing! This is why we are always getting the raw deal. We are all independent and do not work together. Our industry representatives are useless. Where is the Appraisal Institute?? Where are the other associations in all of this? Too busy staying at home and too afraid to threaten their political connections to take a stand! Now is the time for action people!

    - Reply
    • by Brian Street

      Good for you Greg, I have decided to do the same thing. About a week ago I had my last interior inspections, I ask the owner when I made the inspection and at the door if anyone is or has been sick. Half way through the inspection the truth came out, this young man had been sick with flu like symptoms. I finished my inspection and left but decided that day that if this young man needed his loan so bad that he was willing to lie to me then I can’t trust any home owner.

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  21. by Steve Forstner

    I have one coming up in which the homeowner is claiming to be immune deficient and under doctor’s orders not to leave the residence. This should get interesting.

    - Reply
  22. by Kip

    Running out of masks and gloves. Don’t lenders/AMC’s understand you just can’t walk into Target and buy gloves and masks nowadays! Hello!! I’ve got enough left for several trips out for groceries, gas, etc. I suppose I could inspect a few more homes and just starve, having used my last 3 sets of gloves/masks in some random stranger’s home. Getting a lot of push back from AMC’s who still want interiors. As colleagues have said, everyone we’re dealing with at the AMC is working from home, but despite Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac relaxing guidelines and software companies swift accommodations for new addenda, etc., appraisers are expected to go into strangers homes daily! As if the borrower or a seller is going to tell us if they just got off the plane from NY! Here in SoFla we have tons of New Yorkers. For the for-seeable future, Drive-by’s should be the RULE, not the exception.

    - Reply
    • by Penny Cook Petranek

      I am the owner of a small appraisal business in Wisconsin. We have been doing interior inspections with all the precautions possible, but I am now prepared to refuse all but exteriors. Despite the relaxed rules from Fannie, Freddie, FHA, and VA, lenders are still ordering full 1004s for 90% of the orders, and I believe they will continue to do so until we put a stop to it. They are apparently afraid of the risk to their portfolios. Funny, that wasn’t an issue before 2008 when lending 120% of a homes value was common!! The only way to get their attention is for ALL APPRAISERS TO STOP ACCEPTING INTERIOR ORDERS! If we do, they will have no choice but to reconsider. I propose an April Fool STRIKE (Wed, April 1). To sweeten the pot, we can offer to do video inspections with supplemental homeowner photos. That provides a more thorough Scope of Work than the current “Drive-by” or “Desktop” options and reduces the risk. The appraisals would be an “Enhanced Drive-by” or a “Modified 1004”. I say, pass the word.. STRIKE ON WEDNESDAY!!

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      • by Eugene

        We still don’t know alot about this virus yet some Appraisers continue to perform interior inspections. The human mind can rationalize anything…I heard appraisers say ” I go to the store, so why can’t I do an interior inspection. ” To each his own. I will take a sabbatical. It helps that I have a full time govt job that is considered essential. Appraisal is part time income. Some appraisers can’t afford to stop working. I wish them well. Be safe out there…

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  23. by MFH

    I did 3 interior inspections l0 days ago. Had the safety discussion with the homeowners prior to getting to the property. The HOs could not keep their distance from me throughout the inspection. I wore gloves but then I got into the car and I realize I brought all the contamination back with me into the car. I can’t get safety equipment in my area as it is no longer in stock. I have a tiny container of hand sanitizer. I told the AMC I’m not doing anymore interiors. Haven’t had an order since. This is incredibly unsafe and totally unfair to this entire profession. Realtors are not allowed to show homes in my state now. Home inspectors are not allowed to do home inspections now. But appraisers can just go on as if nothing has happened.

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    • by Eugene

      I agree. Like pawns on a chess board. Out of all the entities involved in the transaction… Appraisers make the least amount of money but take all the risk. I spoke with an AMC staff member and asked if she was working from home? She said “,Yep”

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  24. by Bobby Koontz

    Here is what I am brain storming during these difficult times:
    1st the appraiser conducts a drive by of the property to make certain the home has not had a fire and rates the exterior of the home.
    2nd the owner forwards the current interior photos of the home to the appraiser.
    3rd the owner face times the appraiser and walks around the home, where as the appraiser can verify the photos with the video face time and ask questions to the owner.
    4th the appraiser completes the appraisal report and can honestly say he has virtually inspected the home.
    This way no one is exposed to others and the social distancing is followed.
    Its really not fair that everyone in the banking industry stays home and safe, but appraisers have to go into the homes and expose themselves and their families.

