Which of the following transactions would typically be exempt from Title XI appraisal requirements?
Correct Answer
C) A $150,000 home purchase loan
A $150,000 home purchase loan would typically be exempt from Title XI appraisal requirements because it falls below the $250,000 threshold for most federally related transactions. However, the lender may still require an appraisal for their own risk management purposes.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
A $150,000 home purchase loan would typically be exempt from Title XI appraisal requirements because it falls below the $250,000 threshold for most federally related transactions. However, the lender may still require an appraisal for their own risk management purposes.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: A $300,000 home purchase loan
A $300,000 home purchase loan exceeds the $250,000 threshold for residential transactions under Title XI, making it subject to federal appraisal requirements rather than exempt from them.
Option B: A $500,000 commercial property loan
A $500,000 commercial property loan significantly exceeds the $250,000 threshold and would require a full appraisal under Title XI requirements for federally related transactions.
Option D: A $400,000 home refinance loan
A $400,000 home refinance loan is well above the $250,000 threshold for residential transactions, making it subject to Title XI appraisal requirements rather than exempt.
Quarter Million Rule
Remember 'Quarter Million = $250K' - transactions UNDER a quarter million are typically EXEMPT from Title XI requirements. Think 'Under the Quarter, No Federal Matter.'
How to use: When you see dollar amounts in Title XI questions, immediately compare them to $250,000. If the amount is below this threshold, it's likely exempt from federal appraisal requirements.
Exam Tip
Always check the transaction amount against the $250,000 threshold first, but also consider the property type (residential vs. commercial) and transaction type, as these can affect the specific requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing the $250,000 threshold with other regulatory thresholds like those for environmental assessments
- -Assuming all transactions below $250,000 never need appraisals, when lenders may still require them
- -Not considering that thresholds can vary by property type and regulatory agency
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) establishes minimum appraisal requirements for federally related transactions to protect federal deposit insurance funds. The law sets specific dollar thresholds below which formal appraisals are not required, though lenders may still choose to obtain them. For residential transactions, the current threshold is $250,000, meaning loans below this amount are typically exempt from the federal appraisal requirement. However, other factors like transaction type, property type, and regulatory agency can affect these thresholds.
Background Knowledge
Title XI of FIRREA was enacted in 1989 following the savings and loan crisis to ensure proper valuation of real estate collateral in federally related transactions. The law establishes minimum dollar thresholds below which formal appraisals are not federally mandated, currently set at $250,000 for most residential transactions.
Real-World Application
In practice, even when Title XI doesn't require an appraisal, lenders often still order them for risk management. Appraisers should understand these requirements to properly advise clients about when formal appraisals are federally mandated versus when they're requested for internal lending policies.
More Report Writing Questions
Under FIRREA, which federal agency has the authority to set minimum standards for real estate appraisals in federally related transactions?
What is the minimum transaction threshold for requiring a state licensed or certified appraiser under Title XI for most federally related transactions?
The Dodd-Frank Act established which requirement specifically related to appraisal independence?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC)?
State appraiser regulatory agencies are primarily responsible for which of the following functions?
People Also Study
Valuation Principles & Procedures
25% of exam
Property Description & Analysis
20% of exam
Market Analysis & Highest/Best Use
15% of exam
Appraisal Math & Statistics
15% of exam
USPAP (Ethics & Standards)
15% of exam