Appraisal Transfer Policy From One Lender To Another

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This blog will discuss the appraisal transfer policy from one lender to another when a borrower changes mortgage lenders. As you know, we do not have any LENDER OVERLAYS at Gustan Cho Associates. Meaning we can help more borrowers than most lenders. FHA and VA home appraisals are generally transferrable from one lender to another.

Conventional loans can be transferred, but that is up to the individual mortgage lender, says John Strange of Gustan Cho Associates: FHA and VA appraisals can transfer from one lender to another. Mortgage lenders will not accept conventional loan appraisals unless the the appraisal was ordered from the same Appraisal Management Company from the previous lender and new lender.

Mortgage Lenders Appraisal Transfer Policy Mortgage Process Guidelines

Appraisal transfer policy does vary from loan type to loan type. FHA Appraisal Transfer Policy- The good news for FHA Loans is the appraisal can be transferred from lender to lender. The FHA appraisal is tied to the FHA case number for FHA mortgages. If you change lenders during the process, even after a last-minute mortgage loan denial, you can use the same appraisal you’ve already paid for.

Not only does it save you money, but it also speeds up the process. We can often help clients close on their new homes in just two weeks!  Since the appraisal can be transferred to us usually within 48 hours. This speeds the process up tremendously.

If you have been given a last-second denial on your FHA mortgage, don’t hesitate to contact us for a second opinion. If you have any doubts, please see our reviews. There are many success stories when we save the day from a last-second denial.

Can an Appraiser Transfer an Appraisal to Another Lender?

As you know, the cost of an appraisal is significant. So anytime we can transfer the appraisal, we want to do so. If you have questions about your appraisal issues, please get in touch with us at alex@gustancho.com.  Or  call us at 800-900-8569. Text us for a faster response. 

Ronda is an expert on appraisal transfer policy regulations. There are very few situations we have not seen before, and we are always available to help! As stated above and in our customer reviews, we save the day more often than not. If you’re facing any mortgage issues, don’t hesitate to contact us for a second opinion.

How Long Does an Appraisal Take?

The answer to this question varies depending on the size of the property, its location, and the complexity of the appraisal. A standard appraisal can take two to four weeks to complete. However, in some cases, the process can take longer. This is because the appraiser needs to gather detailed information about the property, which can be time-consuming. If an appraiser is busy, he must also fit into his schedule.

Do All Lenders Have the Same Appraisal Transfer Policy From One Lender To Another 

In many instances, borrowers must change lenders with their current lender during the mortgage process. A home appraisal should never be ordered unless the loan officer is confident that the home loan will close. Most loan officers who are not experienced will often issue a pre-approval without properly qualifying their borrowers.

The first reason for a last-minute mortgage denial or stress during the mortgage process is that the loan officer did not properly qualify the borrowers. Transferring from one lender to another during the mortgage process can be done. However, the mortgage process needs to start all over.

Home Appraisal Fee Is Paid Upfront Before Closing By Borrowers

The home appraisal is one of the costs that need to be absorbed by the homebuyer prior to closing. Most appraisals will cost between $450 to $500. A home appraisal transfer is allowed on VA and FHA loans. This blog will discuss home appraisal transfers when borrowers change lenders during the mortgage process.

Appraisal Transfer Policy Guidelines Among Lenders on Loan Programs

Every loan program requires a home appraisal. However, the only Home Appraisal Transfer allowed is on FHA and VA loans. FHA Home Appraisals are the premium appraisals. If a home buyer has a certified FHA Appraisal, they can do an FHA Home Appraisal Transfer with any other lender on FHA loans. FHA Appraisals can also be used on conventional, VA, and NON-QM loans if the borrowers change loan programs with a different lender.

Lenders Honor FHA Appraisal Transfer Policy from One Lender to Another 

Most loan programs will honor an FHA Home Appraisal Transfer. However, with conventional loans, lenders will not honor a conventional appraisal transfer. If you completed a conventional appraisal with one lender and want to change lenders, the original conventional appraisal will most likely not be honored with the new lender. VA appraisals can be transferred from one lender to another lender. NON-QM and portfolio lenders will honor FHA Home Appraisal Transfer but not other home appraisal transfers.

