New VA “E-Appraisal” delivery system in effect

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loans program has a new electronic appraisal delivery method instituted August 30. The new process replaces the former process of appraisals being sent directly to lenders and Regional Loan Centers (RLCs). Instead of e-mailing appraisals to the respective e-mail account for each local RLC and to each lender, under E-Appraisals, the name of the new initiative, VA fee appraisers now submit their appraisals to one centralized VA web site (direct URL: http://vip.vba.va.gov).

"This will enhance our ability to track and monitor all incoming appraisals," the VA said. Additionally, E-Appraisals will interface with The Appraisal System (TAS) and, upon receipt of an appraisal, TAS will show it as "pending review." With E-Appraisals lender SARs can immediately proceed to review the appraisal and issue the Notice of Value. SARs will no longer have to wait to receive an appraisal sent to them by the appraiser or lender agent.

The VA initiated E-Commerce appraisal delivery in August, 2001. "VA fee appraisers were required to electronically submit appraisals to the lender, if provided lender e-mail address, and to the local RLC using a Portable Document Format (PDF)," the VA said in a circular. "With E-Commerce, appraisal delivery to the lenders and VA was expedited and appraisal turn-around times greatly reduced. In sum, E-Commerce benefited many veterans by providing prompt and better appraisal service to lenders." It said E-Appraisals is the next step in a continuing process of streamlining appraisal delivery.

The new system is operational but not currently required; VA fee appraisers have until October 1 to begin using the system. "All appraisals will continue to be in Adobe Acrobat PDF Format and must be submitted as full and complete appraisal reports," the VA said. "Submission of partial appraisal reports, appraisal addenda or correspondence to E-Appraisals is unacceptable."

The VA said that if any problems are encountered with the E-Appraisals Application, please contact the Construction and Valuation Unit TAS Help-Desk of the local RLC.

VA fee appraisers should register as a user of TAS if not already registered. Registration asks for your Regional Office and Appraiser ID. Access the registration page directly by clicking here.