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B4-1.3-06, Property Condition and Quality of Construction of the Improvements (03/01/2023)
Introduction
This topic contains information on property condition and quality of construction, including:
- Appraiser Selection of Condition, Quality, and other Characteristic Ratings
- Property Condition
- Property Condition Ratings
- Identifying Property Condition
- Definitions of Not Updated, Updated, and Remodeled
- Appraisals Completed “As Is”
- Quality of Construction Rating
- Identifying Quality of Construction
- Physical Deficiencies That Affect Safety, Soundness, or Structural Integrity of the Subject Property
- Infestation, Dampness, or Settlement
Appraiser Selection of Condition, Quality, and other Characteristic Ratings
The condition and quality ratings must be based on a holistic view of the property and any improvements. When selecting the condition and quality ratings, an appraiser must
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consider all improvements to determine an overall condition and quality rating. The appraiser should select the rating that best reflects the property as a whole and in its entirety.
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describe the subject property as of the effective date of the appraisal on an absolute basis, meaning the property must be rated on its own merits. The rating should not be selected on a relative basis, meaning it is not selected on how the property relates or compares to other properties in the neighborhood. Additionally, the condition and quality ratings for comparable properties must be made on an absolute basis (again, each comparative property on its own merits), not on a relative basis, and reflect the property as of the date of sale of that comparable property.
Note: These requirements also apply to all other ratings or descriptions, including the View and Location.
When an appraiser selects a rating and/or description of the subject property for a sales transaction, the selected rating and/or description must remain the same when reflecting that specific transaction. For example, if a C4 rating is selected for the sale of the subject property, then that property remains a C4 when using that specific sale as a comparable in future reports. The same expectation holds true for ratings and descriptions of comparable sales. When a comparable is used in a subsequent appraisal, the ratings and descriptions of that property should not change from one appraisal to the next when it reflects the same sale transaction.
Note: Properties can have the same rating or description and still require an adjustment. It should be noted that this does not only apply to condition and quality ratings and can apply to other ratings or descriptions as well. For example, all water views may not be equal. In this instance, an adjustment should be made and explained in the Additional Comments section of the form or in an addendum.
Property Condition
Lenders must take the necessary steps to confirm that a property meets Fannie Mae’s condition requirements as outlined in this topic.
The table below provides the requirements for property condition.
| ✓ | Requirements |
|---|---|
| The appraisal report must express an opinion about the condition of the improvements based on the factual data of the improvements analysis. | |
Appraisals based on interior and exterior inspections must include complete visual inspections of the accessible areas of the property.
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| Appraisal reports must reflect adverse conditions that were apparent during the inspection or discovered while performing research, such as, but not limited to, needed repairs, deterioration, or the presence of hazardous wastes, toxic substances, or adverse environmental conditions. | |
| Detrimental conditions of the improvements must be reported in the appraisal even if the conditions are typical for competing properties. | |
| The appraiser must consider and describe the overall condition and quality and condition of the property improvements. (See Identifying Property Condition; Definitions of Not Updated, Updated, and Remodeled; and Identifying Quality of Construction in this topic for details.) | |
The appraiser must identify
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| The appraisal Additional Comments section must address needed repairs and physical, functional, or external inadequacies. |
Property Condition Ratings
For appraisals required to be completed with the UAD, the appraiser must assign one of the following standardized condition ratings in the table below when identifying the condition of the improvements for the subject property and comparable sales.
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| C1 | The improvements have been very recently constructed and have not previously been occupied. The entire structure and all components are new and the dwelling features no physical depreciation.
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| C2 | The improvements feature no deferred maintenance, little or no physical depreciation, and require no repairs. Virtually all building components are new or have been recently repaired, refinished, or rehabilitated. All outdated components and finishes have been updated and/or replaced with components that meet current standards. Dwellings in this category either are almost new or have been recently completely renovated and are similar in condition to new construction.
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| C3 | The improvements are well-maintained and feature limited physical depreciation due to normal wear and tear. Some components, but not every major building component, may be updated or recently rehabilitated. The structure has been well-maintained.
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| C4 | The improvements feature some minor deferred maintenance and physical deterioration due to normal wear and tear. The dwelling has been adequately maintained and requires only minimal repairs to building components/mechanical systems and cosmetic repairs. All major building components have been adequately maintained and are functionally adequate.
