On Friday, February 26, 2021, NAR submitted comments to the Federal Housing Finance Agency's (FHFA) Request for Information on Appraisal-Related Policies, Practices, and Processes (RFI). NAR provided input on several of the questions posed by FHFA in the RFI, focusing mainly on concerns related to risk in the valuation space, the role of technology, and discrimination in appraisals and other valuation products.
In general, NAR believes a traditional, in-person appraisal continues to provide the most comprehensive and thorough opinion of value for a real estate transaction. NAR also supports innoviation in the valuation field and allowances for various forms of appraisal type depending on the need of transation. Continued work in improving the valuation field must ensure fair and sound appraisal practices and processes.