    - Reply
    • by Brian Street

      I vote for this! I haven’t had a request since I post that I will only do exterior or desktop appraisals. If enough appraisers do the same then they will have to go this route but someone out there is willing for enough money to keep doing them. Which is their choice, just don’t get me sick and have fun explaining to your kids how you contracted it and gave it to grandma.

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      • by Eugene

        Just imagine the appraiser has the virus and no symptoms. He/she go from house to house infecting people. A powerful Attorney in the area mother dies from the virus and it is traced back to you. I wonder if the client or AMC will cover your legal fees? That $300.00 to $500.00 appraisal fee won’t.

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      • by Carl Joachim

        A slow down is occurring. Appraisers are so back logged. Appraisers are in some cases getting sick. If you notify your AMC that you only do vacant, drive bys or exteriors only they put you on an inactive list and no orders will be offered. I have countered all jobs with the new guidelines and get no jobs. Lenders and amc’s are working from there living rooms and expect you to go risk your life for what? Take time off right now, get UI, SBA Loan as we are not essential to help people with there health or safety…. The financial aspect will rebound if we get this virus under control… Going into homes is not responsible right now.

        - Reply
    • by Nikki

      I don’t know why we can’t do this for the refi appraisal we have scheduled. I am going to propose it. It’s just ridiculous.

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  25. by Doug Feinberg

    Last week March 23-27 I was doing interior inspections with gloves on and the occupants had to leave the property while I was at the house. Now I am refusing to go inside to do a full inspection unless the home is a unoccupied second home. I refuse to go inside occupied homes and I am doing exterior only, walk the property to take a rear photo. I am asking the borrowers to take interior photos so I can see the inside and add those photos to the report. I will write the report on a 1004 form and make disclaimer statement. If the bank or AMC doesn’t like it fine cancel the job….. I am trying to communicate this to the banks or AMC as best I can. But guess what? No one is in to talk to and emails go unanswered. Why? Because they are all staying home…..

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  26. by JOHN E PANZAVECCHIA

    One thing about the new VA guidelines is it leaves open the possibility of having to do a 1004D up to 1 year in the future as part of the original fee. Having to schedule and go back to a house you appraised 3 months for free is not going to be fun. I plan to either do interior if possible or maybe have the agent or homeowner take interior photos for me.

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  27. by Gregory Brzakala

    It appears many lenders/AMC’s may be moving toward desktop or drive-by reports. As appraisers, we must keep in mind, the only difference between a full interior inspection 1004 URAR and a desktop or drive-by 2055 is the time in the house and the drive-time to the house. All other aspects of research and value development remains the same. This may be typically 30 minutes to one hour depending on locations. In my opinion, asking for a discount in fee more than $25-$50 per report is a slap in the face to the appraiser who is still exposed to considerable liability when an interior inspection is not completed. I have frequently turned these assignments down when lenders/AMC’s low ball fees for these products. If appraisers with limited clients or work weren’t so happy to take these assignments (with fees dictated by the lender) for below market rates, I think the quality of the product by quality appraisers would improve. I’m already receiving surveys from lenders about appropriate fees for these products. I urge all appraisers to not give away their fee structure for a very limited reduction in time per report.

    - Reply
    • by Kip

      I agree with Gregory. A desktop or drive-by saves on the drive, or inspection time, respectively. In an urban area, maybe you save an hour per report. I have always quoted $50 less for a 2055 exterior and have never done desktops because of lender’s crazy low fee offerings.

      - Reply
        • by Brian Street

          Call me crazy but if we could get the home owner to get the interior pictures and maybe a conference call it might actually take longer. So I agree not to give a dime up if everyone else does the same. We need to stick together on this and come up with an acceptable alternative while the crisis progresses.

          - Reply
    • by Steve Forstner

      At most it saves 30 minutes on site. But I’m going to spend some of that in a much longer phone interview than normal. So maybe I’m actually saving 15-20 minutes.

