OCCFinal Rule

Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans Exemption Threshold

Finance & BankingHousing

Summary

This regulation changes the rules for when banks must get a professional appraisal for mortgages. It raises the dollar amount threshold that triggers appraisal requirements, meaning some home loans won't need expensive appraisals anymore. This could make the mortgage process faster and cheaper for some borrowers, though it may reduce oversight of certain loan values.

Key Points

  • 1The rule increases the mortgage loan amount threshold that requires a professional appraisal, exempting more loans from appraisal requirements
  • 2Borrowers seeking mortgages below the new threshold may experience faster loan processing and lower costs since appraisals can be expensive
  • 3Banks will have more flexibility in evaluating home values for certain loans without requiring a certified appraiser
  • 4The change could reduce consumer protections in some cases, as appraisals help verify that homes are worth what buyers are paying
  • 5This rule applies to mortgages regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which oversees national banks

Key Dates

Published

December 16, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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