Soil Survey Maps

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has made soil survey maps available online. 

Click here for some tips on navigating the NRCS soil survey site.

HUD info for Appraisers

Use the above link to access HUD's resources for appraisers.   All of HUD's forms and publications can be found at the HUDClips website.

Every FHA Appraiser should be familiar with the Homeownership Center (HOC) Reference Guide.

 M & M Contractors for HUD REOs are also listed online.

Sign up to receive notices (including Mortgagee Letters) from HUD.

1st Qtr 2008 index now available!

House Price Index

The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) is an independent entity within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with oversight authority over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

OFHEO produces, in PDF format, a quarterly House Price Index (HPI) that tracks single family house prices by region, state and Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).  They also publish a less detailed monthly HPI with only regional information. 

Mortgage Fraud Blog

What is a "blog?"  A "blog" is a Web Log.  This particular blog has information regarding mortgage fraud cases from around the country.  As you know, many mortgage fraud schemes would not work without an appraiser who is willing to hit the number, and risk going to jail.  See the latest news in this area and sign up for email notification of new cases.

Census Tract Numbers

At this location you will find the FFIEC Geocoding System which is a search engine that will provide the Census Tract number or Block Number Area number for the address that you enter.

Once you have located the census tract number there are links to demographic data for that census tract.

If you are in an area where the tract number cannot be found by address, you may want to try this site where you can zoom in on a map to find the tract number.  

FEMA Flood Maps

If you have a valid physical street address enter it in the form near the top right corner of the page.  This pull up the appropriate panel.  Click on the green dot  to view.   Click on “Make a FIRMette” to generate a graphic file that you can print and or insert in your report.

If you do not have a valid street address you can click on the "Map Search" on the menu bar at the top of the page.  You will then get a map of North America.  Click on the map in the area you need to see and it will zoom in.  Continue to click and zoom in until you can locate the correct panel.  Next, click on the "Point" icon on the left (it's the target).   Then, click on the green dot as above.

Mid-West Appraisers Association

MWAA has resources for appraisers in Nebraska, Iowa and surrounding states.

The Appraisal Foundation

Get to latest exposure drafts and other communications from the ASB and AQB.

The Appraisal Subcommittee

This is the home of the National Registry of licensed and certified appraisers.  Also has links to state appraiser regulatory agencies in each state.

State Appraisal Board Links

We have links here to most of the state boards for the areas where our courses are presented and/or approved.

Barry Shea & Associates

For more information on Barry's practice.  Also, additional resources for NH based appraisers.

National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers

The National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA) is an Appraisal Sponsor of The Appraisal Foundation.  NAIFA has a fine discussion area for appraisers which is open to all.