Announcement 20-0003: VA Assisted Appraisal Processing Program (AAPP)

Overview

Effective with appraisals ordered on and after January 1, 2020, VA will permit VA fee panel appraisers to utilize the Assisted Appraisal Processing Program (AAPP) process and rely on information provided by other appraisers. Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC (CMS) will accept AAPP appraisals on VA loans as this new process improves service to veteran borrowers in rural areas and should reduce overall appraisal turn times.

AAPP Process

VA does not require fee panel appraisers to participate in the AAPP process; however, if they do participate then both appraisers must enter into an agreement for such services. Under AAPP, the initial appraisal report may be completed by a non-VA panel appraiser. The AAPP appraiser is required to be knowledgeable of all VA requirements and minimum property standards. All VA fee panel appraisers participating in the AAPP process must continue to follow all applicable VA statutes, regulations, and policies, as well as the policies and procedures outlined in VA Circular 26-19-31.

Both appraisers’ names are entered on the appraisal. The assisting appraiser is entered on the left side of the report under the “Appraiser” section. The VA fee panel appraiser must sign as the “Supervisory Appraiser” as they are ultimately responsible for the appraisal. The appraisal must contain the following statement:

“I participated in VA’s Assisted Appraisal Processing Program to complete this appraisal report. The final opinion of value for the subject property is based upon my supervisory status and analysis of all available information. The person who provided information to me to assist in the opinion of value is: Full name (First/Middle/Last), license number, date of expiration, state of issuance of the person.  I take full responsibility for any errors in and/or omissions from this appraisal report.”

Please note: AAPP may not be utilized for the following:

• New Construction
• Sales price or value above $1 Million
• Complex appraisals
• Tidewater Initiative (Value will come in lower than the sales price)

The veteran is not permitted to pay an additional fee for the VA fee panel appraiser’s use of an AAPP appraiser. The VA fee panel appraiser is responsible for paying any fees charged by the AAPP appraiser as per their agreement. As a reminder, VA fee panel appraisers must comply with all USPAP standards, VA regulations and policies and any other federal, state, or local requirements.

Contacts

Please contact CorrespondentRM@carringtonms.com with any questions.

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