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.

IMG_1318 - Sm

“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

22864 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$598,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,264 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779182
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
''Featuring the beautiful Sunflower floor plan with 2,264 sqft, this home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, with a guest retreat and a spacious backyard, providing ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The kitchen showcases the Milan palette, featuring 42'''' grey shaker cabinets with satin nickel hardware, white quartz countertops, and a brickwork pattern backsplash. The stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator, complete the kitchen, along with a white washer and dryer. The indoor and outdoor living areas are seamlessly connected with a 4-panel slider from the greatroom leading to a covered patio, where you can unwind and appreciate the backyard. The home is further enhanced with 8' doors throughout and finished with 2'''' faux wood blinds, offering a blend of modern design and comfort. The bedrooms feature plush carpeting, adding to the home's coziness. This thoughtfully designed floor plan provides both style and comfort, making it the perfect place to make a home.

2910 S Miller Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$598,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,298 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719371
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 3-bedroom home with a versatile downstairs den that can easily serve as a fourth bedroom with a bathroom for guest quarters or generational living. Located just 1 mile from Chandler Crossroads and the 202 freeway, this home offers both convenience and accessibility, all while sitting on a huge lot that backs onto a greenbelt. BRAND NEW exterior paint, garage floor epoxy, and cool deck refinishing all completed 10/1/2024. Inside, you'll find tall 9 ft+ ceilings and elegant wood floors. The home also features a water softener, new a/c units in 2020, and a garage storage rack system. With an optimal floorplan including a formal living and dining room, family room, a den, and a full bathroom on the main floor and three bedrooms including the master suite with soaking tub and walk-in closet upstairs. The kitchen features granite countertops, a large walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar. With a fully landscaped front and back yard, tons of greenery and privacy, private pebble-tec pool, extended concrete decking, and a spacious lawn perfect for kids to play on, a covered patio, and an added storage shed to store your lawn and pool supplies. This one is a must see!

13607 W Springdale Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$598,700
2 Beds
2 Baths
3,291 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768546
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great Opportunity To Own This Popular San Carlos EXPANDED Model: Allowing for the extra square footage to total 3291l. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2.5 Car Garage (GOLF CART GARAGE), is fantastically located off of the 4th Teebox, perfect run with the cart! The spacious living room, AZ room, primary master bedroom & bath, guest bedroom, bath count with expansions. Home boasts an arrays of room to entertain your friends, family and other guests. Enjoy the nice seasonal weather and relax in your new home, coupled with an enclosed patio with gorgeous views of the mountains & golf course. North/South sun exposure limits direct sunlight. Great moment to capitalize to make this property your own, at current pricing structure! Buyer to verify all.

302 W Oak Avenue Unit 3 Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$598,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,085 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6733268
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
TO BE BUILT...Welcome to modern living in the heart of Flagstaff - a collection of contemporary detached homes that redefine luxury and convenience. Nestled against the backdrop of the stunning mountains, step into a world where architectural brilliance meets nature's beauty. The community boasts a sleek and contemporary design that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings. Plentiful glass allows ample natural light to flood the interiors, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. Clean lines, high ceilings, and thoughtfully designed spaces provide an open and airy atmosphere making each home a sanctuary of modern sophistication. Wake up to the awe-inspiring sight of the mountains right outside your window (Select Lots Only).

2805 W Wayne Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$598,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,560 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767232
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This delightful home boasts a spacious living and dining room adorned with vaulted ceilings, charming light fixtures, and engineered wood plank flooring. Step into the bright great room, flooded with natural light, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. The new quartz counters and subway tile backsplash in the kitchen look incredible! Two pantries and an island with a breakfast bar add functionality and style. The generous den/hobby room is perfect for a home office or creative studio. Upstairs you will find 4 bedrooms and 2 baths plus a walk out balcony to enjoy the beautiful nights in Anthem Arizona! You will love this home! Upstairs, retreat to the primary suite, complete with a double-door entry, plush carpeting, a full ensuite, and a mirrored walk-in closet. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views from the private balcony, or relax under the covered patio in the large desert-landscaped backyard. Don't miss it!