Is the Appraisal Transfer Policy on Changing Lenders Difficult?

Changing lenders during the mortgage process is very common.  Appraisal transfer policy to transfer appraisal from one lender to another is not difficult. There are countless reasons why borrowers change lenders during the mortgage process. It can be due to personal reasons where loan officers are not returning borrowers’ calls promptly. It can be due to a last-minute mortgage denial or stress during the mortgage process.

How Much Can an Appraisal Cost?

The cost of a home appraisal can vary depending on various factors, including the property’s location, the home’s size, and the appraisal’s complexity. On average, a home appraisal can cost between $300 and $500, although it is not uncommon for appraisals to cost upwards of $1,000 in some cases.

It is essential to factor in the cost of an appraisal when budgeting for a home purchase, as it can significantly impact your overall costs. Dale Elenteny explains the costs of the home appraisal and how the appraisal transfer policy works.

Can Multiple Lenders Use the Same Appraisal?

A frequently asked question from borrowers is can I take an appraisal report of an appraiser which was prepared for me to multiple different lenders?  You can transfer a home appraisal from one lender to a different lender as long as the new lender has the appraisal management company as its approved AMC.

Licensed real estate  residential home appraisers need to conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice (USPAP). The initial home appraisal needs to be paid upfront by the borrower before the lender orders the appraisal.

Once the appraisal is done, the lender has the home appraisal and the borrower gets a copy. There is no charge if the borrower transfers the appraisal from one lender to another. Or it can be because the mortgage underwriter keeps coming up with new condition after condition.

If borrowers have an FHA Appraisal already paid for and completed, that appraisal will transfer when they transfer the FHA Case Number from their original lender to their new lender. The appraisal transfer from one lender does not cost anything. 

How To Initiate The Appraisal Transfer Policy Process To a New Lender

Mortgage Borrowers who intend to change lenders during the mortgage process can do so by requesting their current lender they intend to switch lenders. They should email their loan officer or mortgage processor to transfer the case of their FHA loans to the new mortgage lender.

HUD Appraisal Transfer Policy on FHA Loans

The FHA case number can easily be transferred from one lender to another in a day or two. The FHA Home Appraisal will transfer with the FHA Case Number Transfer. However, if you have a copy of the appraisal, submit it to the new lender. Under HUD Guidelines, the mortgagee must act on an FHA Case Number Transfer Request within five business days of the request.

The FHA Home Appraisal Transfer does not need to be transferred by the original lender unless the borrower has paid for the appraisal.

Validity of FHA Appraisal Transfer Policy

FHA Home Appraisals are good for four months from the date of the Appraisal Report. There is an expiration date on FHA Case Numbers. If the expiration date has passed, then a re-inspection is required on the home appraisal, which is a fraction of the cost of the original appraisal.

Updated re-certified FHA Home Appraisals are valid as long as the following conditions apply: The same home appraiser re-certifies the original FHA Appraisal. There are no downward value changes since the original value. The subject property meets all HUD Property Guidelines and is habitable . The update must be done before the 120-day expiration.

Fannie Mae Appraisal Transfer Policy on Conventional Loans

Conventional Loans Appraisal Transfer Policy- This is where transferring an appraisal can get difficult. Most lenders will not accept a transfer to appraisal for conventional financing. More often than not, you must pay for a second appraisal when changing lenders on a Conventional loan.

The good news is money appraisers are set up with many AMCs (appraisal management companies). We can do an UPDATE to the original appraisal, changing it to the new lender’s name. In this scenario, you are not required to pay for a new home appraisal.

NON-QM Appraisal Transfer Policy

NON-QM Appraisal Policy-  Non-QM lending has its own rules and certain times, exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Most of the time, you can transfer an appraisal from another lender. The current lender must sign over the rights of the appraisal to the new lender. Most of the time, this is due to a denial from the current lender.

