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The Body of Knowledge for Residential Real Estate Appraisal
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#1 UAD 3.6 / URAR (FNMA) Page 85
0.151
Site Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 85 of 375 Version 1.3 05 Disaster Mitigation The Disaster Mitigation section provides information about disaster mitigation features…
UAD 3.6 / URAR (FNMA)  ·  Appendix F-1 URAR Reference Guide v1.3.pdf  ·  Page 85  ·  View at official source (fanniemae.com/uad) →
Site Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 85 of 375 Version 1.3 05 Disaster Mitigation The Disaster Mitigation section provides information about disaster mitigation features that exist on the property. This section provides space for additional commentary and exhibits. If the property does not have any disaster mitigation features (Mitigation Feature is None), the Disaster Mitigation section does not display. Disaster Mitigation Feature Report Field ID Report Label When to Include Allowable Answers / Format Definition / Additional Guidance 5.000 Mitigation Feature Always required Choose one or more allowable answers from table (Mitigation Feature) A feature added to, or a modification made to, the property that is designed to prevent or reduce the impacts and risks of hazards caused by natural disasters. Disaster Mitigation: Mitigation Feature (Choose all that apply) Allowable Answer Definition / Additional Guidance None If there are no disaster mitigation features, select None and the Disaster Mitigation section does not display. Enclosed Soffits A soffit designed to prevent embers from making contact with the interior joints, rafters, or trusses. Fire Resistant Decking Decking made of materials that are designed to avoid igniting and potentially fueling a fire. Fire Resistant Exterior Walls Exterior wall cladding made of materials that are designed to avoid igniting and potentially fueling a fire. Flood Vents An opening in an enclosed structure intended to allow the free passage of water between the interior and exterior. Fortified Roof A roof designed or modified to give increased strength and protection from severe weather. Framing Anchoring or Bracing A structural system designed to resist wind and earthquake forces in which frames are secured and are designed to not sway laterally. Impact Resistant Glass Windows or glass designed to withstand high winds and impact from objects, making them far less likely to shatter, even from direct blows. Impact Resistant Shingles Note: This answer is specific to roof shingles. Noncombustible Perimeter Entire outer edge of the property boundary has been designed to mitigate or stop fire from spreading. Storm Shelter A structure designed to protect the occupants from severe weather. Storm Shutters Permanently attached material used to protect windows or doors that can be stored when not in use (e.g., hurricane shutters). Water Heater Strapping System designed to secure the water heater in place in the event of an earthquake. Other (Describe) Select Other to enter an answer that is not in the above list.
#2 VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7) Page 267
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VA Pamphlet 26-7 Revised Chapter 7: Loans Requiring Special Underwriting, Guaranty, and Other Considerations 7-17 3. Energy Efficient Mortgages Change Date March 11, 2019 • This…
VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7)  ·  VA-Lender-Handbook.pdf  ·  Page 267  ·  View at official source (VA.gov — Appraisers/Staff Appraisal Reviewer) →
VA Pamphlet 26-7 Revised Chapter 7: Loans Requiring Special Underwriting, Guaranty, and Other Considerations 7-17 3. Energy Efficient Mortgages Change Date March 11, 2019 • This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. What are EEMs? Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) are loans to cover the cost of making energy efficiency improvements to a dwelling. They can be made in conjunction with a: • VA loan for the purchase of an existing dwelling, or • VA refinancing loan secured by the dwelling. Acceptable energy efficiency improvements include, but are not limited to: • solar heating systems, including solar systems for heating water for domestic use; • solar heating and cooling systems; • caulking and weather-stripping; • furnace efficiency modifications limited to replacement burners, boilers, or furnaces designed to reduce the firing rate or to achieve a reduction in the amount of fuel consumed as a result of increased combustion efficiency, devices for modifying flue openings which will increase the efficiency of the heating system, and electrical or mechanical furnace ignition systems which replace standing gas pilot lights; • clock thermostats; • new or additional ceiling, attic, wall and floor insulation; • water heater insulation; • storm windows and/or doors, including thermal windows and/or doors; • heat pumps; and • vapor barriers. b. Borrower Notice on the NOV Information on EEMs is provided to a Veteran who applies for a loan which requires an NOV (a loan for a home purchase or regular “cash-out” refinance). The NOV includes the following notice to the Veteran: Continued on next page
#3 UAD 3.6 / URAR (FNMA) Page 156
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Outbuilding Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 156 of 375 Version 1.3 Cooling Outbuilding: Mechanical System Details - Cooling Report Field ID Report Label When to Include…
UAD 3.6 / URAR (FNMA)  ·  Appendix F-1 URAR Reference Guide v1.3.pdf  ·  Page 156  ·  View at official source (fanniemae.com/uad) →
Outbuilding Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 156 of 375 Version 1.3 Cooling Outbuilding: Mechanical System Details - Cooling Report Field ID Report Label When to Include Allowable Answers / Format Definition / Additional Guidance 12.016 Cooling (System) Required if the outbuilding contains ADU(s) Yes | No Cooling System Exists: Indicates whether there is a permanent cooling system in the structure. • If No, “None” displays. 12.016 Cooling (System) If Cooling System Exists is Yes Choose one or more allowable answers from table (Cooling System Type) Cooling System Type • Centralized • Individual • Other (Describe) Cooling System Type (Choose one or more) Allowable Answer Definition / Additional Guidance Centralized A system in which air is cooled at a central location and distributed to and from rooms by one or more fans and ductwork (e.g., forced air, mini-split). Individual A self-contained cooling system, mounted on a wall or in a window, designed to cool an individual room or small area (e.g., window unit). Other (Describe) Select Other to enter an answer that is not in the above list. Other Mechanical Systems Outbuilding: Other Mechanical Systems Report Field ID Report Label When to Include Allowable Answers / Format Definition / Additional Guidance 12.017 Other Mechanical Systems If applicable Choose one or more allowable answers from the Definition / Additional Guidance column • Radon Mitigation • Sump Pump • Water Heater • Whole House Water Treatment • Other (Describe) Note: If there are no other mechanical systems in the outbuilding, do not select an answer and Other Mechanical Systems does not display.
Chief Appraiser Says Reading the actual guideline text below — never a general AI guess
Here's what we found: Water heater straps are specifically recognized by Fannie Mae as a disaster mitigation feature—they're a system designed to secure the water heater in place during an earthquake. The VA handbook mentions water heater *insulation* as an eligible energy efficiency improvement, but doesn't address straps themselves. HUD/FHA lists water heaters as an eligible repair or improvement under their Title I program, though without specifying straps. So when it comes to earthquake safety and strapping, Fannie Mae is the source that directly addresses it. Straight from UAD 3.6/URAR (FNMA), VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7), and HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1 — nothing added.
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