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    • by Drew

      Guaranteed Rate has issued a letter stating that they would not be discounting the 2055 or the desk top reports. They will pay them as if it were a 1004 interior appraisal. That being said, isn’t Guaranteed Rate large enough to make this a “customary & reasonable” argument? I for one will NOT discount my reports a single penny!

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  28. by Red Johnson

    I am an appraiser in Kansas City, Missouri and I agree with most of you on here. We should absolutely be doing nothing but drive by appraisals at this point. An interior inspection is not that serious. I have voiced my opinion with several of the AMC’s I work with and they don’t see to care. I find it highly hypocritical that banks and AMC’s are working from home in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading but yet they require us appraiser’s to walk into several random families home daily. It’s ridiculous. The law of averages says that you will eventually enter someone’s home that has COVID-19. I notified most of my clients that either one of three things are about to happen which are 1. I decline the assignment, 2. I complete a drive by on the property or 3. My appraisal fees will skyrocket. I have honestly at this point basically eliminated raising my appraisal fee because like I said earlier, it’s just not that serious.

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    • by Charles Siebrecht

      Totally agree. We have the most liability for the lowest pay in the mortgage process. Now we cant get FNMA and Freddy Mac to make an exception to keep us safe until this passes. More risk for us and this one perhaps life threatening. Again we have no lobbying advocates just like during the Dodd/Frank implementation. Its time for the Appraisal Foundation to step up. I am in the ‘hot spot’ of South Florida and just today made the decision to stop interior inspections. Two borrowers failed to tell me, until i arrived at the residence, that the just arrived from NY and were supposed to be under quarantine. It would only be a matter of time before i would be exposed. It got real for me very quickly. CS

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      • by Eugene

        Wow. I know borrowers will lie about their health to get the refinance done. Most people I see in the community have no conviction about social distance.

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  30. by Gregory Erb

    It is sad that we can not all come together an refuse to do interior inspections during this health crisis, the lenders would have no choice but to allow them. Unfortunealy there are appraisers among us that see this as a way to get more work. I know all the safety protocols but I don’t think you can ever be 100% safe. Potentially contracting or spreading the virus is not worth a $400 fee. I am surprised that lenders are not more concerned over the liability of infecting borrowers by requiring interior inspections. For now I am only doing drive-by inspections with emailed or MLS photos used for the interior pictures. We should all stick together on this, there is even support in USPAP for suspending interior inspections during a national health emergency. All of you that are still doing interior inspections need realize the magnitude of this crisis. You may get our work now but you may not be around when this is over.

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  31. by Matt Leman

    I live in northern CO and have many inspections set up with many of the same precautions as listed above. However, I’m really beginning to question the sanity of interior inspections. Driving around inspecting people’s houses, regardless of the precautions, is increasing risk unnecessarily. A sick borrower can say they don’t have one all they want because they want a loan and don’t think it’s a big deal. How are we supposed to know? I honestly don’t see why exterior-only’s with the borrower providing the rear image is an unreasonable ask at this point?

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  32. by Christina Collins

    Hello, I am an RN, former loan officer, and Realtor, I emphasize with each and every comment. I am currently collaborating with a seasoned appraiser in Florida and assessing a way to safely do interior inspections. Through this assessment period I have considered the risk to the individual appraiser, occupant of the property, and the possibility of cross contamination. Covid-19 is by far highly contagious, by both droplet and airborne transmissions. The droplets can be detected 72 hours later on hard surfaces, just think…. you go to a property, take your pictures, leave and wash your hands, ect. But, the shoes you wore where not covered, the occupant had just finished coughing and then opened the door, and you walked right through that unseen cough cloud that was sitting in the living room, and now you take whatever droplets stuck to your shoes on to the next property. Nobody wants to be the vector, I highly suggest to ask screening questions when you set the appointments and then call again 24 hrs prior, wear a mask, gloves, and put the shoe covers on at the thresholds, gave the doors open and lights on, and when you leave take the shoe covers off prior to getting in your car, place them in sealed bag or container, take your gloves off, sealed container, mask off, paper bag, maybe you can reuse, then wash hands. It’s a lot but with habit it can be done, again don’t be the Vector. I personal feel they should relax the guidelines for now. Go to drive-bys. The cleanest house does not wipe floors down daily. If any client gets sick after you have been there and the appraisal is the only anomaly it is not difficult to trace back.

