Appraisal Industry Improvement Act

Key Points

• This bill would allow state-licensed appraisers to perform work on homes bought with FHA-insured mortgages. Currently, these appraisals often require higher-level "certified" appraisers, and this change aims to increase the number of professionals available to help homebuyers.
• It creates a national registry for "trainee appraisers." This helps people entering the profession get recognized and allows experienced appraisers to use trainees for help on jobs, which could help more people start careers in the appraisal industry.
• New education requirements would be put in place. Any appraiser working on FHA loans would need to complete specific training from the government or an approved school to ensure they understand FHA's specific safety and value standards.
• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would have about eight months to set up the new rules. This includes creating a way for current appraisers to prove they have already met the necessary education requirements.
• The bill also provides grants to colleges and nonprofits to help recruit and train new appraisers. This is intended to fix workforce shortages and provide scholarships for people looking to enter the field.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.