Fannie, Freddie to Allow Desktop Appraisals on New Construction Loans

Disaster Response
Published

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced several loan processing flexibilities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including allowing desktop appraisals on new construction loans.

Other flexibilities announced by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac include:

  • Allowing flexibility on demonstrating construction has been completed (alternative to the Completion Report);
  • Allowing flexibility for borrowers to provide documentation (rather than requiring an inspection) to allow renovation disbursements (draws); and
  • Expanding the use of power of attorney and remote online notarizations.

“These loan processing flexibilities will expedite loan closings and help keep home buyers, sellers, and appraisers safe during this national emergency,” said FHFA Director Mark Calabria. Access the latest NAHB news and business resources to respond to this challenge at the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response section on nahb.org.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Economics | Education

Nov 21, 2025

How the Fed’s Rate Cuts Will Impact Housing in 2026

2026 is likely to present the home building sector with new challenges and opportunities, many of which will be explored in a Dec. 11 webinar, “Housing Market Outlook: The Fed Resumes Rate Cuts.”

Regulations

Nov 21, 2025

NAHB Backs Trump Administration’s Proposed ESA Reforms

In a move strongly supported by NAHB, the U.S. Interior Department on Nov. 21 announced four proposed regulatory rules regarding reforms to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that would rescind changes made during the Biden administration that have created regulatory barriers that hinder housing development and economic activity.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Nov 20, 2025

September Jobs Report Highlights a Cooling but Still Growing Labor Market

The long-delayed September jobs report revealed that the U.S. economy added 119,000 jobs while the unemployment rate climbed to its highest level in nearly four years.

Economics

Nov 20, 2025

Existing Home Sales Rise in October

Existing home sales rose to an eight-month high in October as buyers took advantage of lower mortgage rates, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Resale inventory improved from a year ago but remained below pre-pandemic levels.

Economics

Nov 19, 2025

Affordability Impacts: Young Adults Are Once Again Moving Back Home

The share of young adults living with parents increased in 2024, interrupting the post-pandemic trend of moving out of parental homes.