    - Reply
      • by Monica Kalkwarf

        This is what I am doing also. Ask HO to turn on the lights so you do not have to touch switches and follow social distance guidelines. I use hand sanitizer right before I enter the home and wipe my equipment before and after. I wear shoe covers and also keep a can of Lysol in my car. It’s a systematic process. I hang my coat outside before coming in the office or spray with Lysol. Yes, I know I still have the same clothes on in between but change right when I enter my home. Not sure How else to handle that.

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  33. by Cortney Strother

    I am following most of the protocols noted in previous comments, but I am still working and VERY busy. My suggestion is for the lending institutions and the economy at large. I think these actions would go a LONG way in providing immediate relief to everyone. For EVERYONE with a car payment or mortgage payment, the Federal Government should immediately mandate that lenders place a 3 month freeze on those payments, and tack the payments on the back ends of the loans. This way, the assets on their balance sheets stay the same. This would prevent a tsunami of future foreclosures and repossessions, not to mention another tsunami of bankruptcies because folks won’t have to run up their credit cards. In terms of the liquidity of the institutions, let the lenders sort that out with the government. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

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  34. by Richard Hurtig

    Like everyone here I have been put in the impossible position of having to choose between the health and safety of myself and my family and maintaining my livelihood. It is absolutely insane that we are being asked to perform interior inspections in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. I can’t afford not to work so I am taking every precaution I can, pre inspection screening of homeowners, mask, gloves, sanitizer, (sorry for sharing this) but I don’t even enter my house with the clothes I was wearing in the field, changing in the garage, washing them immediately and showering as soon as I get back from field. Even with all this I have no idea if I have been exposed since symptoms don’t appear immediately and there’s people who are asymptomatic. Any one of us can be exposed in one property and then spread the virus to every other home we go to appraise which could literally kill someone, not to mention ourselves or someone in our family. The level of callousness and irresponsibility coming from the GSE’s and AMC’s is almost criminal. Why on earth is it so difficult to do the right thing in corporate America?

    We can easily provide drive by appraisals which could be enhanced by date stamped photos of all rooms provided by the homeowner. Someone please explain to me how it is that two months ago Fannie Mae was all excited about shoving “Bifurcated Appraisals” down our throats….you know…the ones where the dog measures the house and sends us the sketch and photos for us to write a report, pay us nothing and dumping on our heads all the legal liability but now in the middle of a pandemic we can’t do a 2055??? And no, Fannie/Freddie, appraisal waivers risking again the housing market and putting us out of business is NOT the right answer.

    I’ve been doing this for twenty six years and just when I didn’t think we could sink any lower here we are, literally putting our lives at risk to do our jobs. Be safe everyone, hope you will all be Ok.

    - Reply
    • by Lisa

      I completely agree with you! The banks are closed to customers, and you can use the drive up teller or bank machines. I think virtual tours with those people capable of facetime is the way to go. They can then send the photos via email or text. I can reverify the exterior front and the comparables from the car.

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  35. by Kevin

    It would help to see where we are all working State, county etc. to get a handle on whats going on in each state where we are conducting our business.

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  36. by kristin

    The majority of our clients are EXTREMELY worried about their appraisers – I do believe we have an awesome client base. The majority of our client are completely backing us up when following the generally recommended protocol and have had one client notify customers that if the appraiser shows up and anyone presents with sick symptoms they will be charged a trip fee. Everyone keep safe and follow protocols – hope that we will go to exterior inspections with video/photo support from homeowners.

    - Reply
    • by Steve Forstner

      That is about what I have told my own clients. If someone is sick I won’t go it. If they have c-19 I won’t go in until I can get the vaccine.

