[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 142 (Wednesday, July 24, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35525-35538]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-15708]


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NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION

12 CFR Part 722

RIN 3133-AE79


Real Estate Appraisals

AGENCY: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The NCUA Board (Board) is amending the agency's rule requiring 
real estate appraisals for certain transactions. The final rule 
accomplishes four objectives: Increasing the threshold below which 
appraisals are not required for commercial real estate transactions 
from $250,000 to $1,000,000; restructuring the rule to enhance clarity; 
exempting from the rule certain federally related transactions 
involving real estate in a rural area; and making conforming amendments 
to the definitions section.

DATES: The final rule is effective October 22, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical information: Jeffrey 
Marshall, Program Officer, (703) 548-2415, Lou Pham, Senior Credit 
Specialist, (703) 548-2745, Office of Examination and Insurance, or 
Legal information: Rachel Ackmann, Staff Attorney, (703) 518-6540, 
Office of General Counsel, National Credit Union Administration, each 
at 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

A. Background

    Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and 
Enforcement Act of 1989 (Title XI) \1\ directs each federal financial 
institutions regulatory agency \2\ to publish appraisal regulations for 
federally related transactions within its jurisdiction. In 1994, the 
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the 
Currency (other banking agencies) established thresholds for all real 
estate-related financial transactions with a transaction value \3\ of 
$250,000 or less, as well as certain real estate-secured business loans 
(qualifying business loans or QBLs) with a transaction value of $1 
million or less.\4\ Transactions below these established threshold 
levels were not required to have Title XI appraisals. QBLs are business 
loans \5\ that are real estate-related financial transactions and that 
are not dependent on the sale of, or rental income derived from, real 
estate as the primary source of repayment.\6\
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    \1\ 12 U.S.C. 3331 et seq.
    \2\ ``Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies'' means 
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Fed); the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); the Office of the 
Comptroller of the Currency, Treasury (OCC); the NCUA, and, 
formerly, the Office of Thrift Supervision. 12 U.S.C. 3350(6).
    \3\ For loans and extensions of credit, the transaction value is 
the amount of the loan or extension of credit. For sales, leases, 
purchases, investments in or exchanges of real property, the 
transaction value is the market value of the real property. For the 
pooling of loans or interests in real property for resale or 
purchase, the transaction value is the amount of each loan or the 
market value of each real property, respectively. See OCC: 12 CFR 
34.42(n); Fed: 12 CFR 225.62(n); and FDIC: 12 CFR 323.2(n).
    \4\ See 59 FR 29482 (June 7, 1994); see also OCC: 12 CFR 
34.43(a)(1) and (5); Fed: 12 CFR 225.63(a)(1) and (5); and FDIC: 12 
CFR 323.3(a)(1) and (5).
    \5\ The other banking agencies' Title XI appraisal regulations 
define ``business loan'' to mean ``a loan or extension of credit to 
any corporation, general or limited partnership, business trust, 
joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, or other 
business entity.'' OCC: 12 CFR 34.42(d); Fed: 12 CFR 225.62(d); and 
FDIC: 12 CFR 323.2(d).
    \6\ See OCC: 12 CFR 34.43(a)(5); Fed: 12 CFR 225.63(a)(5); and 
FDIC: 12 CFR 323.3(a)(5).
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    Thereafter, first in 1995 and again in 2001, the NCUA promulgated 
rules similar to those of the other banking agencies then in effect, 
eventually establishing a similar Title XI appraisal threshold level 
for most real estate-related transactions.\7\ In particular, the 
rulemakings established that all real estate-related financial 
transactions with a transaction value \8\ of $250,000 or less do not 
require appraisals.\9\ The NCUA did not, however, adopt the separate 
exemption provided in the other banking agencies' appraisal regulations 
for QBLs with transaction values of $1 million or less. In addition, 
both residential and commercial real estate related financial 
transactions, not otherwise exempt from the appraisal rule, are subject 
to the $1 million threshold, which requires certified appraisals for 
all transactions with transaction values of $1 million or more.
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    \7\ See 60 FR 51889 (Oct. 4, 1995) and 66 FR 58656 (Nov. 23, 
2001).
    \8\ Transaction value means, for loans or other extensions of 
credit, the amount of the loan or extension of credit, for sales, 
leases, purchases, and investments in or exchanges of real property, 
the market value of the real property interest involved; and for the 
pooling of loans or interests in real property for resale or 
purchase, the amount of the loan or market value of the real 
property calculated with respect to each such loan or interest in 
real property. 12 CFR 722.2(l).
    \9\ 12 CFR 722.3(a)(1).
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B. The Other Banking Agencies 2017-2018 Rulemaking

    In July 2017, the other banking agencies invited comment on a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (OBAs

[[Page 35526]]

commercial appraisal NPR) \10\ that amended the other banking agencies' 
appraisal regulations promulgated pursuant to Title XI. Specifically, 
the OBAs commercial appraisal NPR increased the monetary threshold at 
or below which financial institutions that are regulated by the other 
banking agencies (regulated institutions) would not be required to 
obtain appraisals in connection with commercial real estate 
transactions (commercial real estate appraisal threshold) from $250,000 
to $400,000. The other banking agencies consulted with the NCUA 
throughout the rule development process, and NCUA staff participated in 
interagency meetings and calls related to the rulemaking.
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    \10\ 82 FR 35478 (July 31, 2017).
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    The OBAs commercial appraisal NPR followed the completion in early 
2017 of the regulatory review process required by the Economic Growth 
and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act (EGRPRA).\11\ During the EGRPRA 
process, the other banking agencies received numerous comments related 
to the Title XI appraisal regulations, including recommendations to 
increase the thresholds at or below which transactions are exempt from 
the Title XI appraisal requirements. Among other proposals developed 
through the EGRPRA process, the other banking agencies recommended 
increasing the commercial real estate appraisal threshold to 
$400,000.\12\
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    \11\ Public Law 104-208, Div. A, Title II, section 2222, 110 
Stat. 3009-414, (1996) (codified at 12 U.S.C. 3311).
    \12\ See FFIEC, Joint Report to Congress: Economic Growth and 
Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act, (March 2017), (EGRPRA Report), 
available at https://www.ffiec.gov/pdf/2017_FFIEC_EGRPRA_Joint-Report_to_Congress.pdf.
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    The comment period for the OBAs commercial appraisal NPR closed on 
September 29, 2017.\13\ The other banking agencies collectively 
received over 200 comments from appraisers, appraiser trade 
organizations, financial institutions, financial institutions trade 
organizations, and individuals. The other banking agencies issued a 
final rule in early 2018 (OBAs commercial appraisal final rule).\14\ As 
compared to the OBAs commercial appraisal NPR, their final rule 
increased the commercial real estate appraisal threshold (non-QBLs) to 
$500,000 rather than the $400,000 proposed.
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    \13\ 82 FR 35478 (July 31, 2017).
    \14\ 83 FR 15019 (April 9, 2018).
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C. Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act

    On May 24, 2018, President Trump signed the Economic Growth, 
Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (the EGRRCP Act) into 
law.\15\ Section 103 of the EGRRCP Act amends Title XI to exempt from 
appraisal requirements certain federally related, rural real-estate 
transactions valued below $400,000 if no state-certified or state-
licensed appraiser is available.\16\ The exemption provided in the 
EGRRCP Act is self-implementing so credit unions may avail themselves 
of the statute's exemption immediately, provided the transaction meets 
all of the requirements under section 103.
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    \15\ Public Law 115-174.
    \16\ Id at sec. 103.
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D. NCUA's Proposed Rule

    On October 3, 2018, the NCUA published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (the proposed rule) to amend its appraisal regulation to, 
among other things, increase the threshold below which appraisals are 
not required for commercial real estate transactions from $250,000 to 
$1,000,000.\17\ The proposed rule also would codify independence 
requirements for individuals providing written estimates of market 
value, incorporate the rural exemption under the EGRRCP Act, and make 
other clarifying amendments. The comment period closed on December 3, 
2018.
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    \17\ 83 FR 49857 (Oct. 3, 2018). For purposes of this final 
rule, the term commercial means a real estate-related financial 
transaction that is not secured by a single 1-to-4 family 
residential property.
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E. Threshold for Residential Real Estate-Related Financial Transactions

    In the other banking agencies' EGRPRA Report and commercial 
appraisal NPR, they addressed whether it would be appropriate to 
increase the current $250,000 threshold for transactions secured by 
residential real estate. The other banking agencies determined that it 
would not be appropriate to increase the residential threshold at that 
time based on three considerations. First, the other banking agencies 
observed that any increase in the threshold for residential 
transactions would have a limited impact on burden, as appraisals would 
still be required for the vast majority of these transactions pursuant 
to rules of other federal government agencies and the standards set by 
the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs).\18\
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    \18\ Other federal government agencies involved in the 
residential mortgage market include the U.S. Department of Housing 
and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs, and the Rural Housing Service of the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture. These agencies, along with the GSEs (which are 
regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)), have the 
authority to set separate appraisal requirements for loans they 
originate, acquire, or guarantee, and generally require an appraisal 
by a certified or licensed appraiser for residential mortgages 
regardless of the loan amount.
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    Second, the other banking agencies determined that appraisals can 
provide protection to consumers by helping to assure the residential 
purchaser that the value of the property supports the purchase price 
and the mortgage amount.\19\ The consumer protection role of appraisals 
is reflected in amendments made to Title XI and the Truth in Lending 
Act (TILA) \20\ through the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 
Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act),\21\ governing the scope of 
transactions requiring the services of a state-certified or state-
licensed appraiser. These include the addition of the Consumer 
Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to the group of agencies assigned a 
role in the appraisal threshold-setting process for Title XI,\22\ and a 
new TILA provision requiring appraisals for loans involving ``higher-
risk mortgages.'' \23\
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    \19\ The agencies posited in the 1994 amendments to the Title XI 
appraisal regulations that the timing of the appraisal may provide 
limited consumer protection. Changes to consumer protection 
regulations since 1994 now ensure that a consumer receives a copy of 
appraisals and other valuations used by a creditor to make a credit 
decision at least three business days before consummation of the 
transaction (for closed-end credit) or account opening (for open-end 
credit). See 12 CFR 1002.14 (for business or consumer credit secured 
by a first lien on a dwelling).
    \20\ 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.
    \21\ Public Law 111-203, 124 Stat.1376.
    \22\ Dodd-Frank Act, Public Law 111-203, Title XIV, sec. 
1473(a), 124 Stat. 2190 (2010), (codified at 12 U.S.C. 3341(b)).
    \23\ ``Higher-risk mortgages'' are certain mortgages with an 
annual percentage rate that exceeds the average prime offer rate by 
a specified percentage. See Dodd-Frank Act, Public Law 111-203, 
Title XIV, sec. 1471, 124 Stat. 2185 (2010), which added section 
129H to TILA, (codified at 15 U.S.C. 1639h). See also Appraisals for 
Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans, 78 FR 78520 (Dec. 26, 2013) 
(interagency rule implementing appraisal requirements for higher-
priced mortgage loans).
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    During the EGRPRA process, the staff of the other banking agencies 
conferred with the CFPB regarding comments the agencies received 
supporting an increase in the threshold for 1-to-4 family residential 
transactions. CFPB staff shared the view that appraisals can provide 
consumer protection benefits and their concern about potential risks to 
consumers resulting from an expansion of the number of residential 
mortgage transactions that would be exempt from the Title XI appraisal 
requirement.
    Third, the other banking agencies considered safety and soundness 
concerns that could result from a threshold increase for residential 
transactions. As the EGRPRA Report