17863 E Paria Canyon Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$598,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,543 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778318
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move in ready home located at Trilogy! Be welcome by the delightful curb appeal showcasing a paver driveway, enclosed front patio, & a 2-car garage w/a 4ft extension for golf cars & service door. Inside, discover the stunning high ceilings, tile flooring, & soothing palette. The great room features bountiful natural light, an inviting brick fireplace, & backyard access. The eat-in kitchen provides hardwood cabinets w/crown moldings, SS appliances, granite counters, a walk-in pantry, & a center island w/breakfast bar. The main bedroom boasts soft plush carpet & an ensuite with w/dual sinks, sit-down shower, & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the relaxing covered patio in the sizable backyard & host fun gatherings... Take advantage of all the wonderful sights and amenities that this community offers, like the Sports courts, recreational room, Community pool, walking distance to dog parks and lakes & so much more! Don't miss it!

12744 N 146th Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$598,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,470 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6777807
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Pride of ownership is shown in this beautiful 4-bedroom home that has been tastefully renewed! Meticulously designed interior features carpet & wood-look tile flooring, fresh neutral palette, and an inviting living room. Wide sliding glass doors in the HUGE great room connect you to the back patio, improving your indoor-outdoor living experience. Upscale kitchen comes complete w/recessed & pendant lighting, granite counters, a prep island w/a breakfast bar, ample white cabinetry topped w/crown moulding, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and subway tile backsplash. Surely to impress w/the primary retreat, boasting a trendy barn door to the ensuite comprised of two vanities, a large enclosed glass shower, and a walk-in closet. This gem includes a 2nd main bedroom w/a bathroom! You'll definitely love the wonderful backyard w/a covered patio and sparkling pool. Don't miss!

4220 N 32nd Street Unit 1 Phoenix, AZ 85018

$598,000
2 Beds
3 Baths
1,406 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6782931
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Introducing the epitome of modern patio home living in the heart of Arcadia - welcome home to the Arcadian Phoenix. Nestled in the coveted 85018 area code, these modern townhomes redefine living with their spacious floor plans and an array of amenities. Step inside to discover a haven of elegance, boasting 10-foot ceilings on the main living floor and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The gourmet kitchen seamlessly merges with the inviting family room, creating the perfect setting for both everyday living and entertaining. Revel in the exquisite finishes, featuring stunning cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and timeless stainless steel appliances. Experience true architectural brilliance with the inclusion of a charming Juliet balcony

6614 E Juniper Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$598,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,428 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719401
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Amazing Scottsdale Location! Fully remodeled home on a large lot in a quiet neighborhood with a full spa, a cozy fireplace, & a wet bar. The kitchen features granite tile counters & stainless steel appliances. Enjoy Large master suite offering Large soaker tub and walk in shower. Soak in the AZ weather in your beautiful backyard with multiple covered patios, and a full size spa, beautiful desert landscaping with a pair of love birds nesting in the saguaro cactus, Also featured, a 2-car garage with epoxy flooring. Conveniently located off Bell Rd, equal distance to all the fun at Scottsdale Quarter, Kierland Commons, & Desert Ridge Marketplace with endless options for shopping, dining, & entertainment!

1240 E Windsor Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85006

$598,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,739 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748705
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This charming ranch home sits in the Country Club Manor section of Coronado District!! 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathroom main house, PLUS 1 bed 1 bath guest quarters. Already separated with fencing for privacy. Large yard with new landscaping in the front. Some original features of this home have remained, such as coved ceilings, original doorknobs, and built in nooks. The classic floorpan includes custom built bookshelves and floor to ceiling windows in the main space of the home. The home has been well loved and is ready for the next owner to move in and make it their own

2240 E Roma Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$598,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,473 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759288
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Urban renovation is a big deal in this neighborhood... Everything from new builds over 1M, to original-owner homes ready to undergo total makeovers, there is a pride of ownership and a cool urban vibe going on. This home has been updated a lot over the past few months... New roof, new paint, new pool & spa motors, new quartz countertops, & new synthetic grass yards.

3100 W Frankfurt Drive Chandler, AZ 85226

$598,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,372 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6744740
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The seller will contribute towards lowering the buyer's interest rate by covering some of the associated costs, providing a more affordable monthly payment! HOA PAID FOR 1 YEAR!! Your family will love this 5-bedroom 3 bath home with a gorgeous deck off the Primary bedroom. With NO NEIGHBORS BEHIND, you will truly enjoy the serenity here. ALL NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS, NEW WATER HEATER and the HVAC & AIR HANDLER is 3 YEARS NEW!! Lots of natural light to enjoy the chef's kitchen with granite counters and SS appliances and so much storage. 3 bedrooms Upstairs with beautiful wood floors. Downstairs has 2 bedrooms and a living room with a fireplace, so many spaces to enjoy. Step outside and entertain or relax in your private, tranquil backyard under the stars.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.