564.8—Appraisal policies and practices of savings associations and subsidiaries.
(a) Introduction.
The soundness of a savings association's mortgage loans and real estate investments, and those of its service corporation(s), depends to a great extent upon the adequacy of the loan underwriting used to support these transactions. An appraisal standard is one of several critical components of a sound underwriting policy because appraisal reports contain estimates of the value of collateral held or assets owned. This section sets forth the responsibilities of management to develop, implement, and maintain appraisal standards in determining compliance with the appraisal requirements of § 563.170 of this chapter.
(b) Definition.
For purposes of this section, management means: the directors and officers of a savings association, or service corporation of such savings association, as those terms are defined in §§ 561.18 and 561.35 of this chapter respectively.
(c) Responsibilities of management.
An appraisal is a critical component of the loan underwriting or real estate investment decision. Therefore, management shall develop, implement, and maintain appraisal policies to ensure that appraisals reflect professional competence and to facilitate the reporting of estimates of market value upon which savings associations may rely to make lending decisions. To achieve these results:
(1)
Management shall develop written appraisal policies, subject to formal adoption by the savings association's board of directors, that it shall implement in consultation with other appropriate personnel. These policies shall ensure that adequate appraisals are obtained and proper appraisal procedures are followed consistent with the requirements of this part 564.
(2)
Management shall develop and adopt guidelines and institute procedures pertaining to the hiring of appraisers to perform appraisal services for the savings association consistent with the requirements of this part 564. These guidelines shall set forth specific factors to be considered by management including, but not limited to, an appraiser's State certification or licensing, professional education, and type of experience. An appraiser's membership in professional appraisal organizations may be considered consistent with the requirements of § 564.6
(3)
Management shall review on an annual basis the performance of all approved appraisers used within the preceding 12-month period for compliance with (i) the savings association's appraisal policies and procedures; and (ii) the reasonableness of the value estimates reported.
(d) Exemptions.
The requirements of § 564.4(b) through (d) shall not apply with respect to appraisals on nonresidential properties prepared on form reports approved by the Office and completed in accordance with the applicable instructional booklet.