[[Page 35527]]

noted, the 2008 financial crisis showed that, like other asset classes, 
imprudent residential mortgage lending can pose significant risks to 
financial institutions. For these reasons, the other banking agencies 
concluded in the EGRPRA Report and in their commercial appraisal NPR 
that a change to the current $250,000 threshold for residential 
mortgage loans would not have been appropriate at that time.
    Likewise, the Board did not propose increasing the appraisal 
threshold for residential real estate transactions in the proposed 
rule. The Board, however, specifically sought comment on whether the 
$250,000 threshold for residential transactions can and should be 
raised, consistent with consumer protection, safety and soundness, and 
the reduction of unnecessary regulatory burden. Generally, those 
commenters that supported the proposed threshold also supported a 
higher residential threshold and those commenters opposed to the 
threshold were also opposed to increasing the residential threshold. 
Most of the commenters who supported increasing the residential 
threshold made reference to the other banking agencies' recent proposal 
to increase their residential threshold to $400,000, as discussed more 
fully below.\24\ A few credit unions recommended that the Board 
consider regional thresholds based on local housing markets. Those 
commenters against increasing the residential threshold generally 
reiterated the same three reasons discussed above for not raising the 
residential threshold.
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    \24\ 83 FR 63110 (Dec. 7, 2018).
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    As alluded to above, on December 7, 2018, the other banking 
agencies issued a notice of proposed rulemaking inviting comment on a 
proposed rule to amend their appraisal regulations to increase the 
threshold level at or below which appraisals would not be required for 
residential real estate-related transactions from $250,000 to $400,000 
(OBAs residential appraisal NPR).\25\ The OBAs residential appraisal 
NPR, consistent with the requirement for other transactions that fall 
below applicable thresholds and do not require an appraisal, would 
still require regulated institutions to obtain an evaluation of the 
real property collateral, in lieu of an appraisal, that is consistent 
with safe and sound banking practices. The OBAs residential appraisal 
NPR would also, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, amend their appraisal 
regulations to require regulated institutions to subject appraisals for 
federally related transactions to appropriate review for compliance 
with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice 
(USPAP).\26\ Comments for the OBAs residential appraisal NPR were due 
by February 5, 2019.
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    \25\ 83 FR 63110 (Dec. 7, 2018).
    \26\ USPAP is written and interpreted by the Appraisal Standards 
Board of the Appraisal Foundation. Adopted by Congress in 1989, 
USPAP contains generally recognized ethical and performance 
standards for the appraisal profession in the United States, 
including real estate, personal property, and business appraisals. 
See http://www.appraisalfoundation.org/imis/TAF/Standards/Appraisal_Standards/Uniform_Standards_of_Professional_Appraisal_Practice/TAF/USPAP.aspx?hkey=a6420a67-dbfa-41b3-9878-fac35923d2af.
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    At this time, the Board is considering the comments received and is 
continuing to evaluate whether it is appropriate to increase the 
threshold level below which appraisals would not be required for credit 
unions' residential real estate-related transactions from $250,000 to 
$400,000.

II. Legal Authority

    Title XI directs each federal financial institutions regulatory 
agency to publish appraisal regulations for federally related 
transactions within its jurisdiction. The purpose of Title XI is to 
protect federal financial and public policy interests \27\ in real 
estate-related transactions by requiring that real estate appraisals 
used in connection with federally related transactions (Title XI 
appraisals) be performed in accordance with uniform standards, by 
individuals whose competency has been demonstrated, and whose 
professional conduct will be subject to effective supervision.\28\
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    \27\ These interests include those stemming from the federal 
government's roles as regulator and deposit insurer of financial 
institutions that engage in real estate lending and investment, 
guarantor or lender on mortgage loans, and as a direct party in real 
estate-related financial transactions. These federal financial and 
public policy interests have been described in predecessor 
legislation and accompanying Congressional reports. See Real Estate 
Appraisal Reform Act of 1988, H.R. Rep. No. 100-1001, pt. 1, at 19 
(1988); 133 Cong. Rec. 33047-33048 (1987).
    \28\ 12 U.S.C. 3331.
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    Title XI directs the NCUA to prescribe appropriate standards for 
Title XI appraisals under the NCUA's jurisdiction, including, at a 
minimum that Title XI appraisals be: (1) Performed in accordance with 
the USPAP; (2) written appraisals, as defined by the statute; and (3) 
subject to appropriate review for compliance with USPAP.\29\ All 
federally related transactions must have Title XI appraisals.
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    \29\ 12 U.S.C. 3339. The NCUA's Title XI appraisal regulations 
apply to transactions entered into by the NCUA or by federally 
insured credit unions. 12 CFR 722.1(b).
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    Title XI defines a ``federally related transaction'' as a real 
estate-related financial transaction that is regulated or engaged in by 
a federal financial institutions regulatory agency and requires the 
services of an appraiser.\30\ A real estate-related financial 
transaction is defined as any transaction that involves: (i) The sale, 
lease, purchase, investment in or exchange of real property, including 
interests in property, or financing thereof; (ii) the refinancing of 
real property or interests in real property; and (iii) the use of real 
property or interests in real property as security for a loan or 
investment, including mortgage-backed securities.\31\
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    \30\ 12 U.S.C. 3350(4) (defining ``federally related 
transaction'').
    \31\ 12 U.S.C. 3350(5).
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    The NCUA has authority to determine those real estate-related 
financial transactions that do not require the services of a state-
certified or state-licensed appraiser and are therefore exempt from the 
appraisal requirements of Title XI. These real estate-related financial 
transactions are not federally related transactions under the statutory 
or regulatory definitions because they are not required to have Title 
XI appraisals.\32\
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    \32\ See 59 FR 29482 (June 7, 1994).
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    The NCUA has exercised this authority by exempting several 
categories of real estate-related financial transactions from the Title 
XI appraisal requirements.\33\ The NCUA has determined that these 
categories of transactions do not require appraisals by state-certified 
or state-licensed appraisers in order to protect federal financial and 
public policy interests or to satisfy principles of safety and 
soundness.
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    \33\ See 12 CFR 722.3(a). For example, the following 
transactions do not require an appraisal: (1) A lien on real estate 
has been taken for purposes other than the real estate's value; (2) 
a transaction that involves a residential real estate transaction in 
which the appraisal conforms to the Federal National Mortgage 
Association or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation appraisal 
standards applicable to that category of real estate; and (3) a 
lease of real estate is entered into, unless the lease is the 
economic equivalent of a loan.
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    In 1992, Congress amended Title XI, expressly authorizing the NCUA 
to establish a threshold level below which an appraisal by a state-
certified or state-licensed appraiser is not required in connection 
with federally related transactions. The NCUA may establish a threshold 
level that the NCUA determines, in writing, does not represent a threat 
to the safety and soundness of credit unions.\34\
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    \34\ 12 U.S.C. 3341(b). See also, Housing and Community 
Development Act of 1992, Public Law 102-550, section 954, 106 Stat. 
3894 (amending 12 U.S.C. 3341).
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    In the Dodd-Frank Act, Congress amended the threshold provision to

[[Page 35528]]

require concurrence ``from the [CFPB] that such threshold level 
provides reasonable protection for consumers who purchase 1-4 unit 
single-family residences.'' \35\ As noted above, transactions below the 
threshold level are exempt from the Title XI appraisal requirements and 
thus are not federally related transactions.
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    \35\ Id., sec. 1473 (amending 12 U.S.C. 3341(b)).
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III. Final Rule and Public Comments on the Proposed Rule