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  37. by Fed Up in NY

    I sent this to an AMC today. Just tired of hearing how they are concerned about the appraisers yet they refuse to order drive-by’s.
    Your company is putting peoples lives in jeopardy just to make money! The appraisers are not essential personnel. Closing a loan is a choice not a necessity. There is an order for a 2 week quarantine. You have no regard for anyone’s lives but your own as you sit behind a computer and your desk at the comfort of your home! I think it’s disgusting and appalling. I’m sure you would think differently if you were the one out in strangers homes wondering if your being exposed. Telling appraisers to take precautions is bullshit. There are no masks, hand sanitizers, Lysol wipes, or booties to be found! I hope you can live with your greedy self when you kill an appraiser knowing they could be exposing others in the process.

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  38. by Bill

    WHy is it that the AMC’s that pay the least, Now want you to risk your life, and have a quick turn time, and are the Last to pay. Its time for everyone to Say goodbye to the Low fees, and being pushed around by an over bearing AMC,

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  39. by Kim Naccashian

    Michigan appraiser. Currently, inspecting with a mask and gloves. Home owner turning on all lights and opening doors. I hope lenders will not move to a 1004 with an exterior appraiser inspection and a interior Skype home owner inspection by cell phone. The liability to the appraiser is ridiculous. I hope a 2055 drive-by with home owner photos will be implemented if need be. I have also raised my fee due yo hazard pay.

    - Reply
    • by Steve Forstner

      I’m in Michigan and inspecting the same way except that I make them leave all the lights on and doors open and make the occupants leave the house before I enter. I’m also on a slower schedule with several days between houses. I think none of us wants to be known as that “guy who infected 3 families in their homes before he found out he was sick.”

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  41. by Craig Larson

    It is “beyond the scope of this appraisal “
    To determine any potential negative future values of the property being appraised.

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  42. by Kevin

    I am in Oregon and have been instructed by most of my clients to follow general protocols, These include:
    1 asking homeowners if they are sick, or the household is sick, and if they have been diagnosed with CV19, or have traveled out of the country in the last 14 days.
    2, wearing a set of latex of nitrile gloves and NOT TOUCHING ANYTHING at the property, this includes exterior and interior items, doorknobs, faucets etc, have the home owner or renter operate such items if they are there,
    3 use hand sanitizer before and after insp,,,(ya like you’re going to find in anywhere now)
    4 notifying the homeowner if YOU or members of your household are sick etc..
    5, wear mask and eye protection if comfortable, keep 6′ away from people during insp, no handshaking, etc…(social distancing)
    6 NOT TOUCH YOUR face, eyes etc during or after the insp until you toss gloves and sanitize.
    6.5 If you or the occupant(s) are sick (immediately notify your client) and reschedule, re-confirm health day of inspection it at all possible
    7 take as little time as possible doing the interior part of the home or property insp to minimize personal risk (yet still acquire due diligence and get enough data to get the job done) I may eventually resort to using my gopro to take video walk throughs and narrate my inspection for larger homes. This will reduce my “in home time” considerably, Then you just review video later at office. (good excuse to buy one and write it off too ;-) LOL)
    Additional things, for vacant homes, use pencil, pen or edge of tablet or clipboard to flick on and off lights, use only 2 fingers or 1 on doorknobs or handles,
    AND of course do drive-bys and desktop appraisals as much as possible. Be save, keep a positive attitude and be professional.

    - Reply
    • by Steve Forstner

      Very similar to what I am doing. Also. I carry a small spray bottle of hi-proof alcohol that can be used to disinfect clipboard, gloves, counter tops, etc.

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  43. by Bruce McCarver

    Just had a bad experience yesterday. I have sending a text to all home owners asking for their cooperation. I tell them I will call them and let them know I am at the property and that I will do an exterior inspection with photos and measuring the house. When I am done with the exterior inspection I will call them and ask them to open the front door and to please step outside to the backyard. I tell them I will be wearing medical gloves and a cover over mouth and nose. I will try to avoid touching anything. I ask them in the email if this is acceptable and if not to please let me know and give them my number. Yesterday I completed the exterior inspection as agreed upon, but when I called to ask them to step outside while I completed to the interior inspection they refused and said we want to observe. I was noticeably upset by this and said this is not what we agreed to and started to leave but decided to finish the inspection. If this happens again I will not finish the inspection and let the lender know why. It would be helpful if lenders let people know these are not typical circumstances and to please find way to cooperate with us. Lenders help us.

