NAR Goes to Capitol Hill on Appraisals for VA Home Loan Program

It’s no secret that a professional appraisal is key to getting a clear understanding of the home purchase. It’s an important part of ensuring that buyers pay a fair price for their new home, and buyers who utilize the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Home Loan Guaranty Program are no exception.

Realtors® took to Capitol Hill today to champion the good work happening at the VA, but also to warn Members of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs of the challenges facing appraisers who serve the Home Loan Guaranty Program.

Michelle Bradley, Immediate Past Chair of the National Association of Realtors® Real Property Valuation Committee, testified before the HVAC’s Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity to offer her expertise as a state-certified general real property appraiser. She told Members of the Committee that despite the good work happening within the program, regulatory burdens remain that need attention.

“America’s veterans have been well-served for years by VA’s appraisal system, and professionals in the business should be proud of their good work,” Bradley said. “Unfortunately, that system is under tremendous pressure today.”

For over 70 years, the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program has served veterans and active duty service members with zero-down payment options and by encouraging private lenders to offer favorable terms on home loans.

Veterans made up 18 percent of homebuyers in a recent NAR survey, with over half of those buyers turning to a VA loan to finance their home purchase. That means getting the program right is important, but Bradley pointed out a number of impediments to continuing the current level of service.

“What we’ve found is that, among appraisers, there’s a real reluctance to work with the VA,” Bradley said. “Generally, appraisers are dissatisfied with the level of compensation they’re receiving for their work. It’s also harder than ever for trainees to enter the field, not just within the VA system but across the industry, which only adds to the perception of an appraiser shortage. This overall regulatory burden is a significant issue, and we have to turn things around.”

Despite these  challenges, Bradley sounded optimistic as she faced the Committee.

“What we have today isn’t perfect, but it’s an important part of ensuring veterans and active-service members are protected when using a VA home loan,” Bradley said. “NAR looks forward to working with the VA and Members of Congress to improve this system in the years to come.”

For more on the subject, NAR recently released fresh survey data from over 2,000 appraisers within the industry. That’s available online here: http://narnewsline.blogs.realtor.org/2017/03/16/appraiser-survey-shows-challenges-remain-for-practitioners/

If you’re a veteran considering purchasing a home give me a call for more information about the VA loan program – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Search for Your New Home

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

10207 E Diamond Rim Drive Unit 2121 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Open House

$4,995,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

5,660 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753179

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Situated on a rare 1/2 acre corner lot, you'll enjoy privacy, and plenty of lush, mature landscaping, and the ease of hopping in a golf cart to get to Silverleaf Country Club. A private courtyard entrance will lead you to the entry as you meander through the meticulously maintained rose gardens, a bubbling fountain and large blue tiled swimming pool, and spa. The open great room has a grand feel as it's accented with a Cantera stone arch, soaring ceilings with hand-hewn beams, and telescoping doors that open up to the covered patio, and additional center courtyard with charming stone fireplace to add to the ambiance while entertaining. No additional expenses needed on this home, as the owner has recently completed a renovation to include, new lighting throughout, fully remodeled bathrooms with designer tiles, and plumbing fixtures. The kitchen is a dream to cook in as it has a large center island adorned with South American Quartzite and Cristallo translucent Quartzite, Wolf 6 burner gas range with griddle, Wolf double ovens, coffee bar, and 3 tall sub-zero wine refrigerators. Exterior was renovated with new landscaping, new landscape lighting, and Rhinosheild paint. The main house features three spacious guest bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms that any guest will enjoy. An elevator leads to the primary suite with a large sitting room, spacious his/hers custom closets, and luxurious bathroom with dual vanities, make- up vanity soaking tub, and over-sized shower. The office has lovely built-ins and french doors that lead to a secret garden with a stone fireplace. Retreat to the detached, 462 sq ft Casita, to enjoy an afternoon of sewing, gaming, or fitness. The Crestron system is the brains of the home, and has been fully updated in 2023, along with 7 new HVAC units for the home. This home also features a 3 car garage and plenty of storage space.