So most of the time, no issues are having them transfer the right to the appraisal. A home appraisal can be transferred from one lender to another at no cost to the borrower. Most non-QM mortgage lenders will accent conventional, FHA, and VA home appraisal and will be able to use it without a problem.

Starting The FHA Case Number Transfer Process To a New Lender

The new lender cannot start the new mortgage process on FHA loans until the FHA Case Number has been transferred. Michael Gracz, the National Sales Manager at Gustan Cho Associates, is an FHA Case Number Transfer Expert.

Date: XX/XX/2024

To Whom It May Concern:

Please immediately transfer my FHA Case Number To My New Lender (NEW MORTGAGE COMPANY). My Loan Number (ENTER LOAN NUMBER), Social Security, Subject Property Address, and Contact Information are here. Please contact me with confirmation (ENTER ALL CONTACT INFORMATION). Borrowers and Co-Borrowers Name, Signature, Date

VA Appraisal Transfer Policy on VA Loans

VA Appraisal Transfer Policy -If you are obtaining a VA loan and need to transfer your appraisal to another lender, the good news is you can. Like FHA, VA appraisals are always transferred from one to the lender. This transfer is completed by a SAR (staff appraisal reviewer) from the VA. This is done directly on the VA portal and only takes a few days to complete. Once again, this will help speed up your mortgage application when you change lenders.

Gustan Cho Associates are experts in VA mortgage guidelines that are always available to help. If you feel like you will be turned down or have been turned down for a VA loan, please call or text Gustan Cho at Gustan Cho Associates at alex@gustancho.com.

FAQs About Appraisal Transfer Policy From One Lender To Another

• 1. What is the appraisal transfer policy when changing lenders during the mortgage process? The appraisal transfer policy can vary depending on the type of loan. Generally, FHA and VA home appraisals are transferrable from one lender to another. Still, conventional loans may require a new appraisal unless certain conditions are met.

• 2. Do I need to pay for a second appraisal if I change lenders? You typically do not need to pay for a second appraisal for FHA loans, as the existing one can be transferred. However, for conventional loans, you may need to pay for a new appraisal unless the original appraisal can be updated to reflect the new lender’s information.

• 3. How long does it take to transfer an appraisal? The timeframe for transferring an appraisal can vary. Still, it’s generally a relatively quick process, often within 48 hours for FHA and VA loans.

• 4. Can I transfer an appraisal to multiple lenders? You can transfer an appraisal to a different lender if the new lender works with the same appraisal management company (AMC) as the original.

• 5. How do I transfer the appraisal to a new lender? To transfer the appraisal to a new lender, you typically need to request your current lender to transfer the case of your loan to the new lender. This can be done by contacting your loan officer or mortgage processor.

• 6. Is there a cost associated with transferring an appraisal? Transferring an appraisal from one lender to another is generally free, especially for FHA and VA loans. However, if needed, fees may be associated with updating or recertifying the appraisal.

• 7. What is the validity period of an FHA appraisal? FHA appraisals are typically valid for four months from the appraisal report date. If the expiration date has passed, a re-inspection may be required.

• 8. How do I transfer my FHA case number to a new lender? To transfer your FHA case number to a new lender, you must submit a request to your current lender, who will initiate the transfer process through the FHA portal.

• 9. Can VA appraisals be transferred to another lender? Yes, VA appraisals can be transferred from one lender to another, typically through a staff appraisal reviewer (SAR) from the VA.

• 10. How can Gustan Cho Associates help with appraisal transfers? Gustan Cho Associates can provide expert guidance and assistance in navigating appraisal transfer policies, especially for FHA, VA, and other loan programs.

For further inquiries or to explore mortgage options with Gustan Cho Associates, contact them at 800-900-8569, via text, or email at alex@gustancho.com. They are available seven days a week to assist you.