    - Reply
    • by Steve Forstner

      Part of the problem is that many people still aren’t taking this seriously. I’m still hearing people say it’s not as bad as the government says it is. Last week I heard (several times) that flu killed 58,000 people last year so covid can’t be that bad. These folks won’t understand what is going on until the death toll reaches 100k or so or until someone they know gets sick. Then there will be another run on the stores.

      - Reply
    • by Debra Lynn LaPointe

      I agree. People are outright LYING about not being sick and try to play off that they are not sick. Everyone is being told to stay in their homes. Schools are closed, businesses are closed and all these people may or may not be sick, carrying the virus, no one knows. And they are saying it stays in the air for 3 HOURS. This is not worth it. Change to drive-by’s or desktops if you want to keep the lending business going. Stay home

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  45. by Michael Ray

    I totally agree with your assessment. The problem is getting the lenders on board. I proposed this to a large national vendor and they denied. Therefore, I have suspended all appraisal services with that vendor until April 1st.

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  46. by Spencer Paul

    Still work. Have all inspection with folk having all doors open, all lights on and kenneling all pets. If they are sick, the inspection does not take place. I’m gloved up at each house. I change my cloths in the garage when returning home. I have placed this comment in all my reports.

    PRESENT MARKET CONDITIONS:
    The global outbreak of the “novel coronavirus” known as Covid-19 was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The reader is cautioned, and reminded that the conclusions present in this appraisal report apply only as of the effective date(s) included. This appraiser makes no representations as to the effect on subject property for any unforeseen events, subsequent tot he effective date of the assignment. As of the effective date the short and long-term impact on the market from the COVID-19 virus is unknown. However, it is reasonable to assume that current restrictions in market activity, due to the virus, will extend marketing times beyond the current levels. This assumption has been taken into consideration with regards to the estimate of reasonable exposure time. As of the effective date of the assignment, this appraiser assumes that there is a delay in market activity as the market’s transitions to an updated process of working, buying and selling of homes from restriction on gathering sizes and showing of homes. This may, or may not be a significant long-term shift in demand or supply, which could result in a change in market value. At present the US Federal Government is developing an 18 month contingency for this virus and over this time period the market data will reveal itself. These are considered to be extraordinary assumptions which, if proven false, could impact the opinions and conclusions expressed herein. Again, we are at the beginning stages for any market data to reveal itself for analysis.

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  47. by Christie Bond

    Emails from various clients are coming in daily. Their guidance and expectations run the spectrum from a program by one lender in which appraiser completes an exterior only inspection and receives photos from the homeowner and can interview them by phone regarding the interior. No need to step inside the house. To on the other end of the spectrum, a tone deaf AMC that basically stated that if you are not comfortable conducting inspections then let them know so you can be removed from the roster. I personally am taking each order case by case. Luckily my area is full of seasonal/second homes so many homes are unoccupied during my visit anyway. I also politely ask if it is possible that the occupant would vacate the home while I inspect. This is common practice already for Realtors showing a house for sale, so I have no guilt here in asking. IF the occupant/borrower resists this – then I am turning these orders back over to the client to deal with. So far, I have only had one order I returned and 2 days later it came back to me with the borrower now agreeing to vacate while I am there. Of course, I will arrive with masks, gloves and sanitizer. I cannot risk exposure, I have family members with compromised immunity.

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  48. by Paul

    I haven’t seen a single lender or amc who are concerned about the appraiser
    Only about the borrower
    They send a list of what you should do to keep the borrower happy
    All interior inspections should be suspended

    - Reply
  49. by Katherine L Lewis

    I have asked the homeowner to open all doors and turn on all lights. I have yet to complete an FHA inspection. The only thing I touch is when I knock on the front door. I do not ring doorbells.

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  50. by John Reynolds

    At my company, we have an open and honest discussion with the occupant by phone prior to making any arrangements for inspection. If/when we agree to conduct the inspection the appraisers are gloved, masked, and wear covers over their shoes for the interior portion of the inspection. Social distancing would including keeping a meter (or yard for us in South) distance during any conversations we do not shake hands.