View Property

6271 E Horseshoe Road Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Open House

$4,990,000

4 Beds

5 Baths

5,134 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756810

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fully furnished golf course modern with soaring ceilings and Mummy Mountain views! Newly remodeled kitchen, flooring, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Entertainers dream with new heated pool/spa and outdoor BBQ area. Located on Camelback Country Clubs Ambiante Golf course, beautiful flowers surround sidewalks and jogging/ biking paths. In the A+ rated CCC school district and moments from central Scottsdale's shops, restaurants and grocery stores. Split floorplan of primary suite with his and hers bathrooms and closets and generous bedroom on one side, office/den and two additional ensuites on the other. Large formal living and second entertaining space off of the kitchen. No interior steps and immaculacy furnished in Restoration Hardware.

View Property

24892 N 107th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Open House

$4,987,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,502 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Luxury Custom New Construction, Move-in-Ready! Welcome to the Artesano Custom Estate, an exquisite masterpiece of architectural design and luxurious living. This home sets the standard for elegance and sophistication. Nestled in the prestigious neighborhood of Artesano at Troon Canyon, this property offers unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail, creating an extraordinary living experience for the most discerning homeowner. Featured in Architectural Digest, Landmark Luxury Group, a distinguished Chicago & Scottsdale-based build, architectural, and design firm, bring experience, design range, and excellence for the things both seen and unseen in new construction. This luxury home also boasts state-of-the-art smart home technology, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances

View Property

9626 E Aw Tillinghast Road Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$4,980,000

6 Beds

8 Baths

6,130 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780388

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This one-of-a-kind custom estate, perched high in the Desert Mountain, boasts breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. Designed Ron Brissette and spanning 4.5 acres, this luxurious 6,130 sq. ft. home offers six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and two half-baths, providing an abundance of space for ultimate comfort. Step through the glass front door into a grand great room with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, showcasing a stunning copper-accented fireplace, a wet bar, and an elegant dining area. Every detail has been carefully upgraded, including a gourmet kitchen equipped with top-tier stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, a large island, and multiple fireplaces throughout. The expansive living spaces are designed for both entertainment and relaxation, while the retreat-style primary suite features a spacious walk-in closet with built-ins and a private office. The oversized three-car garage includes ample storage and epoxy floors, rounding out the home's luxury features. The split bedroom floor plan provides privacy for guests, with five additional en-suite guest rooms, each offering walk-in closets. Outdoors, the resort-style backyard is a true oasis, complete with a negative-edge pool, a large spa, a fire pit, multiple seating areas, a built-in BBQ, a pizza oven, and endless mountain views. Other notable upgrades include two recently replaced HVAC units, a new tankless water heater, a redone roof, electric shades in the great room, primary suite, and guest rooms, Duravit commodes, central vacuum system, custom concrete floors, and more. This estate redefines luxury mountain living.

View Property

10162 E Sundance Trl 227 --, Scottsdale

$4,975,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

5,830 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6653002

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Brand New Home Exudes Elevated Elegance & Craftmanship in the Village of Sunrise on the 3rd hole of the Renegade course, offering panoramic mountain views, sunset views, city lights and golf course views. Quiet interior location on 1 acre. Cart path for this hole is located on the other side of the fairway offering additional privacy. A perfect mixture of traditional architecture with contemporary finishes. 4 car garages, large covered view deck, large entry courtyard, custom ceiling treatments t\o, spacious primary bedroom, w/luxurious bath & expansive primary closet. High end gourmet kitchen made for entertaining, wine room. Golf Membership is not included with purchase of home.

View Property

6841 N 58th Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$4,975,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

4,786 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758290

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This breathtaking 1.26-acre, NON-HILLSIDE LOT in Paradise Valley is located on the south slope of Mummy Mountain, offering panoramic views of Camelback Mountain, Mummy Mountain, downtown Phoenix, and the East Valley including Four Peaks. The existing 4,759 sq. ft. contemporary home features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with potential for expansion to include a car collector's garage or guest quarters.

View Property

5000 N Camelback Ridge Road Unit 109 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$4,950,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,867 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659586

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

You do not need to wait two years! This is a rare opportunity to own a first floor (walk out patio) home in Ascent at the Phoenician and BE IN BY FALL OF 2024! Unit 109 offers a generous 3867 square foot open concept floor plan with numerous upgrades, including Bulthaup Kitchen and Smart Home technology. Three bedrooms, four bathrooms and corner, very private location.

