The stimulus package approved by Congress has increased the FHA mortgage limit in high cost aeas fo a single-family home to $729,750 from $362,790. If you are looking to increase your income opportunities, you should consider applying to be included on the FHA appraiser roster. Lenders underwriting FHA loans may only accept appraisals from appraisers on the FHA roster.

On May 5, 2008 FHA launched an online appraiser application process that has replaced the use of paper applications. Click here for the online appraiser application.

Eligibility requirements:

1. Be a state-licensed or state-certified appraiser with credentials based on the minimum licensing/certification criteria issued by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) of the Appraisal Foundation, and

2. Not be listed on the General Services Administration's Suspension and Debarment List, HUD's Limited Denial of Participation (LDP) List, or HUD's Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System (CAIVRS).

Please read the before you begin instructions.

You can check the FHA Appraiser Roster for your status and to make sure your information is correct.

For additional information, please visit the Appraiser FAQs.

Effective October 1, 2008, FHA will accept new applications only from state-certified appraisers. No new applications will be accepted from state-licensed appraisers as a result of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, signed July 30, 2008.