    The NCUA received 87 comment letters in response to its October 3, 
2018 proposed rule. These comment letters were received from credit 
unions, credit union trade associations, state credit union leagues, 
appraisal companies, appraisal trade organizations, individuals, and 
other industry organizations.
    In general, all of the comments received from appraisers, appraisal 
companies, appraisal trade organizations, and bank trade organizations 
objected to the proposed $1 million threshold for commercial real 
estate transactions. These commenters expressed concern that the 
proposal would reduce the safety and soundness of credit unions and 
would create an imbalance in the commercial real estate market between 
credit unions and banks, which are subject to a $500,000 threshold for 
general commercial (non-QBL) real estate transactions. In contrast, 
comments received from credit unions, credit union trade associations, 
and state credit union leagues generally supported the proposal. Almost 
all such commenters supported the proposed $1 million threshold for 
commercial real estate transactions and stated the proposed threshold 
would reduce regulatory burden, reduce member costs, and increase 
access to credit.
    This final rule adopts the October 3, 2018 proposed rule with one 
material change; the final rule does not adopt the proposed 
modification to the exemption for existing extensions of credit. 
Accordingly, the final rule amends part 722-Appraisals of the NCUA's 
regulations to: (1) More clearly indicate when a written estimate of 
market value, an appraisal conducted by a state-licensed appraiser, or 
an appraisal conducted by a state-certified appraiser is required; (2) 
incorporate the relevant changes enacted by the EGRRCP Act; and (3) 
provide relief from appraisal requirements for commercial real estate-
related financial transactions. In particular, the final rule 
establishes a new threshold of $1,000,000 or more for commercial real 
estate-related financial transactions. The new threshold for commercial 
real estate-related financial transactions represents a significant 
increase from the current level of $250,000.
    Additionally, the NCUA is adding and removing various definitions 
in support of the changes and for improved clarity. Further, the final 
rule substantially reorganizes Sec.  722.3 for ease of use.
    These changes, along with related comments, are discussed in more 
detail below in the order in which they appear in the rule. In the 
Dodd-Frank Act, Congress amended the threshold provision to require 
``concurrence from the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that 
such threshold level provides reasonable protection for consumers who 
purchase 1-4 unit single-family residences.'' \36\ The Board has 
received concurrence from the CFPB that the commercial real estate 
appraisal threshold being adopted provides reasonable protection for 
consumers who purchase 1-to-4 unit single family residential 
properties.
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    \36\ Public Law 111-203, 124 Stat.1376, Sec.  1473, 124 Stat. 
2190 (amending 12 U.S.C. 3341(b)).
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Section 722.2 Definitions

    The Board is amending the terms and definitions applicable to part 
722. The final rule also makes technical, non-substantive amendments to 
section 722.2, including removing the individual numbering of the 
definitions within the section to make revisions to part 722 easier in 
the future. The following definitions are added, removed, or amended 
under this final rule:
Complex
    The proposal included an amendment to current Sec.  722.2(d) to 
remove the definition for complex 1-to-4 family residential property 
appraisal and replace it with the shorter term complex. The proposed 
definition for complex was similar to the current definition, but 
allowed the term to be used more broadly in conjunction with other 
amendments being made in Sec.  722.3. One commenter recommended 
additional guidance or commentary on what attributes would constitute 
complex. The definition of complex remains substantively the same as 
the long-standing definition of complex 1-to-4 family residential 
property appraisal. Therefore, the Board does not believe further 
clarification is necessary.
    Accordingly, Sec.  722.2 provides that complex, when used in regard 
to a real estate-related financial transaction, means a transaction in 
which the property to be appraised, the form of ownership, or market 
conditions are atypical. The definition also states that a credit union 
may presume that appraisals of 1-to-4 family residential properties are 
not complex unless the institution has readily available information 
that a given appraisal will be complex. This presumption is in the 
current rule and its addition to the definition of complex is not a 
substantive change in policy. The presumption is moved from Sec.  
722.3(b)(3) as part of the overall restructuring of Sec.  722.3.
Federal Financial Institutions Regulatory Agency
    The proposed rule included a definition of federal financial 
institutions regulatory agency in response to changes to Title XI under 
the EGRRCP Act.\37\ The Board did not receive any comments on the 
proposed definition and is finalizing the definition as proposed. 
Accordingly, consistent with the definition provided under Title XI, 
the final rule defines federal financial institutions regulatory agency 
as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; the Federal 
Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); the Office of the Comptroller of 
the Currency, Treasury (OCC); the NCUA, and, formerly, the Office of 
Thrift Supervision.\38\
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    \37\ Public Law 115-174.
    \38\ 12 U.S.C. 3350(6).
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Real Estate or Real Property
    The proposal included an amendment to current Sec.  722.2(g) to add 
parentheses around the words ``or real property'' to help clarify for 
the reader that the terms real estate and real property can be used 
interchangeably and have the same meaning for purposes of part 722. No 
substantive change was intended by this technical amendment. The Board 
did not receive any comments on the proposed change and is finalizing 
it as proposed. Additionally, for consistency, the final rule uses the 
term real estate throughout the rule in place of the term real 
property.
Real Estate-Related Financial Transaction
    The proposed rule included minor, non-substantive technical 
amendments to current Sec.  722.2(h) and the definition of real estate-
related financial transaction. In particular, the proposal replaced the 
words ``real property'' with the words ``real estate'' each place they 
occur within the definition for consistency. The Board did not receive 
any comments on the proposed change and is finalizing it as proposed.

[[Page 35529]]

Residential Real Estate Transaction
    The proposal added a definition of the term residential real estate 
transaction to identify for the reader which federally related 
transactions are still subject to the $250,000 appraisal threshold. One 
commenter stated that the definition should be modified such that 
properties being constructed for resale or non-owner occupancy should 
not be classified as residential even if it is secured by a 1-to-4 
family residential property. Under the other banking agencies' 2018 
final rule, a loan that is secured by a single 1-to-4 family 
residential property, including a loan for construction, remains 
subject to the $250,000 threshold.\39\ The NCUA is taking the same 
approach in its appraisal regulation by including any loan for 
construction of one, two, three, or four unit dwellings, including 
manufactured homes permanently affixed to the underlying land as a 
single 1-to-4 family residential property. Another commenter asked the 
Board to clarify that multifamily properties, those with five or more 
units, are not residential. The Board is therefore clarifying that 
multifamily properties are not residential. Accordingly, the final rule 
provides that a residential real estate transaction means a real 
estate-related financial transaction that is secured by a single 1-to-4 
family residential property.\40\
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    \39\ Residential construction loans secured by more than one 1-
to-4 family residential property are considered commercial real 
estate transactions subject to the higher threshold. 83 FR 15019 
(April 9, 2018).
    \40\ A 1-to-4 family residential property is a property 
containing one, two, three, or four individual dwelling units, 
including manufactured homes permanently affixed to the underlying 
land (when deemed to be real property under state law).
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Staff Appraiser
    For clarity, the proposal added a definition of staff appraiser, 
which is a term currently used, but undefined, in Sec.  722.5 of the 
regulation. The Board did not receive any comments on the proposed 
definition and is now finalizing it as proposed. Accordingly, section 
722.2 of the final rule provides that staff appraiser means a state-
certified or state-licensed appraiser that is an employee of the credit 
union.
Transaction Value
    The proposed rule made minor, non-substantive technical amendments 
to current Sec.  722.2(l) and the definition of transaction value. In 
particular, the proposal replaced the words ``real property'' with the 
words ``real estate'' each place they occur within the definition for 
consistency. The Board did not receive any comments on the proposed 
change and is finalizing it as proposed.

Section 722.3 Appraisals and Written Estimates of Market Value 
Requirements for Real Estate-Related Financial Transactions

    The final rule amends current Sec.  722.3 to increase the threshold 
level below which appraisals are not required for certain commercial 
real estate transactions, incorporates relevant changes under the 
EGRRCP Act, and reorganizes the section to make it easier to determine 
when an appraisal or written estimate of market value is required. 
Current Sec.  722.3 provides the general requirement that all real 
estate-related financial transactions must have a state-certified or 
state-licensed appraisal unless the transaction qualifies for a listed 
exception. Under the current structure of this section, the NCUA 
believes that it is difficult for a reader to quickly determine whether 
a written estimate of market value or an appraisal performed by a 
state-licensed or state-certified appraiser is required. Commenters 
were generally in favor of the proposed formatting revisions. 
Accordingly, this final rule reorders current Sec.  722.3 to help the 
reader more readily determine: (a) Whether the real estate-related 
financial transaction does or does not require an appraisal under part 
722; (b) when an appraisal required under part 722 must be prepared by 
a state-certified appraiser; (c) when an appraisal required under part 
722 may be prepared by either a state-certified or state-licensed 
appraiser; and (d) when only a written estimate of market value is 
required.
3(a) Real Estate-Related Financial Transactions Not Requiring an 
Appraisal
3(a)(1)-(6)
    The final rule incorporates and updates the list of exempt 
transactions in current Sec.  722.3(a)(1)-(9). As discussed in more 
detail below, Sec.  722.3(a)(1)-(6) of the final rule retains many of 
the transactions currently exempted:
    (a)(1). The proposed rule exempted a transaction that is not 
considered a ``new loan'' under generally accepted accounting 
principles (GAAP).\41\ This exemption replaced current Sec.  
722.3(a)(5), which exempts certain existing extensions of credit. The 
Board believed these provisions were substantively similar, but 
proposed the modified exemption because the Board believed it would be 
more consistently implemented. The Board specifically sought comment on 
whether the current language of the regulation should be maintained. 
Credit union commenters had mixed opinions on whether the current or 
proposed language was preferable. Commenters in favor of the revision 
generally stated that the proposed language has less subjectivity and 
makes this exemption easier to implement. In contrast, commenters were 
opposed to the language for a variety of reasons. A few commenters 
believed that the GAAP definition is too complex and that the current 
standard is not too subjective. One commenter specifically stated that 
while the GAAP standard may be precise, it could require a complicated 
calculation that could lead to more errors than the current standard. A 
few commenters thought that the proposal reduced flexibility. These 
commenters stated that the current rule exempts a transaction involving 
an existing extension of credit under two separate prongs, but the 
proposal permitted the exemption under only a single scenario.
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    \41\ ASC 320-20-20: Lending, committing to lend, refinancing or 
restructuring loans, arranging standby letters of credit, 
syndicating loans, and leasing activities are lending activities. A 
loan is a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed 
or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the 
creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include but are 
not limited to accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year) 
and notes receivable. This definition encompasses loans accounted 
for as debt securities. ASC 310-20-35-9: If the terms of the new 
loan resulting from a loan refinancing or restructuring other than a 
troubled debt restructuring are at least as favorable to the lender 
as the terms for comparable loans to other customers with similar 
collection risks who are not refinancing or restructuring a loan 
with the lender, the refinanced loan shall be accounted for as a new 
loan. This condition would be met if the new loan's effective yield 
is at least equal to the effective yield for such loans and 
modifications of the original debt instrument are more than minor. 
Any unamortized net fees or costs and any prepayment penalties from 
the original loan shall be recognized in interest income when the 
new loan is granted. The effective yield comparison considers the 
level of nominal interest rate, commitment and origination fees, and 
direct loan origination costs and would also consider comparison of 
other factors where appropriate, such as compensating balance 
arrangements.
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    In response to the comments received, the final rule will not adopt 
the proposed language, and the Board will maintain the language in 
current Sec.  722.3(a)(5). The Board proposed the new language to 
reduce burden and increase consistency among credit unions. As many 
credit unions did not view the proposed language as less burdensome, 
and some believed it would result in less consistency than the current 
language, the Board has declined to adopt it. Therefore, the Board will 
maintain the current exemption for existing extensions of

