Appraisal Transfer Policy: How to Transfer a Home Appraisal to a New Lender
If you’re changing mortgage lenders and have already paid for a home appraisal, you’re probably wondering: Can I use the same appraisal? The good news is yes—in many cases, you can. The process is called an appraisal transfer, and this guide explains how the appraisal transfer policy works.
At Gustan Cho Associates, we help borrowers who were denied at the last minute or feel stuck with a lender who keeps dragging out the process. Our team has no lender overlays, meaning we follow agency guidelines without extra rules. We’re experts in getting your mortgage approved fast, and we know exactly how to transfer your appraisal to save you time and money.
What Is the Appraisal Transfer Policy?
The appraisal transfer policy is a set of rules that let you move your home appraisal from one lender to another. This can help you avoid paying for a second appraisal, which can cost $500 or more. Whether or not you can transfer the appraisal depends on the loan type: FHA, VA, Conventional, or NON-QM.
FHA Appraisal Transfer Policy
FHA appraisals are tied to your FHA case number instead of the lender, which is pretty handy! So, if you decide to switch lenders during the process, you can take your appraisal with you. Remember that FHA appraisals are good for 120 days and can be transferred as long as you’ve paid.
When you choose a new lender, they can ask HUD to transfer your FHA Case Number; this transfer usually takes about 48 hours. This is especially useful if you’ve been denied late in the game or need a quicker turnaround. At Gustan Cho Associates, we’re all about helping borrowers bounce back from last-minute denials and close fast with the same FHA appraisal.
VA Appraisal Transfer Policy
Like FHA loans, VA loans allow appraisal transfers. VA appraisals are tracked through the VA Portal and can be reassigned to a new lender.
How it works:
- The new lender requests the transfer through the VA.
- A Staff Appraisal Reviewer (SAR) must approve the request.
- The process usually takes 2 to 3 business days.
VA appraisals are valid for six months, and reassignments are common for borrowers switching to lenders who better understand VA loan guidelines.
Conventional Loan Appraisal Transfer Policy
Conventional loans are trickier. There’s no universal rule forcing a lender to accept a transferred appraisal. Each lender sets its own policy.
Most lenders won’t accept a conventional appraisal unless:
- The same Appraisal Management Company (AMC) is approved by both lenders.
- The appraisal meets Appraiser Independence Requirements (AIR).
- The original lender is willing to cooperate.
If all those conditions are met, the appraisal can be updated rather than replaced. But often, you may need to pay for a second appraisal.
NON-QM Appraisal Transfer Policy
NON-QM (non-qualified mortgage) lenders are known for their flexible appraisal rules. Many of these lenders will accept an appraisal from another lender, provided that the original appraisal meets the standards set by USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). Additionally, the original lender must sign over the rights to use that appraisal, allowing the new lender to rely on it for the loan process.
NON-QM lenders often approve FHA or conventional appraisals as long as they’re recent and meet the property’s loan requirements.
How Much Does an Appraisal Cost?
Appraisals typically cost $400 to $700, depending on the home’s size and location. In 2025, high-demand areas or rural homes may see prices as high as $1,000. Paying for a second appraisal can be a big financial hit, which is why the appraisal transfer policy is so helpful for many buyers.
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How To Start the Appraisal Transfer Process
If you’re changing lenders and want to transfer your appraisal, follow these steps:
1. Contact Your Current Lender
-
- Ask them to release your FHA Case Number (for FHA loans).
- Request that the appraisal be reassigned to your new lender.
2. Write a Case Number Transfer Request (FHA)
Example:
Date: [Today’s Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
Please transfer my FHA Case Number to [New Mortgage Company Name].
Loan Number: [Loan #]
SSN: [Your SSN]
Subject Property Address: [Address]
Contact Info: [Phone/Email]
Thank you,
[Your Full Name & Signature]
3. Let Your New Lender Take Over
-
- Once the transfer is complete, your new lender can pick up where the process left off.
How Long Is an Appraisal Valid?
- FHA: 120 days from the date of the report. It can be extended with a re-inspection.
- VA: 180 days (6 months).
- Conventional: Varies by lender but often 120 days.
- NON-QM: Up to the discretion of the lender.
