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Here's what a desktop appraisal is: we're talking about an appraisal where the appraiser does *not* physically inspect the subject property or the comparable sales in person. Instead, the appraiser gathers information from third-party data sources—things like photos, floor plans, virtual inspections, and machine-generated information—and verifies that data through disinterested sources to make sure it's accurate and reliable. The appraiser must determine the property's features, quality, and condition based on this remote data, and cannot use workarounds like "subject to verification" of the property's actual condition. When this type of appraisal is completed, it gets reported as "Desktop Appraisal" on the property valuation method field of the appraisal form, with the effective date being the date the appraiser develops the opinion of value (not an inspection date).
Straight from Fannie Mae Selling Guide, UAD 3.6/URAR, and 2024 USPAP — nothing added.
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© Copyright Notice: © 2026 Fannie Mae. Excerpts shown for research and reference only. Full document available at selling-guide.fanniemae.com. Reproduction restricted to Fannie Mae-approved lenders.
© Copyright Notice: © Fannie Mae. UAD 3.6 / URAR reference materials shown for research and reference only. Full documents available at fanniemae.com/uad. Reproduction restricted per Fannie Mae copyright policy.
© Copyright Notice: © The Appraisal Foundation. Excerpts shown for research and reference only (fair use, 17 U.S.C. § 107) — every certified appraiser is required to have their own current copy under USPAP's own Record Keeping/Competency provisions; this tool helps you find the exact passage, it doesn't replace owning it. Full current edition available for purchase at appraisalfoundation.org. Reproduction restricted per The Appraisal Foundation's copyright policy.
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Announcements Issue Date Announcement SEL-2019-06 July 03, 2019 B4-1.2-02, Desktop Appraisals (12/10/2025) Introduction This topic contains information on desktop appraisals,…
Fannie Mae Selling Guide · Selling Guide - 06-03-2026.pdf · Page 553
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Announcements Issue Date Announcement SEL-2019-06 July 03, 2019 B4-1.2-02, Desktop Appraisals (12/10/2025) Introduction This topic contains information on desktop appraisals, including: Overview Completing the Form 1004 Desktop Eligible Transactions Ineligible Transactions Representations and Warranties Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 Policy Overview For certain loan casefiles, DU offers desktop appraisals. A desktop appraisal reported on the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (Desktop) (Form 1004 Desktop) is permitted for certain transactions. The minimum scope of work for Form 1004 Desktop does not include a current inspection of the subject property or comparable sales by the appraiser; the appraiser relies on data obtained from alternative methods or sources to identify property characteristics and condition. Completing the Form 1004 Desktop Subject property information may be obtained from one or more data sources. The appraiser can accept data, photos, floor plans, and other information from a party who has a financial interest in the sale or financing of the property if the appraiser verifies such data from a disinterested source. The appraiser must determine if the information is accurate and reliable to produce a credible report, which includes the features, quality, and condition of the subject property. Virtual inspection methods (including digital photos or videos) or other technological solutions (such as a machine-generated floor plan) can augment the data and imagery used for a desktop appraisal. Information provided by the homeowner, potential borrower, or a third party can be used to develop the description of the interior and exterior of the improvements. Extraordinary assumption(s) or appraisals made "subject to" verification of the subject property's condition, quality, or physical characteristics are not permitted. The lender remains responsible for the description of the property, and the accuracy and of all data on the
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appraisal that pertains to the property. This includes the property's condition and quality ratings. The lender is also responsible for ensuring the property meets the property…
Fannie Mae Selling Guide · Selling Guide - 06-03-2026.pdf · Page 554
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appraisal that pertains to the property. This includes the property's condition and quality ratings. The lender is also responsible for ensuring the property meets the property eligibility requirements in this Selling Guide. Lastly, the lender remains responsible for any life-of-loan representations and warranties that may apply to the property or the appraisal. Exhibits: Form 1004 Desktop requires the same exhibits as traditional appraisals, plus a floor plan. The Square Footage-Method for Calculating: ANSI Z765-2021 standard is not required for desktop appraisals but encouraged when feasible. See B4-1.2-01, Appraisal Report Forms and Exhibits for additional information. Entry of Appraisal Assignment Type: The appraiser must provide the Appraisal Assignment Type and supporting details (located in the Additional Comments section of the appraisal report) as shown in the following table. Field Labels Required Entry Appraisal Assignment Type "DesktopAppraisal" Subject Property Data Collection Method "Other" Subject Property Data Collection Date Null Subject Property Data Workforce Null DU Messaging: For loan casefiles that are eligible for a desktop appraisal option, DU will issue a message informing the lender they can choose to obtain an appraisal reported on Form 1004 Desktop. DU will also issue messages for other appraisal options. The lender may select from any of the options presented, which may include a desktop appraisal, hybrid appraisal, or traditional appraisal. Eligible Transactions To be eligible for a desktop appraisal, transactions must meet the following criteria: one-unit property (including those with an ADU and units in a PUD), principal residence, purchase transaction (including new construction), LTV ratio less than or equal to 90%, and DU loan casefile that receives an Approve/Eligible recommendation. Ineligible Transactions The following transactions are not eligible for a desktop appraisal: two- to four-unit properties; condo and co-op units;
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Assignment Information Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 34 of 375 Version 1.3 Assignment Information: Borrower, Seller, and Current Owner of Public Record Report Field ID…
UAD 3.6 / URAR (FNMA) · Appendix F-1 URAR Reference Guide v1.3.pdf · Page 34
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Assignment Information Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 34 of 375 Version 1.3 Assignment Information: Borrower, Seller, and Current Owner of Public Record Report Field ID Report Label When to Include Allowable Answers / Format Definition / Additional Guidance 2.002 Seller Name If applicable Free-form Repeatable Notes: • The seller can be a person or a legal entity. • If there is no seller (such as refinance transactions), leave blank. 2.003 Current Owner of Public Record Always required Free-form Repeatable Note: The current owner can be a person or a legal entity. Property Valuation Method Reference published guidelines by the GSEs, government agencies, or other identified secondary market participants for specific guidance. Assignment Information: Property Valuation Method Report Field ID Report Label When to Include Allowable Answers / Format Definition / Additional Guidance 2.004 Property Valuation Method Always required Choose an allowable answer from table (Property Valuation Method) The method of property valuation, based on appraiser’s scope of work performed. • Traditional Appraisal • Hybrid Appraisal • Desktop Appraisal • Exterior Appraisal Note: Regardless of what was ordered, Property Valuation Method represents what was completed. Property Valuation Method (Choose one) Allowable Answer Definition / Additional Guidance Traditional Appraisal An appraisal assignment for which the scope of work includes an interior and exterior onsite inspection of the subject property completed by the appraiser who signs the appraisal report. The Effective Date of Appraisal (26.011) is the date of inspection. Hybrid Appraisal An appraisal assignment for which the scope of work includes using a recent collection of property data in lieu of the appraiser performing an onsite inspection. The Effective Date of Appraisal (26.011) is the date the appraiser develops the opinion of value. Note: If this answer is selected, Property Data Report Used (2.005) must be Yes, and the Property Data Report subsection (2.053-2.060) displays. The collection of property data must comply with the Uniform Property Dataset (UPD), as specified in Uniform Property Dataset - Freddie Mac Single-Family and Uniform Property Dataset | Fannie Mae. Desktop Appraisal An appraisal assignment for which the scope of work includes using third party data sources, other than a recent collection of property data, in lieu of an appraiser performing an onsite inspection. The Effective Date of Appraisal (26.011) is the date the appraiser develops the opinion of value. Exterior Appraisal An appraisal assignment for which the scope of work includes an inspection of the