Verifying Case Number?

[TXCBoy36]

I have a FHA appraisal order that I am working on presently. I am curious, is there a way that we (appraisers) can check and verify a case file number, just for verification purposes.

JC:icon_question:

 

[Carnivore]

This is an excellent question, considering that MB's are highly likely to be appraiser shopping for the made to fit appraisal.

The case number is similar to attaching a serial number to an object. Eventually someone will end up with two different appraisals/appraisers with the same case number.

 

[Marcia Langley]

I sure wish there were a way to verify the case number on line but I'm betting the regional FHA office could do it with a phone call.

I'm thinking, like you two, that since unapproved brokers now have a path to FHA loans we should start verifying the numbers on every job.

 

[Dominic]

lately I have been asking them to fax me the 2 page FHA Connection form that they get after a case number is received... it shows the property, the borrower, the lender, the appraiser, etc... been telling them I need a copy for the file, no one has refused to send it... verifies that its really me assigned to the case number.

 

[Alison Swain]

Hmmmmm........good point. Looks like I'm adding a new policy today.

Thanks!

 

[Mr Rex]

Ask them to black out the borrowers SS # on page 2. I don't need it or want it in my files.

 

[TXCBoy36]

Sounds like a great idea. I have a few orders, wish there was a way to verify that we are actually assigned to the existing case files. I know once we are assigned, we stay with the property, as long as it is in the FHA program network. I will call FHA and see what they say....Thanks!

JC

 

[OSU Beavers]

Meaningless. If the broker does not like your appraisal he/she will just roundfile it, change the appraiser number on the FHA connection website and get an FHA approved appraiser who will play ball. The value and conditions on your report is never recorded with HUD so there is no paper trail.

 

[Marcia Langley]

OSU,

I agree with what you say except verifying the number would at least let the appraiser know that the number they were given is valid. Just a first step in the appraiser's attempt to determine whether an order was valid enough to accept.

If FHA wants to allow lenders to toss appraisals and shop for another one, let that be on them, not on some implied complicity by the appraiser.

 

[William K]

I have been an FHA appraiser from "back in the day", trained by HUD field offices in 3 locales. I can honestly say I have never seen a fake HUD Case number given to an appraiser to be put on an appraisal. I don't even understand why a lender would order an appraisal with a fake case number? The number is to be placed on the appraisal to identify it as an FHA appraisal. The number is property specific. In order to get a case number the lender has to assign an appraiser by state license number and confirm they are on the current FHA roster. Lets say they order the appraisal from appraiser "A" and the value was less than the lender needed to complete the loan, if they try to order the appraisal with a new appraiser "skippy" they would have to try to cancel the old appraiser entry which HUD will have a record of, and assign a new appraiser who is on the FHA roster. The risks involved to the lender are pretty substantial if the original appraisal should pop up somewhere with that case number! I can honestly say that when I receive an FHA appraisal order I normally receive the case number confirmation page that they receive from HUD, but not always. I am not concerned with if they decide to break FHA rules and start shopping for appraisals. I know my value opinion is mine and is properly supported. The last thing I would want is for appraisers to have access to FHA case numbers because I can see added liability of "Did you check and see if their was a valid FHA case number already assigned" ! Now I have on occassion received an FHA order which the lender said they would put the CASE number on when they receive the appraisal to which I state that HUD insists that the appraiser put the case number on their appraisal so if they wanted an FHA appraisal they would have to supply the case number. Understand we have only so much control over our appraisals, if a lender wanted to be deceptive all they would have to do is shop appraisals to FHA roster appraisers until they got the value they wanted ( after ordering it as a conventional appraisal) and then when they received the appraisal report place the case number on it. Remember that FHA appraisals no longer have to be "Subject to", and "as-is" appraisals are no longer FHA rejects.