On May 5, 2008 the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) through Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is launching an online appraiser application process that will replace the existing process of sending paper applications through the mail. This process may make the process of applying to become a FHA Roster appraiser much easier and faster.

Information on their website states that the cut off date for accepting paper applications is April 22, 2008 and that appraisers should wait until after the May 5th date to avoid the possibility of their application not being accepted. If applications were mailed any time prior to April 22nd, appraisers should not reapply and are encouraged to wait the eight to twelve week processing time, although the process should be faster after the implementation of the new system.

To find out if an appraiser has been placed on the active Roster, appraisers can go online the FHA website and find out. HUD does not send any correspondence if the application is accepted. A letter is sent and the reason identified if the application has been been denied or the appraiser is ineligible.

FHA Connection is a website that provides approved lenders and businesses partners, like Roster appraisers with direct, secure, online access to computer systems of HUD. FHA Connections allows appraisers to update their business information and to get their identification number. To gain access to FHA Connection, appraisers have to apply once they have been placed on the Roster.

Because the loan limits were temporarily raised for FHA insured loans, FHA Roster appraisers might become busier appraising for FHA approved lenders. The VC form, once required to accompany the URAR 1004 appraisal form, is no longer used and the requirements of an appraiser while appraising for FHA approved lenders has been simplified.

I am Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser and FHA Roster Appraiser currently authoring a EBook on appraising for FHA insured loans.