FHA test and approval

[Karen Bloem]

Anyone know an easy website for the purpose of getting FHA approved? More specifically I need to take the test...need info about it.

Also, was trying to send the application in and found it difficult to scan all on one page...my scanner only seems to do them as 3 separate pages. I heard many others had trouble with this too? What's your experience?

[Peter Spannenberger]

Karen, I don't think you half to take a test any more. Here is the web site for HUD. It has links to all kinds of appraiser FAQ's, forms and guidlines. Good luck. https://entp.hud.gov/clas/reginfo.cfm

[Karen Bloem]

Yeah, I was thinking that too, but wanted to be sure. Thanks so much for the response. Cute pup, must be the boss of the house, LOL!!! Have a great weekend

[Woody Fincham]

No test. The sad reality is that if you have a pulse and alicense you are qualified.

[Peter Spannenberger]

That is so true. I was recently at an apprasers breakfast with the guest speaker being Bob Clark (new director of the OREA) The subject of FHA appraisals and qualifications came up and a certified appraiser in the group (on the FHA roster) said that it was his understanding that all FHA appraisals were to be "as is" with no conditions made. He said if any problems existed he mentioned them in the report, but still made the appraisal "as is". He said he has been doing it that way for the last year and no one has ever said a thing. I guess some underwritters and reviewers don't really read the reports.

[Cynthia]

not so with HR 3221

[Cynthia]

While currently anyone licensed can get on the FHA roster with the HR 3221 - H.R. 3221 is notable in that its provisions require and recognize the benefit of highly competent and qualified appraisers. The bill’s foreclosure prevention program calls for using appraisals to write down loans to their current market value. Furthermore, the bill raises the bar to become an FHA-approved appraiser by requiring all appraisers who perform valuations for FHA-backed loans to be state certified or professionally designated and to have demonstrated verifiable education in FHA appraisal requirements. Thirdly, the bill strengthens the existing FHA single family appraisal program by prohibiting coercion of appraisers by all parties involved in a real estate transaction, including lenders, brokers, appraisal management companies and others. ----- how will this play out? no word yet on when they will require only certified appraisers do FHA work but there is speculation that it could be as early as june 09.

[Karen Bloem]

Thanks for the info Cynthia - I agree with all who commented here. It's a shame that anyone can do FHA appraisals...I actually was kind of hoping for a test. I have been certified in Cali since the first year a license was required. I have extensive review experience, and worked for the best appraisal organization in the country for the last 20 years. It seems not even those credentials matter much. But I refuse to do anything but quality work even if no one seems to know the difference!

So by the way, if "its (HR3221) provisions require and recognize the benefit of highly competent and qualified appraisers" how are they choosing who they use? Do they have specific criteria???

[Cynthia]

Great question Karen - so far it appears the only agreement is to limit it to certified appraisers "or professionally designated and to have demonstrated verifiable education in FHA appraisal requirements" which appears to be the Appraisal Institutes trying to get their designations special recognition in a new way - - funny to me as I find it doubtful there are too many "professionally designated" (ie hold professional designations by AI) that are not already certified. The bill passed but FHA/HUD is still trying to figure out how to implement it.

[Kevin P Malone]

The appraisal insitute is a fraud and a lacky of the large AMC,s and Title Companies that own them. Just look at the board members of all parties involved. Again follow the money.

[Tracy Martin]

It is my understanding that 3211 (now law 110-289) is requiring the appraiser to be certified when the transaction falls under the "Hope for Homeownership" program. My question is (and has been), okay, so what about all those other transactions which are not part of the HH program?

I haven't seen an ML or any other notice from HUD that ALL appraisals for FHA-insured loans must be performed by certified (and/or designated) appraisers.

Did I miss it?

[Cynthia]

Good question Tracy and one that currently even HUD cannot answer. I called the Santa Ana office and they have not gotten the word from the "attorneys/powers that be" as to how this all is to be interpreted and implemented.

[Tracy Martin]

Why doesn't that surprise me......