GSEs continue work on modernizing appraisal process, redesigning reporting forms.

The Appraisal Institute is closely monitoring projects at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that involve process modernization (updates to policies and procedures) and the Uniform Appraisal Dataset and Forms redesign initiative.

Process modernization efforts are expected to include changes to the government-sponsored enterprises' seller/servicer guidelines and a continued emphasis on the Federal Housing Finance Agency's Duty to Serve obligations, which involve such issues as manufactured housing, energy efficiency and rural appraisal matters.

Additionally, the GSEs are expected to further explore so-called bifurcated appraisal assignments, which involve certain property information from third parties being provided to appraisers for analysis. The Appraisal Institute continues to express concerns about these assignments, and the GSEs have committed to...