[[Page 35530]]

credit. Under the final rule, an appraisal is not required if the 
transaction involves an existing extension of credit provided that: (1) 
There is no advancement of new monies, other than funds necessary to 
cover reasonable closing costs; or (2) there has been no obvious and 
material change in market conditions or physical aspects of the 
property that threatens the adequacy of the credit union's real estate 
collateral protection after the transaction, even with the advancement 
of new monies.
    The Board notes that a written estimate of market value is required 
for any real-estate related financial transaction that is exempt from 
appraisal requirements under paragraph (a)(1). This policy is 
consistent with the current rule. The Interagency Appraisal and 
Evaluations Guidelines (Guidelines) provides additional guidance on the 
requirement to provide a written estimate of market value.\42\
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    \42\ Interagency Appraisal and Evaluations Guidelines at 75 FR 
77458 (Dec. 10, 2010). The other banking agencies have also recently 
issued Frequently Asked Questions that credit unions may find useful 
if they have additional questions. See, Frequently Asked Questions 
on the Appraisal Regulations and the Interagency Appraisal and 
Evaluation Guidelines, available at https://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2018/fil18062a.pdf (Oct. 16, 2018). The Guidelines also 
provide additional information on loan workouts and restructuring.
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    (a)(2). The proposed rule did not include any changes to paragraph 
(a)(2) other than the term real estate is used instead of real 
property. The Board is finalizing this provision as proposed.
    (a)(3). The proposed rule did not include any changes to paragraph 
(a)(3).
    (a)(4). The proposed rule did not include any changes to paragraph 
(a)(4).
    (a)(5). The proposal moved current Sec.  722.3(a)(6) to proposed 
Sec.  722.3(a)(5), however, it did not make any substantive changes, 
and the Board is finalizing this provision as proposed.
    (a)(6). The proposal moved current Sec.  722.3(a)(8) to proposed 
Sec.  722.3(a)(6), however, it did not make any substantive changes to 
this provision. The Board is finalizing this provision as proposed.
    (a)(7) The final rule removes current Sec.  722.3(a)(7). The final 
rule changes the appraisal and written estimate of market value 
requirements for real estate-related financial transactions that are 
fully or partially guaranteed by a U.S. government agency \43\ or 
government-sponsored agency.\44\ Under the current rule, any real 
estate-related financial transaction that is insured or guaranteed by a 
U.S. government agency or government-sponsored agency (regardless of 
whether the insurance or guarantee is for the full transaction value or 
only a part of the transaction value) are exempt from appraisal and 
written estimate of market value requirements. In contrast, under the 
proposed rule, there was no categorical exemption for such 
transactions. Instead, a real estate-related financial transaction that 
is insured or guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or government-
sponsored agency is only exempt from appraisal and written estimate of 
market value requirements if the transaction value is less than $1 
million and the transaction is fully insured or guaranteed. The Board 
specifically sought comment on this proposed change, and whether the 
current approach in the regulation should be maintained. A few 
commenters responded that the proposed change would not generally 
affect their use of such insurance or guarantee programs. One credit 
union trade organization stated that the proposal would contribute to 
regulatory burden without enhancing safety and soundness and stated 
that the NCUA did not present any evidence of safety and soundness 
concerns under the current rule.
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    \43\ United States government agency means an instrumentality of 
the U.S. government whose obligations are fully and explicitly 
guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the 
full faith and credit of the U.S. government. U.S. government agency 
includes NCUA.
    \44\ United States government-sponsored agency means an entity 
established or chartered by the U.S. government to serve public 
purposes specified by the U.S. Congress, but whose debt obligations 
are not explicitly guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the 
U.S. government.
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    A few other commenters expressed concerns about the exemption more 
generally. In particular, several commenters stated that GSE appraisal 
requirements are in flux and it is premature to make the proposed 
change at this time. Other commenters noted that not all government 
agencies require appraisals. Another commenter was concerned that one 
of the underlying reasons for the exemption, that other agencies 
require appraisals in such circumstances, are being eroded. This 
commenter noted that both the Federal National Mortgage Association and 
the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation have moved to waive 
appraisal requirements entirely for both purchase money mortgage 
transactions and refinance transactions.
    The Board is finalizing this provision as proposed. Accordingly, 
transactions that are partially or fully guaranteed by a U.S. 
government agency or a sponsored agency are no longer categorical 
exemptions from the appraisal and written evaluation requirements of 
part 722. Instead, such transactions are subject to the $1 million 
threshold. The Board continues to believe that the new approach better 
aligns the appraisal and written estimate of market value requirements 
to the potential risk to the credit union, and preserves the borrower 
protection benefits appraisals provide. While this change varies 
somewhat from the respective provisions in the other banking agencies' 
rules, in practice, the Board does not expect this change to result in 
a material difference in appraisal requirements or burden, given that 
most U.S. government guaranty and insurance programs currently require 
appraisals.
    Finally, one commenter asked that the Board clarify whether insured 
or guaranteed transactions are exempt from appraisal requirements if a 
loan is repurchased by a credit union. The Board is clarifying that 
generally a repurchase falls within paragraph (a)(5) under the final 
rule and is exempt from appraisal requirements.
    (a)(9) The proposed rule removed current Sec.  722.3(a)(9), which 
gave the Regional Director an option to grant a waiver from the 
appraisal requirement for a category of loans meeting the definition of 
a member business loan. One credit union commented that it has received 
previous waivers, but does not object to the proposed change and noted 
that the proposed threshold provided most of the permissions granted 
under the previous waiver. Two credit union trade organizations 
questioned the removal of the waiver provision. The provision is 
removed due to the increase for the commercial appraisal threshold to 
the requirement of $1 million or more. The Board no longer believes a 
waiver is necessary given the increase of this threshold. The Board is 
finalizing this provision as proposed.
3(b) Real Estate-Related Financial Transactions Requiring an Appraisal 
by a State-Certified Appraiser
    Section 722.3(b) of the final rule identifies the real estate-
related financial transactions for which an appraisal performed by a 
state-certified appraiser is required.
3(b)(1)
    The proposed rule increased the threshold at which commercial real 
estate-related financial transactions are exempt from appraisal 
requirements from $250,000 to $1 million. Of the 87 comments received 
from the proposed rule, 66 were opposed to the proposed $1 million 
threshold and 21 supported the threshold. The majority of the comments 
opposed to the threshold were from appraisers, appraisal

[[Page 35531]]

