Last progress May 7, 2025 (7 months ago)
Introduced on May 7, 2025 by Kevin Cramer
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
This bill changes who can do home appraisals for FHA-backed loans and how they are trained and tracked. It lets State-licensed appraisers do these appraisals, as long as they meet professional skill rules and complete FHA-specific training. Federal employees who choose to get a State license can hold just one license and still do appraisal work nationwide. Appraisers must meet competency standards before taking a job and have verifiable education on FHA requirements, through FHA or approved courses .
HUD must publish guidance within about 8 months of the law, and the new rules kick in no later than 6 months after that. Current FHA-approved appraisers can keep working during the transition, but after the effective date everyone must meet the updated standards . The Appraisal Subcommittee can lower annual registry fees for appraisal management companies if the current fee setup causes problems or doesn’t fit their work . The bill also recognizes “State credentialed trainee appraisers,” lets certified appraisers use trainees’ help on required appraisals, and says states aren’t forced to run trainee programs. It allows grants to state agencies to support training and grow the appraisal workforce .
| Who is affected | What changes | When |
|---|---|---|
| Homebuyers and owners using FHA-backed loans | More qualified appraisers may be available, which could ease delays | After HUD issues guidance and the rules take effect (about 8 months to issue, then up to 6 months to start) |
| Appraisers | Must be State-licensed/certified, meet competency rules, and complete FHA-specific education; federal employees can operate nationwide with one State license | After the new rules take effect |
| Appraisal management companies | Possible fee reductions if fees are causing harm or don’t fit needs | Ongoing, as determined by the Appraisal Subcommittee |
| Trainee appraisers and State agencies | New recognition of State credentialed trainees; certified appraisers may use trainees; grants available for training and workforce needs | After enactment and as programs are set up |