What does Preamble of VA Appraisal Modernization Act do?

This bill proposes to amend title 38, United States Code, concerning appraisal fees for housing loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill's stated purpose is to address appraisal fees related to VA housing loans and includes 'other purposes'.

What does SHORT TITLE. of VA Appraisal Modernization Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'VA Appraisal Modernization Act'.

What does APPRAISAL FEES FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOME LOANS. of VA Appraisal Modernization Act do?

This section amends Chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, to establish appraisal fee regulations for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans. It defines terms such as 'appraisal fee,' 'high-demand county,' and 'remote county.' The Secretary is required to establish appraisal fees within 180 days of the VA Appraisal Modernization Act's enactment and adjust them annually starting January 1, 2027, based on the quarterly House Price Index. Counties can be designated as 'high-demand' if appraisal completion times exceed standards or appraiser availability is limited, or if demand substantially exceeds capacity. Counties can be designated as 'remote' based on appraiser density, travel distance, or low appraiser density relative to loan volume. Appraisal fees in high-demand counties will increase to at least 125% of the established fee, and potentially up to 150% if the county has been designated for four quarters or more. Appraisers will be reimbursed for mileage at the rate prescribed by the Administrator of General Services for travel to and from the subject property in high-demand or remote counties.

What does REPORT AND STUDY. of VA Appraisal Modernization Act do?

This section mandates a report from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways and Means within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The report must estimate the effects of section 3731A of title 38, United States Code, on government expenditures, appraiser participation, appraisal completion times in high-demand counties, and the use of housing loans. The report also needs to include recommendations to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse during the implementation of section 3731A. The Secretary must also conduct a study on the feasibility of contracting home appraisers in areas with supply shortages and restructuring the VA appraisal process to resemble the Federal Housing Administration's process. The results of this study must be submitted to Congress and made publicly available.

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VA Appraisal Modernization Act

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes regulations for appraisal fees on VA home loans, requiring the Secretary to set initial fees within 180 days and adjust them annually based on the House Price Index.
It allows designation of 'high-demand' and 'remote' counties, increasing appraisal fees in those areas and reimbursing appraisers for mileage.
The bill requires a report to Congress assessing the impact of the appraisal fee changes and mandates a study on improving appraiser availability and streamlining the VA appraisal process.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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