Fannie Mae Provides Further Temporary Guidance on Appraisals
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fannie Mae has announced additional temporary guidance, including use of virtual inspections for appraisals and renovation loans, and flexibilities for condominium project reviews. Additionally, Fannie Mae updated information about flexibilities for new construction loans and Homestyle® Renovation loans, as well as other temporary appraisal requirement flexibilities. View more details here.
Fannie Mae has also released a video to help appraisers and lenders understand how to use the temporary flexibilities, including the modified scopes of work, how to perform thorough desktop appraisals, and more. Check out “Top 6 Tips for Appraisers on Using COVID-19 Flexibilities” and other resources on Fannie Mae’s Appraisers page.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also extending the implementation timeline for the redesigned Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) and updated automated underwriting systems (AUS) specifications to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new mandate for required use of the redesigned URLA is March 1, 2021. The extension will provide lenders and other stakeholders additional time to prepare and implement the redesigned URLA. View more details here.
Due to disruption related to COVID-19, many states are temporarily allowing remote notarization in conjunction with paper-based loan closings. A new job aid from Fannie Mae provides information on use of remote ink-signed notarizations. View the job aid. For more information, contact Curtis Milton at 1-800-368-5242 x8597.
Latest from NAHBNow
Design | IBS
Jan 09, 2026
From Décor to Resiliency, IBS Design Central Covers It AllAt the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in Orlando Fla., there will be education sessions centered on design. Design Central will offer engaging presentations led by some of the industry’s top professionals, covering everything from décor to sustainability. Here are the Design Central presentations, all taking place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).
IBS
Jan 09, 2026
Final Touches Underway at The New American Home 2026Watching a new home come to life in the final stages of construction is a satisfying experience—not just for the owners, but for the builder as well. That feeling is only amplified when the home is a focal point of the International Builders’ Show (IBS)—the industry’s largest trade show.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jan 09, 2026
Townhouse Construction Share Gains ContinueAccording to NAHB analysis of the most recent Census data of Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design, during the third quarter of 2025, single-family attached starts totaled 46,000. Over the last four quarters, townhouse construction starts totaled a strong 179,000 homes, which is 1% higher than the prior four-quarter period (177,000). Townhouses made almost 20% all of single-family housing starts for the third quarter of the year.
Economics
Jan 09, 2026
Job Growth Slowed as 2025 EndedJob growth continued to slow at the end of the year, reinforcing signs of a cooling labor market. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 50,000 jobs in December, while the unemployment rate edged down slightly to 4.4%.
Economics
Jan 09, 2026
Residential Construction Softens Amid Ongoing Housing Market HeadwindsThe latest residential housing market report, delayed by the federal government shutdown last fall, indicates that builders have faced significant headwinds in recent months. Elevated mortgage rates earlier in the year have restrained buyer demand and weighed on home building activity, alongside persistently high construction costs.