FHA Changes Appraisal Requirements to Enhance Financing Flexibility for Borrowers
Updated requirements for valuation of manufactured homes contribute to FHA’s efforts to increase the availability and affordability of manufactured housing as part of the Biden-Harris Housing Supply Action Plan.
WASHINGTON – The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on November 2, 2023 announced the publication of updated appraisal requirements for the valuation of manufactured homes certified under Fannie Mae’s Advantage and Freddie Mac’s CHOICEHome programs. Federal Housing Commissioner Julia Gordon made the announcement this morning at the Manufactured Housing Institute’s (MHI) National Communities Conference Fall Leadership Forum in Chicago, IL.
The updates align FHA appraisal requirements with those of other industry participants and will improve the valuation of these homes for borrowers seeking FHA-insured mortgages. These changes also contribute to FHA’s efforts to increase the availability and affordability of manufactured housing as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Housing Supply Action Plan.
“Increasing the supply of affordable homes in this country will require us to use every tool available to us. That includes innovative solutions like manufactured housing,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “The critical step we’re taking today insures HUD is in alignment with our industry partners, and will make more quality affordable housing available to people across the country.”
“Updating FHA appraisal requirements to align with the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac certification programs supports our comprehensive efforts to increase both the supply and affordability of manufactured homes,” said Federal Housing Commissioner Julia R. Gordon. “Today, we’ve removed another roadblock limiting the effectiveness of FHA programs in serving buyers of these manufactured homes. We hope it will facilitate the continued growth and adoption of this important source of affordable and energy efficient housing.”
Effective immediately, FHA’s updated policy for the valuation of manufactured homes certified under the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs requires appraisers to use the most appropriate site-built home comparable sales when they are less than two comparable sales of these certified manufactured homes available. Manufactured homes certified under the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs. Also known as CrossMods, include design features that make them nearly indistinguishable from many site-built homes and address regulatory barriers in effect in some jurisdictions that have historically restricted the placement of manufactured homes.
Source: HUD