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| C5 | The improvements feature obvious deferred maintenance and are in need of some significant repairs. Some building components need repairs, rehabilitation, or updating. The functional utility and overall livability are somewhat diminished due to condition, but the dwelling remains useable and functional as a residence.
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| C6 | The improvements have substantial damage or deferred maintenance with deficiencies or defects that are severe enough to affect the safety, soundness, or structural integrity of the improvements. The improvements are in need of substantial repairs and rehabilitation, including many or most major components.
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Identifying Property Condition
As previously noted, the condition rating selected for the property must reflect a holistic view of the condition of the property improvements. It would be inappropriate to select either a lower or higher overall rating on the basis of one or two minor inferior or superior areas of the property improvements. However, the C6 rating is an exception because it indicates that the property is impacted by one or more deficiencies that negatively affect the safety, soundness, or structural integrity of the property. As a result, if any portion of the dwelling is rated a C6, the whole dwelling must be rated a C6.
Properties with a condition rating of C6 are not eligible for sale to Fannie Mae. Any deficiencies impacting the safety, soundness, or structural integrity of the property must be repaired with a resulting minimum condition rating of C5 prior to delivery of the loan. See Physical Deficiencies That Affect Safety, Soundness, or Structural Integrity of the Subject Property in this topic for information related to completing appraisals on properties with safety, soundness, or structural integrity deficiencies.
Definitions of Not Updated, Updated, and Remodeled
For appraisals required to be completed using the UAD, as a subset of identifying the condition of the subject property, the appraiser must also identify the level of updating, if any, that the subject property has received by utilizing the definitions in the table below.
| Level of Updating | Description |
|---|---|
| Not Updated | Little or no updating or modernization. This description includes, but is not limited to, new homes.
Residential properties of fifteen years of age or less often reflect an original condition with no updating, if no major components have been replaced or updated. Those over fifteen years of age are also considered not updated if the appliances, fixtures, and finishes are predominantly dated. An area that is ‘Not Updated’ may still be well-maintained and fully functional, and this rating does not necessarily imply deferred maintenance or physical/functional deterioration. |
| Updated | The area of the home has been modified to meet current market expectations. These modifications are limited in terms of both scope and cost.
An updated area of the home should have an improved look and feel, or functional utility. Changes that constitute updates include refurbishment and/or replacing components to meet existing market expectations. Updates do not include significant alterations to the existing structure. |
| Remodeled | Significant finish and/or structural changes have been made that increase utility and appeal through complete replacement and/or expansion.
A remodeled area reflects fundamental changes that include multiple alterations. These alterations may include some or all of the following: replacement of a major component (cabinet(s), bathtub, or bathroom tile), relocation of plumbing/gas fixtures/appliances, significant structural alterations (relocating walls, and/or the addition of square footage). This would include a complete gutting and rebuild. |
Appraisals Completed “As Is”
Fannie Mae permits appraisals to be based on the “as is” condition of the property provided existing conditions are minor and do not affect the safety, soundness, or structural integrity of the property, and the appraiser’s opinion of value reflects the existence of these conditions.
Minor conditions and deferred maintenance are typically due to normal wear and tear from the aging process and the occupancy of the property. While such conditions generally do not rise to the level of a required repair, they must be reported. Examples of minor conditions and deferred maintenance include worn floor finishes or carpet, minor plumbing leaks, holes in window screens, missing handrails, or cracked window glass.
Properties with condition ratings C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 as previously defined are eligible in “as is” condition. Properties with the initial Condition Rating C6 indicate one or more deficiencies that impact the safety, soundness, or structural integrity of the property. Therefore, the appraisal must be completed "subject to" completion of the deficient item(s) with a minimum resulting condition rating of C5.
See Physical Deficiencies That Affect Safety, Soundness, or Structural Integrity of the Subject Property in this topic for additional details when completing appraisals on properties with safety, soundness, or structural integrity deficiencies.
Quality of Construction Rating
For appraisals required to be completed using the UAD, the appraiser must assign one of the following standardized quality ratings in the table below when identifying the quality of construction for the subject property and comparable sales.