companies, appraisal trade organizations, and bank trade organizations. 
The majority of commenters in favor of the threshold were from credit 
unions, credit union trade associations, state credit union leagues, 
and other trade associations.
    The majority of commenters opposed to the $1 million threshold 
expressed concern that the proposal increased risk for commercial real 
estate transactions. These commenters generally discussed that 
appraisals offer an important safety and soundness tool because 
appraisals provide an unbiased opinion on the value of collateral, and 
without this valuation, credit unions are exposed to increased risk. 
One commenter discussed that appraisals were an important safety and 
soundness standard during the last financial crisis. In contrast, a few 
commenters that supported the threshold believed that the proposal does 
not increase risk as credit unions would continue to use their 
judgement in deciding when, and if, appraisals are necessary. Another 
commenter stated that cash flow is the primary factor for the success 
of a commercial loan.
    In addition to safety and soundness concerns, commenters also 
expressed strong opinions on the relationship of the proposed rule to 
the other banking agencies' 2018 final rule. Several commenters opposed 
to the proposed threshold expressed concern about an imbalance in the 
commercial real estate market that may be created between credit unions 
and banks. These commenters recommended that the Board adopt the same 
$500,000 threshold as the other banking agencies. Specifically, a state 
credit union league stated that a $500,000 threshold is appropriate as 
it would promote safe and sound lending practices, place credit unions 
on par with banks, and not expose the National Credit Union Share 
Insurance Fund to excessive risk. A credit union service organization 
(CUSO) also encouraged the Board to adopt the $500,000 threshold for 
general commercial exposures, but to incorporate the $1 million 
threshold for QBLs included in the other banking agencies' rules. In 
contrast, five commenters who supported the threshold stated that it 
increases parity with banks as banks benefit from the $1 million 
threshold for certain QBLs.
    A few other commenters opposed to the proposed threshold stated 
that most commercial loans under $1 million are to small business 
owners. Those commenters generally stated that most small business 
owners are not experienced in commercial lending and benefit from the 
protection offered by appraisals. In contrast, other commenters stated 
that consumers benefit from increased access to credit and reduced 
costs under the proposed rule.
    The NCUA has carefully considered the other banking agencies' 
commercial appraisal NPR \45\ and final rule \46\ regarding real estate 
appraisals. The Board also carefully considered whether changes to the 
threshold for requiring an appraisal by a state-certified appraiser are 
appropriate to reduce regulatory burden, while consistent with public 
policy interests and safety and soundness. Based on its supervisory 
experience and available data, the other risk mitigations incorporated 
into the final rule, and other regulatory requirements and supervisory 
expectations, the NCUA Board does not believe that the increased 
threshold poses a material threat to the safety and soundness of credit 
unions or creates undue risk to the National Credit Union Share 
Insurance Fund.
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    \45\ 82 FR 35478 (July 31, 2017).
    \46\ 83 FR 15019 (Apr. 9, 2018).
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    The Board also believes that the final rule benefits both members 
and credit unions as it reduces regulatory burden and may increase 
access to credit. The NCUA last modified the threshold for exempt 
transactions in 2001 and used the same threshold for both residential 
and commercial real estate.\47\ Since 2001, the values of commercial 
property have increased and the current threshold requires credit 
unions to obtain Title XI appraisals on a larger proportion of 
commercial real estate transactions than in 2001. This increase in the 
number of appraisals required likely has contributed to the increased 
burden in time and cost described by some of the commenters. The Board 
believes that the final rule will reduce regulatory burden by providing 
credit unions greater flexibility in commercial lending. Additionally, 
the NCUA does not believe that given credit unions' limited origination 
of commercial mortgages that the final rule creates an imbalance in the 
commercial mortgage market.\48\
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    \47\ 66 FR 58656 (Nov. 23, 2001).
    \48\ As of December 31, 2018 NCUA Call Report data, real-estate 
secured commercial loans and lines of credit total $64 billion and 
compose only 6.1 percent of total loans and leases at all federally 
insured credit unions. In contrast, Call Report data as of December 
31, 2018 for FDIC institutions indicate real-estate secured 
commercial loans total $2.3 trillion and compose 23.0 percent of 
total loans and leases.
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    Therefore, the NCUA is finalizing the $1 million threshold as 
proposed. A more detailed analysis supporting this conclusion is 
provided below in the Analysis of Higher Commercial Appraisal Threshold 
section.
    Under the final rule, an appraisal performed by a state-certified 
appraiser is required for transactions that are not exempt under 
paragraph (3)(a) and the transaction value is $1 million or more. This 
increases the threshold at which commercial real estate-related 
financial transactions are exempt from appraisal requirements from 
$250,000 to $1 million.
    The Board notes this is the only provision in the final rule that 
requires an appraisal for commercial real estate transactions not 
otherwise exempt,\49\ as current Sec.  722.3(b)(2) is removed as part 
of the overall reorganization of Sec.  722.3. For commercial real 
estate transactions with transaction values below $1 million, credit 
unions are able to use their judgment, consistent with safe and sound 
lending practices, to determine whether to use an appraisal or a 
written estimate of market value. This approach aligns with the other 
banking agencies' appraisal requirements for QBLs with a transaction 
value of $1 million or less.\50\ This approach provides more 
flexibility, however, than the commercial real estate appraisal 
threshold for non-QBLs, which the other banking agencies established at 
$500,000 in their 2018 final rule.
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    \49\ Unless so required to address safety and soundness concerns 
under Sec.  722.3(e).
    \50\ See 59 FR 29482 (June 7, 1994); see also OCC: 12 CFR 
34.43(a)(1) and (5); Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System: 12 CFR 225.63(a)(1) and (5); and FDIC: 12 CFR 323.3(a)(1) 
and (5).
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(b)(2)
    The final rule also requires an appraisal performed by a state-
certified appraiser if the transaction is complex, involves residential 
real estate, and $250,000 or more of the transaction value is not 
insured or guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or government-
sponsored agency.\51\ An appraisal is not required if the transaction 
is otherwise exempt under paragraph (3)(a) or qualifies for the rural 
area exemption in paragraph (3)(f). This requirement is similar to the 
requirement in current Sec.  722.3(b)(3) that complex residential 
transactions of $250,000 or more have appraisals performed by a state-
certified appraiser. The substantive difference between current Sec.  
722.3(b)(3) and the final rule relates to transactions that are 
partially insured or guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or 
government-sponsored agency. Specifically, a complex residential real 
estate

[[Page 35532]]

transaction that is partially insured or guaranteed by a U.S. 
government agency or government-sponsored agency, but has $250,000 or 
more of the transaction value not insured or guaranteed, is required to 
have a state-certified appraisal in the final rule. Such a transaction 
is exempt from appraisal requirements under the current rule. The Board 
is finalizing this section as proposed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \51\ The final rule aligns all the dollar thresholds used as 
either the dollar amount ``or more'' (greater than or equal to), or 
``less than'' the dollar amount. This ensures consistency within the 
regulation and with the relevant statutory requirements.
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    Finally, the Board is removing the clarifying statement in the 
proposed rule text that a credit union is not required to obtain an 
appraisal if the United States government agency or United States 
government-sponsored agency obtains an appraisal by a state-certified 
appraiser. The Board does not intend any substantive change and is only 
removing the statement upon further consideration that it is 
unnecessary. If a credit union gets a certified appraisal as part of a 
loan that is insured or guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or 
sponsored agency, then it has also met its obligations under the final 
rule.
Sec.  722.3(c) Real Estate-Related Financial Transactions Requiring an 
Appraisal by Either a State-Certified or State-Licensed Appraiser
3(c)(1)
    The final rule requires an appraisal performed by a state-certified 
or state-licensed appraiser if the transaction is not complex, involves 
residential real estate, and $250,000 or more of the transaction value 
is not insured or guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or government-
sponsored agency.\52\ An appraisal is not required if the transaction 
is otherwise exempt under paragraph (3)(a) or qualifies for the rural 
area exemption in paragraph (3)(f). This requirement is consistent with 
the current rule that non-complex residential transactions of $250,000 
or more require an appraisal from either a state-certified or state-
licensed appraisal. The one substantive difference, which is discussed 
above, is the addition of certain transactions that are partially 
insured or guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or government-
sponsored agency. For clarity, this requirement is explicit under the 
final rule, as opposed to implicitly through Sec.  722.3(c), as in the 
current rule. The Board believes the final rule more clearly indicates 
when an appraisal conducted by a state-licensed appraiser or a state-
certified appraiser is acceptable. The Board also notes that if a 
transaction requires a certified appraisal under paragraph (b)(1), but 
also could qualify for a licensed appraisal under paragraph (c), the 
credit union must obtain a certified appraisal. The Board is finalizing 
this section as proposed.
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    \52\ The final rule aligns all the dollar thresholds used as 
either the dollar amount ``or more'' (greater than or equal to), or 
``less than'' the dollar amount. This ensures consistency within the 
regulation and with the relevant statutory requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3(c)(2)
    The final rule states that if, during the course of an appraisal of 
a residential real estate transaction performed by a state-licensed 
appraiser, factors are identified that result in the transaction 
meeting the definition of complex, then the credit union may either ask 
the state-licensed appraiser to complete the appraisal and have a 
state-certified appraiser approve and cosign the appraisal, or engage a 
state-certified appraiser to complete the appraisal. The Board notes 
that while a credit union is responsible for properly applying the 
complex transaction definition, the NCUA maintains interpretive 
authority with respect to the regulatory definition and may determine 
that a transaction is complex and requires an appraisal. The Board is 
finalizing this provision as proposed.
    As in paragraph 3(b), the clarifying paragraph stating that a 
credit union is not required to obtain an appraisal if the United 
States government agency or United States government-sponsored agency 
obtains an appraisal has been removed.
Sec.  722.3(d) Real Estate-Related Financial Transactions Requiring a 
Written Estimate of Market Value
    The final rule requires a written estimate of market value for any 
real estate-related financial transaction unless: (1) An appraisal 
performed by a state-certified or state-licensed appraiser was 
obtained; (2) the transaction is exempt from appraisal requirements 
under paragraphs (a)(2) through (6) of this section; or (3) the 
transaction is fully insured or guaranteed by a United States 
government agency or United States government-sponsored agency.
    Proposed paragraph (d) has been finalized as proposed with one 
material exception; under the final rule, a written estimate of market 
value is required for existing extensions of credit that are exempt 
from appraisal requirements. As discussed above, this is consistent 
with the current rule. The change from the proposed rule reflects that 
the final rule did not adopt the proposed amendment to modify the 
exemption for existing extensions of credit to reference the GAAP 
definition of a new loan. Comments and the Board's consideration of the 
comments are more fully discussed below.
    Most credit union-affiliated commenters did not comment on the 
written estimate of market value requirements, but a few did ask for 
clarifying information. A few credit unions asked for additional 
guidance on what is a safe and sound written estimate of market value. 
The Board notes that a safe and sound written estimate of market value 
contains sufficient information detailing the credit union's analysis, 
assumptions, and conclusions to support the credit decision. A written 
estimate of market value requires documentation of a property's market 
value. The term ``market value'' is defined under the appraisal rule 
and generally means the most probable price which a property should 
bring in a competitive and open market. To document a property's market 
value, a credit union must obtain and analyze appropriate available 
information, from multiple sources if practicable, to arrive at a 
valuation that is supported by property-specific and relevant market 
information. Additionally, a safe and sound written estimate of market 
value must be supported by a physical inspection of the property or any 
alternative method to confirm the property's condition, depending on 
transaction risks. Credit unions should refer to the Guidelines to 
develop policies and procedures for conducting written estimates of 
market value that are consistent with safety and soundness 
expectations.
    The Board does not intend for valuation programs to be one size 
fits all, but rather risk-focused and commensurate with the complexity 
and nature of each credit union's real estate lending activities, risk 
profile, and business model. For example, a credit union that engages 
primarily in owner-occupied real estate lending in its local market 
area should tailor its valuation program to reflect the size and nature 
of the loans and collateral. In contrast, a credit union that engages 
in significant commercial real estate lending or large acquisition, 
development, and construction projects should tailor its valuation 
program for these types of higher risk transactions.
    Additionally, credit unions should establish policies and 
procedures for determining when to obtain an appraisal for transactions 
that may otherwise permit a written estimate of market value, such as 
for a higher risk transaction. One commenter stated that this 
suggestion to get an appraisal for certain transactions, even when a 
written estimate of market value is permitted, should be written in 
more