View Property

10308 E Filaree Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$4,950,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

5,235 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6723851

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FULL Golf Membership available. Nestled on a serene private cul-de-sac, this brand new Black Stone / Graffin Design home epitomizes modern luxury and timeless elegance. Spanning 4,735 square feet, this residence features 4 bedrooms + office and 4 ½ bathrooms, meticulously crafted with attention to detail. The design offers a seamless blend of architectural sophistication and contemporary comfort. The open floor plan showcases a gourmet kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, quartz countertops, a scullery room and custom cabinetry, making it a dream for culinary enthusiasts and perfect for entertaining. Expansive living spaces boast high ceilings, abundant natural light, and a cozy fireplace, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. The primary suite serves as a tranquil retreat, complete with a spa-like ensuite bathroom, while additional bedrooms provide comfort and privacy for family and guests. Outside, the landscaped grounds offer a private oasis featuring a covered patio, ideal for outdoor dining and enjoying incredible sunset views. Available with this property also includes a FULL golf membership upon membership approval with DMMA. An exclusive opportunity awaits the new buyer to enjoy the comfort of a newly remodeled 3-bedroom home situated just one mile away. During the construction of their new home, they will have the privilege of residing in this home rent-free. Additionally, the property is available without the golf membership, offering flexibility to suit your lifestyle preferences.

View Property

6045 E Cholla Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$4,950,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,402 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759835

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Mid-Century Modern is truly a one of kind work of art situated on Camelback Mountain. Escape into the peace and tranquility of a home built to be a part of the Mountain with your own personal botanical garden and views from Camelback to Four Peaks. Awake each morning to spectacular sunrises and watch the desert come alive every day. In the evening retreat into your private backyard looking up at Camelback Mountain. This jewel box was built to optimize the views from every room and create a true retreat in the heart of Paradise Valley. Walk to world class resorts, restaurants, hike on the Cholla Trail, or relax into your spa and take in the views. This understated luxury home embodies what it is to live on the Iconic Camelback in the Arizona desert

View Property

11432 E Apache Vistas Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$4,950,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,559 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6781180

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Platinum built masterpiece on perhaps the best golf course lot in Desert Mountain offers mountain, sunset, city light & golf course water views with a full golf membership. The modern transitional design combines luxury & craftsmanship showcasing every detail which has been thoughtfully customized to evoke a sense of warmth and style. The well-appointed kitchen features Wolf & Subzero appliances including 4 ovens and a convection steam oven. The butler's pantry leads to the generous walk-in pantry and formal dining room. The great room boasts soaring ceilings & spectacular vistas that beckon you to the expansive patios & outdoor living spaces with a heated negative edge pool, spa, multiple fire features and an outdoor kitchen complementing the 15th green and pond on the Apache Course

View Property

6215 E Turquoise Avenue Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$4,950,000

7 Beds

10 Baths

9,092 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6709896

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled within the prestigious enclave of Paradise Valley, this multigeneration home is luxury living at its finest. Grand courtyard entrance w/outdoor gas fireplace. Gourmet kitchen outfitted with Wolff gas stove, Miele Espresso machine, Sub-Zero Refrigerator, granite countertops with built in beverage ice tubs, pantry. Office w/private entrance, & ensuite. Private primary retreat featuring jet tub, double entrance steam shower, his and hers walk-in closets. Basement (1,745 sqft) equipped w/media room, climate-controlled 900 bottle wine cellar, billiard room with bar, bathroom and bedroom. Outdoor living w/putting green, sports court, grotto slide pool, spa, gazebo w/kitchen. Detached casita w/fitness room, infrared sauna, hair salon, 2 baths,1 bdrm, kitchen. Also, for lease $21,750. Main House - 5,872 sq.ft., Attached Guest Suite - 669 sq.ft., Detached Casita - 805 sq.ft., Basement 1,746 sq.ft. See Floor plan with measurements in Documents Tab.

View Property

9940 E Aleka Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Open House

New

$4,950,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,802 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786804

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover refined luxury in this newly completed, never-occupied 4,802 sq. ft., modern estate in the exclusive Mirabel golf community. Built by MDF Development and architect Matt Thomas, this distinct single-level home offers 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and a den or office. Expansive glass doors blend indoor and outdoor living, with stunning desert and expansive mountain views. The gourmet kitchen features top-tier appliances and a spacious island. Enjoy a private heated pool, spa, and covered patio with outdoor kitchen. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac with other similar, newly constructed homes and the convenience of an immediate coveted golf club membership available. Experience the vibrant North Scottsdale lifestyle, with fine dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation just moments away.

View Property