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| Q1 | Dwellings with this quality rating are usually unique structures that are individually designed by an architect for a specified user. Such residences typically are constructed from detailed architectural plans and specifications and feature an exceptionally high level of workmanship and exceptionally high-grade materials throughout the interior and exterior of the structure. The design features exceptionally high-quality exterior refinements and ornamentation, and exceptionally high-quality interior refinements. The workmanship, materials, and finishes throughout the dwelling are of exceptionally high quality. |
| Q2 | Dwellings with this quality rating are often custom designed for construction on an individual property owner’s site. However, dwellings in this quality grade are also found in high-quality tract developments featuring residences constructed from individual plans or from highly modified or upgraded plans. The design features detailed, high-quality exterior ornamentation, high-quality interior refinements, and detail. The workmanship, materials, and finishes throughout the dwelling are generally of high or very high quality. |
| Q3 | Dwellings with this quality rating are residences of higher quality built from individual or readily available designer plans in above-standard residential tract developments or on an individual property owner’s site. The design includes significant exterior ornamentation and interiors that are well finished. The workmanship exceeds acceptable standards and many materials and finishes throughout the dwelling have been upgraded from “stock” standards. |
| Q4 | Dwellings with this quality rating meet or exceed the requirements of applicable building codes. Standard or modified standard building plans are utilized and the design includes adequate fenestration and some exterior ornamentation and interior refinements. Materials, workmanship, finish, and equipment are of stock or builder grade and may feature some upgrades. |
| Q5 | Dwellings with this quality rating feature economy of construction and basic functionality as main considerations. Such dwellings feature a plain design using readily available or basic floor plans featuring minimal fenestration and basic finishes with minimal exterior ornamentation and limited interior detail. These dwellings meet minimum building codes and are constructed with inexpensive, stock materials with limited refinements and upgrades. |
| Q6 | Dwellings with this quality rating are of basic quality and lower cost; some may not be suitable for year-round occupancy. Such dwellings are often built with simple plans or without plans, often utilizing the lowest quality building materials. Such dwellings are often built or expanded by persons who are professionally unskilled or possess only minimal construction skills. Electrical, plumbing, and other mechanical systems and equipment may be minimal or nonexistent. Older dwellings may feature one or more substandard or nonconforming additions to the original structure. |
Identifying Quality of Construction
The same approach used in identifying the condition of the property is also applicable to identifying the quality of construction. The selected rating must reflect a holistic view of the quality of construction. However, the Q6 Rating is an exception because it indicates that the property is impacted by one or more deficiencies that negatively affect the safety, soundness, or structural integrity of the property. As a result, if any portion of the dwelling is rated a Q6, the whole dwelling must be rated a Q6.
Properties with a quality of construction rating of Q6 are eligible for sale to Fannie Mae provided any items in relation to the quality of construction that impact the safety, soundness, or structural integrity of the property are repaired prior to the delivery of the loan. See Physical Deficiencies That Affect Safety, Soundness, or Structural Integrity of the Subject Property in this topic for requirements when completing appraisals on properties with safety, soundness, or structural integrity deficiencies.
Physical Deficiencies That Affect Safety, Soundness, or Structural Integrity of the Subject Property
The appraisal report must identify and describe physical deficiencies that could affect a property’s safety, soundness, or structural integrity. If the appraiser has identified any of these deficiencies, the property must be appraised "subject to" completion of the specific repairs or alterations. In these instances, the property condition and quality ratings must reflect the condition and quality of the property based on the hypothetical condition that the repairs or alterations have been completed.
If the appraiser is not qualified to evaluate the alterations or repairs, the appraisal must note the deficiencies and be completed "subject to" a satisfactory inspection by a qualified professional. The lender must decide if the inspection(s) is required and whether the property meets eligibility requirements. If the property does not meet eligibility requirements, the lender must provide satisfactory evidence that the condition has been corrected or repaired prior to loan delivery. In this case, the appraiser is not required to review the professionally prepared report, re-inspect the property, or provide a Form 1004D. The lender must document the decision and rationale in the loan file. See , for properties affected by environmental hazards.
Infestation, Dampness, or Settlement
If the appraisal indicates evidence of infestation (such as, wood-boring insects), dampness, or abnormal settlement, the appraisal must comment on the effect on the value and marketability of the subject property. The lender must either provide satisfactory evidence that the condition was corrected or submit a professionally prepared report indicating, based on an inspection of the property, that the condition does not pose any threat of structural damage to the improvements. The appraisal should be made "subject to" repairs or alternations, or "subject to" an inspection by a qualified professional.
Recent Related Announcements
The table below provides references to recently issued Announcements that are related to this topic.
| Announcements | Issue Date |
| Announcement SEL-2023-02 | March 01, 2023 |