[[Page 35533]]

definitive language. The Board has not made any changes to the rule and 
believes that the current rule provides flexibility to credit unions to 
obtain appraisals even if they are not required, based on the specific 
risk factors for a transaction.
    Several appraisers, appraisal companies, and appraisal trade 
associations commented on written estimates of market value. These 
commenters generally discussed that evaluators are not subject to state 
oversight requirements or enforcement actions, credit union employee 
evaluators may be biased, and written estimates are not subject to the 
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Under the final 
rule, a person must be qualified and experienced to perform written 
estimates of market value for the type and amount of credit being 
considered. A credit union must ensure that the individual possesses 
the requisite education, expertise, and experience to competently 
complete the written estimate of market value. For example, to meet 
this standard a person could have experience selling real estate, 
lending, or have attended professional training in which they acquired 
knowledge and expertise necessary to value real estate. Credit unions 
should establish criteria to select, evaluate, and monitor evaluation 
providers to ensure their valuations sufficiently meet NCUA standards.
    Under the final rule, the person conducting the written estimate of 
market value must be capable of rendering an unbiased opinion and be 
independent. Specifically, the person performing the written estimate 
cannot have a direct, indirect, or prospective interest, financial or 
otherwise, in the property or the transaction. The final rule has also 
strengthened the independence requirements for persons performing 
written estimates of market value as compared to the current rule. The 
Board believes that an enhanced independence requirement for written 
estimates of market value is an important prudential safeguard, as the 
final rule permits commercial real estate transactions that are less 
than $1 million to have a written estimate of market value instead of a 
state-certified appraisal. Accordingly, under the final rule, the 
individual performing a written estimate of market value must be 
independent of the loan production and collection process. If 
independence cannot be achieved, the credit union must be able to 
demonstrate clearly that it has prudent safeguards to isolate its 
collateral valuation program from influence or interference from the 
loan production process and collection process.
    One CUSO asked whether a loan officer, other than the one handling 
the loan, could perform written estimates of market value under the 
independence standards. The Board is clarifying that a loan officer 
other than the one handling the loan could provide the written estimate 
of market value, provided that this person is qualified and 
experienced, independent of and has no interests in that loan 
transaction, and there is a review of the valuation by a person 
independent of the loan production process. For example, if the only 
expertise in the credit union to conduct a valuation is with 
individuals in the loan production process, a loan officer that is not 
originating the loan could perform the valuation. However, in such a 
case, the loan officer's valuation would be reviewed by an individual 
that is independent of the loan production process. For example, 
someone in the credit union's supervisory committee could review the 
valuation. If adequate independence cannot be achieved internally, a 
credit union must engage a third party, such as an appraiser or real-
estate broker, to provide for the written estimate of market value.
    One commenter asked for additional information on what constitutes 
prudent safeguards for independence and asked if it is sufficient to 
eliminate the performance of written estimates from the reviewing 
officer's compensation. Under the final rule, persons who perform 
written estimates of market value cannot have direct or indirect or 
prospective interest, financial or otherwise, in the property or 
transaction. Additionally, the Board does not believe that one factor 
ensures independence across all credit unions. In contrast, the Board 
believes each credit union should take a comprehensive approach and 
consider its unique situation to ensure its collateral valuation is 
independent of influence from the loan production process.
    In evaluating this final rule, the NCUA considered the impact to 
credit unions and borrowers. A couple of credit union commenters 
provided time and cost estimates of appraisals as evidence of 
borrowers' potential savings. Those commenters stated that commercial 
real estate appraisals generally cost between $2,000 and $5,000 and 
take between three to five weeks to receive. In contrast, a few 
commenters opposed to the proposal stated appraisals generally cost a 
few hundred dollars. Based on information from banking agency data, the 
cost of third-party evaluations of commercial real estate generally 
ranges from $500 to over $1,500, whereas the cost of appraisals of such 
properties generally ranges from $1,000 to over $3,000. Commercial real 
estate transactions with values above $250,000, but below $1 million 
(applicable transaction value range), are likely to involve smaller and 
less complex properties, and appraisals and written estimates of market 
value on such properties would likely be at the lower end of the cost 
range. This third-party pricing information suggests a savings of 
several hundred dollars per transaction. The NCUA also notes there is a 
greater pool of individuals qualified to conduct written estimates of 
market value than state-certified appraisers, particularly in rural 
areas, thereby reducing the associated time and costs.
    In the proposed rule, the Board sought comment on whether the NCUA 
should establish a de minimis threshold for which written estimates of 
market value are not required. Seven credit unions and credit union 
trade organizations supported a de minimis threshold. Suggestions 
ranged between $25,000 and $100,000. One credit union thought the 
threshold should apply on a transaction-by-transaction basis, rather 
than be applicable to all transactions under the threshold. One 
appraisal trade organization did not support a de minimis threshold. 
The Board has determined not to adopt a de minimis threshold at this 
time as the Board believes further consideration is warranted. The 
Board is considering a requirement for credit unions to document a 
valuation for secured property even if a written estimate of market 
value is not required. The Board is also considering whether 
residential transactions should be treated the same as commercial 
transactions. Under the member business loan rule, transactions below 
$50,000 are generally exempt from the definition of commercial loan, 
and therefore exempt from the member business loan limit.\53\ 
Accordingly, the Board believes there may be reason to exempt similarly 
sized loans under the appraisal rule. The Board also appreciates, 
however, that members who purchase residential properties with values 
below $50,000 may benefit from valuations of their real-estate related 
transaction. The Board is also in the process of determining whether 
credit unions originate a substantial volume of commercial transactions 
under $50,000 and whether a targeted de minimus exception would provide 
meaningful burden relief.
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    \53\ 12 CFR 723.2.

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[[Page 35534]]

Sec.  722.3(e) Appraisals To Address Safety and Soundness Concerns
    The proposed rule did not include any amendments to the current 
requirement that the NCUA can require an appraisal whenever the agency 
believes it is necessary to address safety and soundness concerns. Two 
commenters, however, objected to this provision as potentially 
expensive and burdensome. The EGRRCP Act refers to each agency's 
authority to require an appraisal whenever the agency believes it is 
necessary to address safety and soundness.\54\ The Board interprets 
this reference as an important recognition of the safety and soundness 
benefits provided by this provision. The Board is not amending the 
current rule and believes this provision is an important prudential 
tool.
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    \54\ Public Law 115-174, sec. 103(d)(1).
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Sec.  722.3(f) Exemption From Appraisals of Real Property Located in 
Rural Areas
    The final rule incorporates a new exemption that was included in 
the EGRRCP Act. Under this provision, transactions involving real 
estate or an interest in real estate located in a rural area are exempt 
from appraisal requirements if certain conditions are met. The 
exemption provided in the EGRRCP Act is self-implementing so credit 
unions may currently avail themselves of the statute's exemption. The 
Board only incorporated the exemption into part 722 for easier 
reference. This provision is being finalized as proposed.
    The Board notes that if a transaction does not require an appraisal 
under Sec.  722.3(f), a written estimate of market value may still be 
required under Sec.  722.3(d).
Analysis of Higher Commercial Appraisal Threshold
    Title XI expressly authorizes the agencies to establish a threshold 
level at or below which an appraisal by a state-certified or state-
licensed appraiser is not required in connection with federally related 
transactions if the agencies determine in writing that the threshold 
does not represent a threat to the safety and soundness of financial 
institutions.\55\ The Board does not believe that increasing the 
threshold that commercial real estate transactions are exempt from 
Title XI appraisals represents a threat to the safety and soundness of 
credit unions as there are several factors that inherently mitigate the 
risk from commercial loans in the credit union system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ 12 U.S.C. 3341.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the Federal Credit Union Act, most credit unions are 
restricted to holding no more than 1.75 times the credit union's total 
net worth for member business loans.\56\ The statutory ceiling of 1.75 
times net worth limits risk for credit unions granting all forms of 
commercial loans, of which commercial real estate transactions are a 
subset. Therefore, increasing the threshold to $1 million does not pose 
the same safety and soundness risk to credit unions as it does to 
similarly situated banking organizations, which do not have the same 
commercial lending restrictions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \56\ Some credit unions are subject to one of several exemptions 
under the Federal Credit Union Act. See 12 U.S.C. 1757a(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As of December 31, 2018 Call Report data, commercial loans 
represent only 4.9 percent of total assets and 43.3 percent of total 
net worth of federally insured credit unions. Comparatively, commercial 
loans represent 25.5 percent of total assets and 271.7 percent of tier 
one capital at institutions insured by the FDIC.\57\
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    \57\ For commercial real estate transactions, the NCUA does not 
differentiate between QBL and non-QBL commercial transactions like 
the other banking agencies. Based on credit union Call Report data, 
the NCUA estimates that $17 billion of the $57 billion of commercial 
real estate loans in the credit union system would meet the 
definition of a QBL and be subject to a $1 million appraisal 
threshold under the rules for banks. Setting the threshold at $1 
million provides relief for credit unions and a simplified standard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the final rule, the increased threshold does not 
substantially reduce the total dollar amount of commercial real estate 
transactions that are subject to appraisal requirements. The NCUA used 
the CoStar Comps database \58\ to estimate the dollar volume and number 
of commercial real estate transactions that are potentially exempt from 
obtaining an appraisal performed by a state-certified appraiser due to 
the increase in the threshold. The CoStar Comps database provides sales 
value data on specific commercial real estate transactions. While there 
are some limitations regarding use of the CoStar Comps database, as 
detailed below, the database contains information on sales values for 
individual transactions. Thus, it can be used to estimate the number 
and percentage of transactions that would become exempt under the 
threshold change.\59\
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    \58\ The CoStar Comps database is comprised of sales data 
involving commercial real estate properties. The agencies have 
limited their analysis to arms-length completed sales, where the 
price is provided. The agencies have also limited the sample to 
properties that were financed. Owner-occupied properties and sales 
of coops and condominiums were excluded. The sample was also limited 
to existing buildings. Land includes only raw land defined as land 
held for development or held for investment.
    \59\ This same analysis could not be performed using Call Report 
data because transactions reported for purposes of the Call Report 
are either reported in groupings of large value ranges or not 
reported by size at all.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The CoStar Comps database contains data for transactions involving 
nonresidential commercial mortgages, multifamily, and land, and is 
derived from sales data and reflects the total transaction amount, as 
opposed to the loan amount. For purposes of this analysis, the NCUA 
included only financed transactions and assumed a loan-to-value ratio 
of 85 percent for nonresidential and multifamily commercial mortgages 
and a loan-to-value ratio of 65 percent for raw land transactions \60\ 
to arrive at an estimated loan amount, which would be equivalent to the 
``transaction value'' under the appraisal regulation. While the CoStar 
Comps database has some limitations for the purposes of evaluating the 
threshold increase,\61\ it provides information that can be used to 
estimate the dollar volume and number of commercial real estate 
transactions that are potentially exempted by the threshold increase.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \60\ The Interagency Guidelines for Real Estate Lending provides 
that institutions' loan-to-value limits should not exceed 85 percent 
for loans secured by improved property and 65 percent for loans 
secured by raw land. See OCC: 12 CFR part 34, subpart D, appendix A; 
Fed: 12 CFR part 208, appendix C; FDIC: 12 CFR part 365, subpart A, 
appendix A.
    \61\ For example, the database tends to underrepresent sales of 
smaller properties and transactions in rural markets, and includes 
transactions that are not financed by depository institutions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    An analysis of the CoStar Comps database suggests that increasing 
the threshold to $1 million significantly increases the number of 
exempted commercial real estate transactions. The estimated percentage 
of commercial properties that are exempted from the appraisal 
requirement increases from 27 percent to 66 percent if the threshold 
were raised from $250,000 to $1 million. However, the estimated total 
dollar amount of commercial real estate transactions that are exempted 
is relatively small and does not expose credit unions to undue risk. 
The total dollar volume of loans for commercial properties would only 
increase from 1.8 percent to 13 percent. Exempting an additional 39 
percent of commercial real estate transactions provides significant 
burden relief to credit unions, but still covers 75 to 90 percent of 
the total dollar volume of such transactions. This incremental risk can 
be controlled through sound risk management practices. In particular, 
the Board notes

