Can a trainee help with VA appraisals?

[BreJune]

I am taking on a trainee and trying to determine if the trainee can help on VA assignments. There is a list of items in the handbook that the VA Appraiser is required to do. My question is can the trainee help with these as long as the VA Appraiser makes the final decision? Such as comparable selection and determination of value. How do any of you word this in your reports, for significant assistance?

 

[Don Clark]

I am taking on a trainee and trying to determine if the trainee can help on VA assignments. There is a list of items in the handbook that the VA Appraiser is required to do. My question is can the trainee help with these as long as the VA Appraiser makes the final decision? Such as comparable selection and determination of value. How do any of you word this in your reports, for significant assistance?

Why not contact the real authority on the subject, your RLC?

Each region has some leeway on subjects. There is no 1 answer.

 

[BreJune]

Why not contact the real authority on the subject, your RLC?

Each region has some leeway on subjects. There is no 1 answer.

I did contact the local RLC first and the answer was "you have do everything listed and are 100% responsible". That is subjective to what it really means. Does it mean: Yes, the trainee can help as long as the VA appraiser is also doing everything, or no they can't do any of it.

 

[1963Clipper]

From my local RLC:
2. ASSISTANCE WITH THE APPRAISAL
VA appraisers may obtain assistance in preparing the appraisal report; however, specific
appraisal tasks cannot be delegated. The appraiser must personally inspect the property inside
and out, and inspect at least the exterior of each comparable sale used. They must select and
analyze comparable sales, establish the final estimate of value, and sign the appraisal report as
the appraiser. If he or she relies on significant professional assistance in performing the
appraisal or in preparing the appraisal report, the name of the assistant and the specific task
performed by that individual must be shown in the “Reconciliation” section of the appraisal
report.

 

[1963Clipper]

@BreJune, from YOUR local RLC:

VA fee appraisers must comply with USPAP standards and VA policy concerning
assistants. An appraiser who has relied on significant professional assistance from any
individual in the performance of the appraisal or the preparation of the appraisal report
must name the individual and the specific tasks performed. Documentation must be in
the reconciliation section of the report.
VA will allow an assistant to sign a report as an assistant in order to document qualifying
experience for future licensing and certification purposes. However, even in this
situation, the primary signatory on the report must be the authorized fee appraiser.
Failure to comply with VA's requirements in this area will constitute a basis for removal
from the fee panel immediately.

 

[BRCJR]

@BreJune, from YOUR local RLC:

VA fee appraisers must comply with USPAP standards and VA policy concerning
assistants. An appraiser who has relied on significant professional assistance from any
individual in the performance of the appraisal or the preparation of the appraisal report
must name the individual and the specific tasks performed. Documentation must be in
the reconciliation section of the report.
VA will allow an assistant to sign a report as an assistant in order to document qualifying
experience for future licensing and certification purposes. However, even in this
situation, the primary signatory on the report must be the authorized fee appraiser.
Failure to comply with VA's requirements in this area will constitute a basis for removal
from the fee panel immediately.

How can one sign as an assistant and the fee appraiser must sign as the primary appraiser? The GSE forms do not work that way.
Am I missing something?

 

[Lycabull]

Find a copy of the St Paul RLC appraiser's handbook. I just started reviewing mine and it covered that in full detail. Who can sign, for what, when, where. As others have already said, each RLC is slightly different so be sure it applies to your area too.

Happy reading.

 

[hastalavista]

How can one sign as an assistant and the fee appraiser must sign as the primary appraiser? The GSE forms do not work that way.

Why not just add an additional signature page that details its purpose:
"As indicated in the certification, Denis DeSaix provided significant appraisal assistance as part of his appraiser training under the supervision of CANative.
DeSaix performed x, y, and z tasks. Per VA protocol, such assistants are allowed to sign the report provided (a) their assistance is disclosed as required by the USPAP, (b) signing the report is for purposes of documenting their training and experience hours for their state regulator, and (c) the primary signatory on the report is the authorized fee appraiser engaged for the assignment.
All the above requirements have been met and, therefore, this additional signature page is included."