S. 4208Senate117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Act of 2022

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Updated February 8, 2026 at 12:13 PM UTC

The Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Act of 2022 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to revise its appraisal rules for VA‑guaranteed home loans. The goal is to make the appraisal process clearer, faster, and more affordable for veterans and other eligible borrowers. The changes apply to any loan covered under the VA’s home loan program.

Key Provisions

Within 90 days of the law’s enactment, the VA Secretary must issue new regulations that clearly state when a home appraisal is needed for VA‑guaranteed loans, how the appraisal should be done, and who may perform it.
The new rules must look at possible changes to appraiser certification, minimum property standards, how comparable sales are selected and reviewed, quality‑control steps, the VA’s assisted appraisal program, and the use of waivers or other alternatives to the standard appraisal process.
The Secretary must also give guidance on using “desktop” appraisals—simpler, lower‑cost evaluations—when they can save borrowers money or prevent delays that could stop a loan from closing.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

SenateCommittee Latest Action

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

July 13, 2022

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

May 12, 2022

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

May 12, 2022

SenateCommittee

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

Veterans' Affairs Committee

July 13, 2022

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued May 12, 2022

117th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 4208

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 12, 2022

Mr. Sullivan introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

A BILL

To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update the appraisal requirements for certain loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Act of 2022.

Update of appraisal requirements for certain loans guaranteed by Department of Veterans Affairs

(a)

Updated regulations or program requirements required

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe updated regulations or program requirements to clarify when an appraisal is required, how an appraisal is to be conducted, and who is eligible to conduct an appraisal for purposes of a loan that is—

(1)

guaranteed under chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code; and

(2)

for any purpose described in section 3710(a) of such title.

(b)

Considerations

In prescribing updated regulations or program requirements under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider making changes applicable to—

(1)

certification requirements for appraisers;

(2)

minimum property requirements;

(3)

the process for selecting and reviewing comparable sales;

(4)

quality control processes;

(5)

the assisted appraisal processing program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

(6)

the use of waivers or other alternatives to existing appraisal processes.

(c)

Desk top appraisals

In prescribing updated regulations or program requirements under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide guidance for the use of the authority under section 3731(b)(3) of title 38, United States Code, taking into consideration—

(1)

situations in which the use of such authority would provide cost savings for the borrower; and

(2)

situations in which a traditional appraisal requirement could cause a delay substantial enough to jeopardize the ability of a borrower to complete a transaction.