[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 7, Parts 700 to 899]
[Revised as of January 1, 2001]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR762.127]

[Page 423]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
                            CHAPTER VII--FARM
                SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 762--GUARANTEED FARM LOANS--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 762.127  Appraisal requirements.

    (a) General. The Agency may require a lender to obtain an appraisal 
based on the type of security, loan size, and whether it is primary or 
additional security. Except for authorized liquidation expenses, the 
lender is responsible for all appraisal costs, which may be passed on to 
the borrower, or a transferee in the case of a transfer and assumption.
    (b) Exception. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, an 
appraisal is not required for any additional security, or for loans of 
$50,000 or less if a strong equity position exists.
    (c) Chattel appraisals. A current appraisal (not more than 12 months 
old) of primary chattel security is generally required on all loans. An 
appraisal for loans or lines of credit for annual production purposes 
that are secured by crops is only required when a guarantee is requested 
late in the current production year and actual yields can be reasonably 
estimated. The appraised value of chattel property will be based on 
public sales of the same, or similar, property in the market area. In 
the absence of such public sales, reputable publications reflecting 
market values may be used. Appraisal reports may be on the Agency's 
appraisal of chattel property form or on any other appraisal form 
containing at least the same information. Chattel appraisals will be 
performed by appraisers who possess sufficient experience or training to 
establish market (not retail) values as determined by the Agency.
    (d) Real estate appraisals. A current real estate appraisal is 
required when real estate will be primary security. Agency officials may 
accept an appraisal that is not current if there have been no 
significant changes in the market or on the subject real estate and the 
appraisal was either completed within the past 12 months or updated by a 
qualified appraisal if not completed within the past 12 months.
    (1) Appraiser qualifications. On loan transactions of $250,000 or 
less, the lender must demonstrate to the Agency's satisfaction that the 
appraiser possesses sufficient experience or training to estimate the 
market value of agricultural property. On loan transactions greater than 
$250,000, which includes principal plus accrued interest through the 
closing date, the appraisal must be completed by a State certified 
general appraiser.
    (2) Appraisals. Real estate appraisals must be completed in 
accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
Practice. Appraisals may be either a complete or limited appraisal 
provided in a self-contained or summary format. Restricted reports, as 
defined in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, are 
not acceptable.

[64 FR 7378, Feb. 12, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 62568, Nov. 17, 1999; 65 
FR 14433, Mar. 17, 2000]

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