[[Page 35535]]

that written estimates of market value are generally required for such 
transactions not requiring an appraisal.\62\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \62\ The Board notes that some transactions are exempt from 
written estimate of market value requirements. See, 12 CFR 722.3(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The NCUA's analysis of data reported on the Call Report suggests 
that the threshold for requiring an appraisal conducted by a state-
certified appraiser for commercial real estate transactions could be 
raised and be comparable to the risk that these transactions posed when 
the current threshold was imposed on commercial real estate 
transactions in 2002. According to Bank Call Report data, when the 
threshold for real estate-related financial transactions was raised for 
banks from $100,000 to $250,000 in 1994, approximately 18 percent of 
the dollar volume of all non-farm, non-residential (NFNR) loans 
reported by banks had original loan amounts of $250,000 or less. As of 
the fourth quarter of 2016, approximately 4 percent of the dollar 
volume of such loans had original loan amounts of $250,000 or less. The 
NCUA does not possess similar data for credit unions; however, this 
analysis generally suggests that a larger proportion of commercial real 
estate transactions now require appraisals than when the threshold was 
last established and, therefore, the threshold could be raised without 
unduly affecting the safety and soundness of credit unions.
    Also, the Board notes that many variables beyond appraisal 
requirements, including market conditions and various loan underwriting 
and credit administration practices, affect an institution's loss 
experience. For credit unions, the $250,000 threshold has been 
applicable to commercial real estate transactions since March 2002. 
Analysis of supervisory information concerning losses on commercial 
real estate transactions suggests that faulty valuations of the 
underlying real estate collateral have not been a material cause of 
losses. In the last three decades, the banking industry suffered two 
crises in which poorly underwritten and administered commercial real 
estate loans were a key feature in elevated levels of loan losses, and 
bank and credit union failures.\63\ Supervisory experience and a review 
of material loss reviews \64\ covering those decades suggest that 
factors other than faulty appraisals were the cause(s) for an 
institution's loss experience. For example, larger acquisition, 
construction, and development \65\ transactions were more likely to be 
troublesome. This is due to the lack of appropriate underwriting and 
administration of issues unique to larger properties, such as longer 
construction periods, extended ``lease up'' periods (the time required 
to lease a building after construction), and the more complex nature of 
the construction of such properties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \63\ See, e.g., FDIC, History of the Eighties--Lessons for the 
Future, Chapter 3: Commercial Real Estate and the Banking Crises of 
the 1980s and Early 1990s, available at https://www.fdic.gov/bank/historical/history/137_165.pdf; FDIC, Office of the Inspector 
General, EVAL-13-002, Comprehensive Study on the Impact of the 
Failure of Insured Depository Institutions 50, Table 6 (January 
2013), available at https://www.fdicig.gov/reports13/13-002EV.pdf.
    \64\ Section 38(k) of the FDI Act, as amended, provides that if 
the Deposit Insurance Fund incurs a ``material loss'' with respect 
to an IDI, the Inspector General of the appropriate regulator (which 
for the OCC is the Inspector General of the Department of the 
Treasury) shall prepare a report to that agency, identifying the 
cause of failure and reviewing the agency's supervision of the 
institution. 12 U.S.C. 1831o(k).
    \65\ Acquisition, development and construction refers to 
transactions that finance construction projects including land, site 
development, and vertical construction. This type of financing is 
typically recorded in the land or construction categories of the 
Call Report.
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    Additionally, effective January 1, 2017, NCUA implemented a 
modernized commercial lending regulation and supervisory program.\66\ 
The regulation streamlined standards and established principles-based 
requirements that instill appropriate discipline. Also, the Guidelines 
provide regulated institutions, including credit unions, with guidance 
on establishing parameters for ordering Title XI appraisals for 
transactions that present significant risk, even if those transactions 
are eligible for written estimates of market value under the 
regulation. Regulated institutions, including credit unions, are 
encouraged to continue using a risk-focused approach when considering 
whether to order an appraisal for real estate-related financial 
transactions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \66\ 12 CFR part 721.
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    The NCUA believes statutory limits, combined with appropriate 
prudential and supervisory oversight, offset any potential risk that 
could occur by raising the appraisal threshold for commercial real 
estate-related transactions. Therefore, the Board concludes that 
increasing the commercial real estate appraisal threshold to $1 million 
does not pose a threat to safety and soundness.

IV. Regulatory Procedures

A. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires that, in 
connection with a final rule, an agency prepare a final regulatory 
flexibility analysis that describes the impact of a rule on small 
entities. A regulatory flexibility analysis is not required, however, 
if the agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities (defined for 
purposes of the RFA to include credit unions with assets less than $100 
million) and publishes its certification and a short, explanatory 
statement in the Federal Register together with the rule.
    The NCUA believes that the threshold increase will meaningfully 
reduce burden for small credit unions as the threshold for commercial 
appraisals is increased from $250,000 to $1 million. Accordingly, the 
NCUA certifies that the final rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small credit unions.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) 
requires that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve all 
collections of information by a Federal agency from the public before 
they can be implemented. Respondents are not required to respond to any 
collection of information unless it displays a current, valid OMB 
control number.
    In accordance with the PRA, the information collection requirements 
included in this final rule has been submitted to OMB for approval 
under control number 3133-0125.

C. Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132 encourages independent regulatory agencies to 
consider the impact of their actions on state and local interests. In 
adherence to fundamental federalism principles, the NCUA, an 
independent regulatory agency as defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(5), 
voluntarily complies with the executive order. This rulemaking will not 
have a substantial direct effect on the states, on the connection 
between the national government and the states, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. 
The NCUA has determined that this final rule does not constitute a 
policy that has federalism implications for purposes of the executive 
order.

D. Assessment of Federal Regulations and Policies on Families

    The NCUA has determined that this final rule will not affect family 
well-being within the meaning of Section 654 of the Treasury and 
General Government Appropriations Act, 1999.

[[Page 35536]]

E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 
(Pub. L. 104-121) (SBREFA) generally provides for congressional review 
of agency rules.\67\ A reporting requirement is triggered in instances 
where the NCUA issues a final rule as defined by Section 551 of the 
APA.\68\ An agency rule, in addition to being subject to congressional 
oversight, may also be subject to a delayed effective date if the rule 
is a ``major rule.'' \69\ The NCUA does not believe this rule is a 
``major rule'' within the meaning of the relevant sections of SBREFA. 
As required by SBREFA, the NCUA has submitted this final rule to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for it to determine if the final 
rule is a ``major rule'' for purposes of SBREFA. The OMB determined 
that the rule is not major. The NCUA also will file appropriate reports 
with Congress and the Government Accountability Office so this rule may 
be reviewed.
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    \67\ 5 U.S.C. 801-804.
    \68\ 5 U.S.C. 551.
    \69\ 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 722

    Appraisal, Appraiser, Credit unions, Mortgages, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Truth in lending.

    By the National Credit Union Administration Board on July 18, 
2019.
Gerard Poliquin,
Secretary of the Board.

    For the reasons discussed above, the NCUA Board amends 12 CFR part 
722 as follows:

PART 722--APPRAISALS

0
1. The authority citation for part 722 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1766, 1789, and 3331 et seq. Section 
722.3(a) is also issued under 15 U.S.C. 1639h.


0
2. Revise Sec.  722.2 to read as follows:


Sec.  722.2  Definitions.

