August 15, 2014 | Upper Marlboro, MD
Public Comment Period Open for FHA Single-Family Housing Policy Handbook, Appraiser Requiements
Opportunity for Green Homes to Be More Appropriately Valued in Appraisals
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has released a draft version of its Single-Family Housing Policy Handbook, which outlines appraiser responsibilities and compliance actions, as well as a recommended process for appraisal reporting and data delivery.
This represents a big win for those who build and sell high-performance green homes, as the handbook recognizes lender-accepted appraisal methods that better enable green home features to be recognized and valued during the appraisal process.
Stakeholders in the home building industry, as well as appraisers and lenders, are encouraged to submit feedback on the draft documents before September 2, 2014. Home Innovation Research Labs intends to submit comments and encourages partners in our NGBS Green Certification to consider doing so as well.
A copy of the draft handbook and a link to the feedback form for public comment are both available online.
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ABOUT: Home Innovation Research Labs, located in Upper Marlboro, Md., is a full-service research, testing, and consulting firm determined to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of single- and multifamily homes and home building products – in short, we aim to perfect the home. Founded in 1964 as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), our team has been integral in solving many of our client’s most difficult product and technology issues, and helping to introduce some of the most groundbreaking innovations in construction. Through an interdisciplinary research approach – including market research, building science analysis, laboratory testing, and standards development – we help to find a home for innovation in the construction industry.
NOTE TO EDITORS ON STYLE USAGE: To identify this company and its work correctly, first reference should be "Home Innovation Research Labs." In subsequent mentions, “Home Innovation” should be used; we are not identified by an acronym. Prior to February 12, 2013, the company was known as the NAHB Research Center.