    - Reply
    • by Carl Joachim

      Are you providing a different mask, gloves, booties each inspection. If not, it’s no good. If so then please give them to a doctor…

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    • by Conan V Fulsher

      I am an appraiser who has been doing this for over 30 years. I have recently requested the home owner to open all doors, turn on all lights and make sure I don’t have to touch any thing in the home. I ask for 6 foot distance at all times and never touch any thing at the home. People are very cooperative and very helpful and will even wait outside the home. I feel very little risk in doing this type of inspection.

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  51. by PA Appraiser

    Can you start an email that appraisers on this list can sign to send to Lenders/govt ect such as a petition to suspend 1004int. to exteriors for 30 days. Maybe that would help.

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    • by Jeffrey Foley

      Governing authorities need to issue a waiver to allow exterior inspections to replace interior inspection until the crisis is past.

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  52. by Maryellen Brindel

    I read the Citibank guidelines posted in the Virginia Appraisal Coalition and these are the guidelines I will be following and sending to AMC’s I work with, one which sends me much work from Citi. I’m pleased that Citi is taking such aggressive action for safety of all involved- realtor, owner and appraiser. If it’s for a refinance the owners can send required photos to appraiser.

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    • by Maryellen Brindel

      Since I wrote about Citibank’s good policy that I saw on this website on 3/18, a friend of mine was doing 2 interior inspections for Citibank through PCV Murcor on 3/20. Apparently the new “safe”, smart policy was not being put into effect. I too told an AMC I was only doing drive-bys or desk tops and was put on the not available list. A few hundred dollars is not worth risking our health or that of others we encounter.

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  53. by Joanne C Foose

    I am still doing inspections if the owner and I are comfortable. I have had two appointments that postponed their appointment dates to a later date. I have always worn gloves, but have taken more precautions – spraying the gloves with disinfectant, trying not to touch anything in the house, asking the owners to open all doors and leave lights on. Also asking them if they have traveled in the US and other countries, have been in contact with anyone that has a cold or is suspected of having the virus.

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  54. by Ann-Marie Howlett

    Appraisers should not have to enter peoples homes during this outbreak. It is absolutely irresponsible that lenders are requiring us to do so. Please help and get GSEs and Lenders to act. Lenders need to change their guidelines to allow exterior only inspections. The average age of a real estate appraiser is 60. We should not be entering homes. Appraisers are endangering themselves and the homeowner. At this time when everyone is being asked to self-isolate to reduce how quickly this virus spreads, appraisers in the course of doing their jobs may inadvertently accelerate the spread.

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    • by Sanjay Sethi

      I agree it’s too risky and we have families too if the are staying home we are the one gonna bring this virus to them

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  55. by Karen Solicito

    I have always emailed the access person prior to the inspection with instructions to secure pets and make sure all rooms/areas are accessible. I have now added a whole paragraph about social distancing. I wear a mask and vinyl gloves and ask that only one person be in the house while I’m there. I am also charging more for the job due to additional supplies, coordination efforts, and overall risk. With that said: I do think the lenders/secondary market should suspend the requirement for an interior inspection until this crisis is over. The risk of an incorrect appraisal is lower than the risk of cross-infecting people. With all the tech we have, we should be doing virtual tours. I am getting to the point where I will stop taking interior orders even though that will be a massive hit to my income. I feel as though it is the socially responsible thing to do.

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  56. by Dennis McMillen

    For the short term have no interior inspections and all reports be exterior drive by reports. If needs for upgraded homes are required they can be addressed after the emergency. FEMA is now Level 1.

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    • by Jeffrey Foley

      Governing authorities should allow a waiver until further notice for exterior inspections to replace all interior inspections at this time.

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  57. by James C Yannaccone

    I don’t see how appraisers should be expected to continue entering homes during a pandemic crisis. This is just another perfect example of the lack of respect for the appraisal profession and lack of any backing or support in our industry. I bet if I called some of the mortgage lenders who are now working from home and asked them to come along for an interior appraisal inspection, they would suddenly realize the risk they are putting us under. I feel exterior only inspections will work just fine for now.

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  58. by Eli Stinger III

    What is everyone doing in relation to interior 1004. I’m wearing gloves and maintain a 6ft distance no touching anything inside and owners open close all doors. I don’t know if I’m overreacting but interiors seem unnecessary right now

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