    Appraisal means a written statement independently and impartially 
prepared by a qualified appraiser setting forth an opinion as to the 
market value of an adequately-described property as of a specific 
date(s), supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market 
information.
    Appraisal Foundation means the Appraisal Foundation established on 
November 30, 1987, as a not-for-profit corporation under the laws of 
Illinois.
    Appraisal Subcommittee means the Appraisal Subcommittee of the 
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.
    Complex means a transaction in which the property to be appraised, 
the form of ownership, or market conditions are atypical. A credit 
union may presume that appraisals of 1-to-4 family residential 
properties are not complex unless the institution has readily available 
information that a given appraisal will be complex.
    Federal financial institutions regulatory agency means the Board of 
Governors of the Federal Reserve System; the Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation (FDIC); the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 
Treasury (OCC); the NCUA, and, formerly, the Office of Thrift 
Supervision.
    Federally related transaction means any real estate-related 
financial transaction entered into on or after August 9, 1990 that:
    (1) The National Credit Union Administration, or any federally 
insured credit union, engages in or contracts for; and
    (2) Requires the services of an appraiser.
    Market value means the most probable price which a property should 
bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite 
to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and 
knowledgeably and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. 
Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a 
specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under 
conditions whereby:
    (1) Buyer and seller are typically motivated;
    (2) Both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in 
what they consider their own best interests;
    (3) A reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market;
    (4) Payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars or in terms of 
financial arrangements comparable thereto; and
    (5) The price represents the normal consideration for the property 
sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions 
granted by anyone associated with the sale.
    Real estate (or real property) means an identified parcel or tract 
of land, including easements, rights of way, undivided or future 
interests and similar rights in a parcel or tract of land, but does not 
include mineral rights, timber rights, and growing crops, water rights 
and similar interests severable from the land when the transaction does 
not involve the associated parcel or tract of land.
    Real estate-related financial transaction means any transaction 
involving:
    (1) The sale, lease, purchase, investment in or exchange of real 
estate, including interests in property, or the financing thereof; or
    (2) The refinancing of real estate or interests in real estate; or
    (3) The use of real estate or interests in property as security for 
a loan or investment, including mortgage-backed securities.
    Residential real estate transaction means a real estate-related 
financial transaction that is secured by a single 1-to-4 family 
residential property.
    Staff appraiser means a State-certified or a State-licensed 
appraiser that is an employee of the credit union.
    State-certified appraiser means any individual who has satisfied 
the requirements for certification in a state or territory whose 
criteria for certification as a real estate appraiser currently meet 
the minimum criteria for certification issued by the Appraiser 
Qualification Board of the Appraisal Foundation. No individual shall be 
a state-certified appraiser unless such individual has achieved a 
passing grade upon a suitable examination administered by a state or 
territory that is consistent with and equivalent to the Uniform State 
Certification Examination issued or endorsed by the Appraiser 
Qualification Board. In addition, the Appraisal Subcommittee must not 
have issued a finding that the policies, practices, or procedures of a 
state or territory are inconsistent with title XI of FIRREA. The 
National Credit Union Administration may, from time to time, impose 
additional qualification criteria for certified appraisers performing 
appraisals in connection with federally related transactions within its 
jurisdiction.
    State-licensed appraiser means any individual who has satisfied the 
requirements for licensing in a state or territory where the licensing 
procedures comply with title XI of FIRREA and where the Appraisal 
Subcommittee has not issued a finding that the policies, practices, or 
procedures of the State or territory are inconsistent with title XI. 
The NCUA may, from time to time, impose additional qualification 
criteria for licensed appraisers performing appraisals in connection 
with federally related transactions within its jurisdiction.
    Tract development means a project of five units or more that is 
constructed or is to be constructed as a single development.
    Transaction value means:

[[Page 35537]]

    (1) For loans or other extensions of credit, the amount of the loan 
or extension of credit; and
    (2) For sales, leases, purchases, and investments in or exchanges 
of real estate, the market value of the real estate interest involved; 
and
    (3) For the pooling of loans or interests in real estate for resale 
or purchase, the amount of the loan or market value of the real estate 
calculated with respect to each such loan or interest in real estate.

0
3. Revise Sec.  722.3 to read as follows:


Sec.  722.3  Appraisals and written estimates of market value 
requirements for real estate-related financial transactions.

    (a) Real estate-related financial transactions not requiring an 
appraisal under this part. Provided the transaction is not a ``higher-
priced mortgage loan'' under 12 CFR 1026.35, which must meet separate 
appraisal requirements under section 129H of the Truth in Lending Act, 
15 U.S.C. 1639h, an appraisal is not required for a real estate-related 
financial transaction in which:
    (1) The transaction involves an existing extension of credit at the 
lending credit union, provided that:
    (i) There is no advancement of new monies, other than funds 
necessary to cover reasonable closing costs; or
    (ii) There has been no obvious and material change in market 
conditions or physical aspects of the property that threatens the 
adequacy of the credit union's real estate collateral protection after 
the transaction, even with the advancement of new monies;
    (2) A lien on real estate has been taken as collateral through an 
abundance of caution and where the terms of the transaction as a 
consequence have not been made more favorable than they would have been 
in the absence of a lien;
    (3) A lien on real estate has been taken for purposes other than 
the real estate's value;
    (4) A lease of real estate is entered into, unless the lease is the 
economic equivalent of a purchase or sale of the leased real estate;
    (5) The transaction involves the purchase, sale, investment in, 
exchange of, or extension of credit secured by, a loan or interest in a 
loan, pooled loans, or interests in real estate, including mortgage-
backed securities, and each loan or interest in a loan, pooled loan, or 
real estate interest met the requirements of this regulation, if 
applicable, at the time of origination; or
    (6) The transaction either qualifies for sale to a United States 
government agency or United States government-sponsored agency, or 
involves a residential real estate transaction in which the appraisal 
conforms to the Federal National Mortgage Association or Federal Home 
Loan Mortgage Corporation appraisal standards applicable to that 
category of real estate.
    (b) Real estate-related financial transactions requiring an 
appraisal by a state-certified appraiser. An appraisal performed by a 
state-certified appraiser is required for any real estate-related 
financial transaction not exempt under paragraph (a) of this section in 
which:
    (1) The transaction value is $1,000,000 or more; or
    (2) The transaction is complex, involves a residential real estate 
transaction, $250,000 or more of the transaction value is not insured 
or guaranteed by a United States government agency or United States 
government-sponsored agency, and the transaction does not meet the 
criteria in paragraph (f) of this section.
    (c) Real estate-related financial transactions requiring an 
appraisal by either a state-certified or state-licensed appraiser. (1) 
An appraisal performed by a state-certified appraiser or a state-
licensed appraiser is required for any real estate-related financial 
transaction not exempt under paragraph (a) of this section in which the 
transaction is not complex, involves a residential real estate 
transaction, $250,000 or more of the transaction value is not insured 
or guaranteed by a United States government agency or United States 
government-sponsored agency, and the transaction does not meet the 
criteria in paragraph (f) of this section.
    (2) If, during the course of an appraisal of a residential real 
estate transaction performed by a state-licensed appraiser, factors are 
identified that result in the transaction meeting the definition of 
complex, then the credit union may either:
    (i) Ask the state-licensed appraiser to complete the appraisal and 
have a state-certified appraiser approve and cosign the appraisal; or
    (ii) Engage a state-certified appraiser to complete the appraisal.
    (d) Real estate-related financial transactions requiring a written 
estimate of market value--(1) Applicability. Any real estate-related 
financial transaction must be supported by a written estimate of market 
value, unless:
    (i) An appraisal performed by a state-certified or state-licensed 
appraiser was obtained;
    (ii) An appraisal is not required under paragraphs (a)(2) through 
(6) of this section; or
    (iii) The transaction is fully insured or guaranteed by a United 
States government agency or United States government-sponsored agency.
    (2) Requirements. All written estimates of market value required 
under this paragraph must be performed by an individual:
    (i) Independent of the loan production and collection processes (if 
independence cannot be achieved, the credit union must be able to 
demonstrate clearly that it has prudent safeguards to isolate its 
collateral valuation program from influence or interference from the 
loan production process and collection process);
    (ii) Having no direct, indirect, or prospective interest, financial 
or otherwise, in the property or the transaction; and
    (iii) Qualified and experienced to perform such estimates of value 
for the type and amount of credit being considered.
    (e) Appraisals to address safety and soundness concerns. The NCUA 
reserves the right to require an appraisal under this subpart whenever 
the agency believes it is necessary to address safety and soundness 
concerns.
    (f) Exemption from appraisals of real estate located in rural 
areas. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an appraisal in 
connection with a federally related transaction involving real estate 
or an interest in real estate is not required if:
    (i) The real estate or interest in real estate is located in a 
rural area, as described in 12 CFR 1026.35(b)(2)(iv)(A);
    (ii) The transaction value is less than $400,000;
    (iii) Any party involved in the transaction that meets the 
definition of mortgage originator must be subject to oversight by a 
Federal financial institutions regulatory agency; and
    (iv) Not later than three days after the date on which the Closing 
Disclosure Form, made in accordance with 12 CFR parts 1024 and 1026, 
relating to the federally related transaction is given to the consumer, 
the credit union (or other party involved in the transaction that acts 
as the mortgage originator) or its agent, directly or indirectly:
    (A) Has contacted not fewer than three state-certified appraisers 
or state-licensed appraisers, as applicable, on the credit union's (or 
other party involved in the transaction that acts as the mortgage 
originator) approved appraiser list in the market area in accordance 
with 12 CFR part 226; and
    (B) Has documented that no state-certified appraiser or state-
licensed appraiser, as applicable, was available within five business 
days beyond customary and reasonable fee and

[[Page 35538]]

timeliness standards for comparable appraisal assignments, as 
documented by the credit union (or other party involved in the 
transaction that acts as the mortgage originator) or its agent.
    (2) A credit union (or other party involved in the transaction that 
acts as the mortgage originator) that makes a loan without an appraisal 
under the terms of paragraph (f)(1) of this section shall not sell, 
assign, or otherwise transfer legal title to the loan unless:
    (i) The loan is sold, assigned, or otherwise transferred to another 
party by reason of the credit union's (or mortgage originator's) 
bankruptcy or insolvency;
    (ii) The loan is sold, assigned, or otherwise transferred to 
another party regulated by a Federal financial institutions regulatory 
agency, so long as the loan is retained in portfolio by the other 
party;
    (iii) The sale, assignment, or transfer is pursuant to a merger of 
the credit union (or mortgage originator) with another party or the 
acquisition of the credit union (or mortgage originator) by another 
party or of another party by the credit union (or mortgage originator); 
or
    (iv) The sale, loan, or transfer is to a wholly owned subsidiary of 
the credit union (or mortgage originator), provided that, after the 
sale, assignment, or transfer, the loan is considered to be an asset of 
the credit union (or mortgage originator) under generally accepted 
accounting principles.
    (3)(i) For purposes of this paragraph (f), the term transaction 
value means the amount of a loan or extension of credit, including a 
loan or extension of credit that is part of a pool of loans or 
extensions of credit; and
    (ii) The term mortgage originator has the meaning given the term in 
section 103 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1602).
    (4) This paragraph (f) does not apply if:
    (i) The NCUA requires an appraisal under paragraph (e) of this 
section; or
    (ii) The loan is a high-cost mortgage, as defined in section 103 of 
the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1602).

[FR Doc. 2019-15708 Filed 7-23-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7535-01-P