If the appraisal expires before closing, your lender may ask for a re-certification of value or an update.
Can Multiple Lenders Use the Same Appraisal?
Sometimes. It may be transferred if the appraisal was ordered through an AMC that works with both lenders. However, most conventional lenders won’t allow this unless the appraisal is shared properly and meets AIR and USPAP standards.
That’s why Gustan Cho Associates works quickly to request and verify appraisal transfers so you don’t experience delays.
Updated 2025 Insights on Appraisal Transfers
- Desktop and hybrid appraisals are becoming more common, especially for conventional loans. These may not be transferable unless the new lender accepts the format.
- Some lenders now use automated valuation models (AVMs), which don’t require full appraisals. These are not transferable.
- FHA and VA are still the most transfer-friendly programs.
If you’re unsure what kind of appraisal you had, call us—we’ll take a look and let you know if it qualifies under the appraisal transfer policy.
Why Appraisal Transfers Matter
Here’s the reality: many homebuyers start with the wrong lender. Maybe they were denied at the last minute, or their loan officer wasn’t responsive. When you switch to Gustan Cho Associates, we work fast to rescue your loan and close it—and we use your existing appraisal whenever possible to save you time and money.
Common Reasons Borrowers Switch Lenders
- Denied after pre-approval
- High rates or excessive lender fees
- Poor communication from loan officers
- Stressful underwriting delays
- Need a lender with no overlays
Transferring your appraisal might be the best move if any of these sound familiar.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Get You Closed
You already paid for the appraisal. You deserve to use it. Thanks to FHA and VA guidelines, transferring appraisals is easier than ever. Gustan Cho Associates can help you progress even if your last lender lets you down.
Call us at 800-900-8569, text us, or email alex@gustancho.com to get started. We’ll review your situation, transfer your appraisal (if eligible), and get your loan moving toward closing.
Don’t let one lender stop your dream home. Let’s finish what you started—fast, stress-free, and without paying for another appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Appraisal Transfer Policy:
Q: What is the Appraisal Transfer Policy?
A: The appraisal transfer policy means you can move your home appraisal from one lender to another, so you don’t have to pay for a new one. This can save you time and hundreds of dollars.
Q: Can I Transfer My Appraisal if I Switch Lenders?
A: Yes! If you have an FHA or VA loan, your appraisal can usually be transferred to your new lender under the appraisal transfer policy. For conventional loans, it depends on the lender.
Q: How do I Start the Appraisal Transfer Process?
A: Just ask your current lender to transfer your appraisal to your new lender. For FHA loans, you also need to transfer the FHA Case Number. Your new lender will help with this.
Q: Will I have to Pay Again to Get the Appraisal Transferred?
A: No, transferring an appraisal is usually free. If your appraisal has expired, you might have to pay for a minor update or re-inspection.
Q: How Long Does it Take to Transfer the Appraisal?
A: The appraisal transfer usually takes 1–3 business days. FHA appraisals often transfer within 48 hours.
Q: Can I Transfer a Conventional Appraisal?
A: Sometimes. Conventional appraisal transfers depend on whether both lenders work with the same appraisal company and follow the appraisal transfer policy. Many conventional lenders may still ask for a new appraisal.
Q: What if My Appraisal is Too Old?
A: If your appraisal expires, your new lender may request a re-inspection or a fresh appraisal. FHA appraisals are suitable for 120 days and VA for 6 months.
Q: Can I Use the Same Appraisal with More Than One Lender?
A: You might be able to if both lenders accept it and work with the same appraisal company. However, this is more common with FHA and VA loans under the appraisal transfer policy.
Q: Why do People Switch Lenders Mid-Process?
A: Many people switched because they were denied at the last minute, their rates were too high, or their loan officer didn’t communicate well. The appraisal transfer policy helps keep things moving when you make a switch.
Q: How Can Gustan Cho Associates Help With Appraisal Transfers?
A: We help you transfer your appraisal fast so you don’t lose time or money. We follow the appraisal transfer policy and specialize in closing loans even after other lenders say no.
This blog about “Appraisal Transfer Policy From One Lender To Another” was updated on June 26th, 2025.
