Get ready to start adding those extra comments in your appraisals.

I'm sure many of us have seen this before in prior years. After the last big firestorms, lenders and AMCs were requesting that appraisers add comments to their reports basically indicating that yes, the subject house is in an area affected by fires, but the subject did not suffer any damage. I don't remember the exact verbage lenders required, but it varied a bit from one to the other.

I remember some lenders who had just ordered an appraisal in those area requesting a second inspection to assure that the home was not damaged before they would fund the loan.

I've since moved to a different area and don't expect to see any of these requests, but I'm sure many of you will. And for those of you have are directly affected by the fires or know a fellow appraiser affected by the fire, the Appraisal Institute has a relief foundation setup to provide emergency financial assitance. So, if you need assistance or would like to donate to the foundation, here is the site: AIRF.